2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel efficiency at a premium. The ES lineup included various packages, such as Standard, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury, with the F Sport trim adding sporty design elements. The Black Line Edition, limited to 1,500 units, featured unique styling with black accents. The ES's design, characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek profile, was complemented by a striking black and white interior in the test car, showcasing Lexus's commitment to quality materials and high design.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a diverse range of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E-Class sedans featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the E350 model, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 models, including the Cabriolet, delivered enhanced performance with a more powerful engine. The E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, exuded luxury. The E-Class's design purity was evident, with AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a convertible top adding to its allure. Inside, the high-end spec offered digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and luxurious materials, creating an opulent driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, while fuel efficiency was rated at 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The ES 350 Black Line Edition demonstrated unexpected competence and driving enjoyment, with firm ride quality and flat cornering stance, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost, generating 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system delivered power to the pavement. The E53 accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced the driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet offered a dual personality, providing a quiet and cushy ride or a dynamic and engaging drive, with the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided good foot and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk offered 394 litres of cargo space, with an optional hands-free power trunk. The interior design was complemented by quality materials and a striking black and white colour scheme.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet accommodated four passengers comfortably, with an Aircap system reducing cabin turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top raised, reduced when the top was down.

The 2021 Lexus ES's infotainment system included a touchpad interface, which required attention to operate. However, the dynamic voice command technology allowed for hands-free operation. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display offered a dynamic navigation system and connected services. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens, offering touchscreen and voice control. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car had a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was customizable and user-friendly, though the digital assistant could be accidentally activated.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound prepared the cabin for a collision. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other advanced features. The test car's safety systems were effective and user-friendly.