Compare the2022 Mercedes A-ClassVS 2022 Lexus ES

The A-Class’ optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The ES doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the A-Class and the ES have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the A-Class’ warranty.

The A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (221 vs. 184) than the ES 250 AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes A-Class is faster than the ES 300h 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the A-Class gets better mileage than the ES:

Both the A-Class and ES have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. The A-Class has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The A-Class offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The ES doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

For better stopping power the A-Class’ brake rotors are larger than those on the ES:

The A-Class stops much shorter than the ES:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the A-Class can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The ES doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The A-Class’ drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The ES doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The A 220 handles at .87 G’s, while the ES 300h pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The A 220 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the ES 300h (26.5 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the A-Class’ turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the ES’ (36.1 feet vs. 38 feet). The A-Class’ turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the ES w/18-19” wheels’ (36.1 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Mercedes A-Class may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 pounds less than the Lexus ES.

The A-Class is 1 foot, 4.8 inches shorter than the ES, making the A-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the A-Class easier. The A-Class’ trunk lift-over height is 26.1 inches, while the ES’ liftover is 27.4 inches.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the A-Class’ trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The ES’ useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

The A-Class’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The ES doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the ES, the A-Class has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The A-Class’ standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the ES.

The A-Class’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The ES’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The A-Class’ optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The ES doesn’t offer an automated parking system.