Compare the2025 Lexus ESVS 2024 Mercedes E-Class Sedan

The Lexus ES has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The ES’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the E-Class Sedan.

Both the ES and the E-Class Sedan 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, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the ES 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the E-Class Sedan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the E-Class Sedan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The ES’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the E-Class Sedan’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

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

The ES can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 1.6 miles. The E-Class Sedan can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Lexus ES uses regular unleaded gasoline. The E-Class Sedan requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a CVT.

The ES has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the E-Class Sedan; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the E-Class Sedan don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better maneuverability, the ES’ turning circle is .1 feet tighter than the E 350 Sedan’s (38 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The ES’ turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the E 450 Sedan’s (38 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Lexus ES may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 650 pounds less than the Mercedes E-Class Sedan.

The ES F Sport uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 39% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 17th.

The ES is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus ES, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus ES outsold the Mercedes E-Class/CLS by over two to one during 2023.