2022 Lexus ES vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offering both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The ES boasted elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES featured a layered dashboard with a cockpit feel, though its asymmetrical design was somewhat jumbled. The F Sport model added sporty two-tone leather seating, which contrasted with the car's overall conservative aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, part of the seventh generation introduced in 2021, exuded sophistication and luxury. The S 580e plug-in hybrid variant combined a turbocharged inline-six engine with an electric motor, offering a seamless blend of performance and efficiency. The exterior featured clean lines and optional high-gloss black trim, while the interior offered a choice of sumptuous leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The S-Class was renowned for its superb fit and finish, with features like massaging seats, ambient lighting, and a wellness program designed to enhance the driving experience. Despite its luxurious appointments, the S-Class maintained a focus on practicality, with a range of storage options and advanced technology.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct models, each with its own powertrain. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, achieving an impressive 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. While the ES 250 AWD provided standard all-wheel drive, its performance was less engaging compared to the V6-powered ES 350.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering a combined 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This plug-in hybrid offered 56 miles of all-electric range and achieved an impressive 53.9 mpg during testing. The S 580e accelerated from 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The S-Class excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability. The hybrid system provided a smooth transition between electric and gas power, while the nine-speed automatic transmission ensured seamless gear shifts.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a practical and aesthetically pleasing sedan design, with a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space. The hybrid ES 300h maintained the same storage capacity, as the battery did not impact trunk space. The ES featured a pass-through behind the center armrest and fold-flat rear seats, enhancing its versatility for carrying larger items. Inside, the ES provided ample storage options, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The interior boasted ambient lighting with 64 color options and a wellness program that combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls. While the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the S 580e, the standard S-Class offered 12.9 cubic feet. The S-Class provided numerous storage cubbies and a spacious center armrest, though its cargo capacity was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, with an optional upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES also offered a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services provided safety, maintenance, and remote features for varying durations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a native navigation system with augmented reality. The S-Class offered a variety of games for entertainment and a natural-language AI assistant for convenience. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, along with a standard Burmester sound system.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The ES also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered an extensive array of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The S-Class featured a hands-on highway driver-assist system, Crosswind Assist, and Speed Limit Assist. However, the S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.