Compare the2023 Mercedes CLSVS 2023 Lexus LS

Both the CLS and the LS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

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 CLS’ warranty.

The CLS’ 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 8 more horsepower (362 vs. 354) and 19 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 350) than the LS 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes CLS is faster than the Lexus LS:

On the EPA test cycle the CLS gets better mileage than the LS:

Both the CLS and the LS Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All CLSs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

For better stopping power the CLS’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the LS:

The CLS stops much shorter than the LS:

For better traction and acceleration, the CLS has larger rear tires than the LS (275/35R19 vs. 245/50R19).

The CLS’ standard 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS’ standard 50 series tires. The CLS’ optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the LS 500 F Sport’s 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

The CLS’ 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 LS doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The CLS 450 4MATIC handles at .93 G’s, while the LS 500 AWD pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CLS 450 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the LS 500h AWD (25.8 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 27 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The Mercedes CLS may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 850 pounds less than the Lexus LS.

The CLS is 9.7 inches shorter than the LS, making the CLS easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes CLS amounts to more than styling. The CLS has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is lower than the LS (.28 to .3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the CLS get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the CLS 450 4MATIC is quieter than the LS 500 AWD (37 vs. 38 dB).

The CLS has .9 inches more front legroom and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the LS.

The CLS’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LS doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the CLS to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The LS doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes CLS offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The LS doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

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

Insurance will cost less for the CLS owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CLS will cost $345 to $905 less than the LS over a five-year period.

The Mercedes E-Class/CLS outsold the Lexus LS by over seven to one during 2022.