Is Lexus ES better than E class?

In practical terms, the Lexus ES tends to excel in ride comfort, reliability, and overall ownership value, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class emphasizes luxury ambience, driving refinement, and a broader engine lineup with more high-end tech. Whether one is “better” depends on what you prize most: serene daily comfort and lower maintenance costs, or prestige, performance potential, and cutting-edge features.

Performance and Powertrains

This section compares how each car moves, including drive layouts, engine choices, and overall driving dynamics.

Powertrains and drive layouts

• The Lexus ES is built around efficiency and smoothness, typically offering a refined hybrid option and a front‑wheel‑drive layout for predictable, comfortable cruising.


• The Mercedes-Benz E‑Class provides a wider range of engines and drivelines, including rear‑wheel drive or all‑wheel drive, with turbocharged four‑cylinder options, a mild-hybrid setup in higher trims, and high‑performance variants from AMG.


• In practice, the E‑Class offers more punch and a sportier feel in many trims, while the ES prioritizes quiet, composed acceleration and refined highway manners.

In short, if raw power and a wider engine lineup matter, the E‑Class has the edge; if you want a smooth, economical, low-stress daily driver, the ES is well suited.

Interior Comfort and Quality

Interior design, materials, seating, and overall ambiance are central to how each car feels inside the cabin.

Design, materials, and seating

• The Lexus ES typically offers plush seating, quiet cabin acoustics, and premium materials with a traditional, refined luxury vibe focused on comfort and reliability.


• The Mercedes-Benz E‑Class presents a more contemporary, tech-forward cabin with multiple display screens, extensive lighting and trim options, and a more capacious, driver-oriented feel in many configurations.


• Both deliver high-quality interiors, but the E‑Class tends to lean more toward an upscale, high-tech atmosphere, while the ES emphasizes a serene, easygoing luxury experience.

Both sedans deliver first‑class comfort for front and rear occupants, though your preference may tilt toward the ES’s tranquil ambiance or the E‑Class’s modern, tech-centric mood.

Technology, Infotainment, and Safety

Technology ecosystems, infotainment usability, and safety features are key differentiators in this segment.

Tech features and safety systems

• The Lexus ES comes with a robust suite of safety tech as standard (Lexus Safety System+), strong driver-assistance features, and user-friendly infotainment that emphasizes reliability and ease of use.


• The Mercedes-Benz E‑Class is typically equipped with a more expansive tech stack, including the highly regarded MBUX infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance options, larger configurable displays, and a broader array of luxury‑oriented tech features.


• In daily use, the ES offers straightforward, dependable technology, while the E‑Class delivers more immersive screens, voice controls, and customizable interfaces—at the cost of added complexity and potential maintenance considerations.

In summary, if you value straightforward usability and solid safety as standard, the ES shines; if you crave cutting-edge infotainment and a feature-rich tech ecosystem, the E‑Class has the advantage.

Reliability, Ownership Costs, and Resale

Ownership economics, maintenance expectations, and resale performance influence long‑term value and peace of mind.

Expected maintenance and depreciation

• Lexus has a long-standing reputation for reliability and relatively low maintenance costs, which often translates to lower ownership stress and strong resale value.


• Mercedes-Benz typically commands higher purchase prices and can incur higher maintenance and repair costs over time, though modern Mercedes models have improved reliability and dealer support.


• Depreciation tends to be sharper for luxury Mercedes sedans in some markets, while the ES often holds value well due to Toyota‑backed reliability and strong demand in used-car markets.

Overall, if reliability and predictable ownership costs are priorities, the ES generally maintains a favorable track record; if prestige and a broader service network are paramount, consider the E‑Class and weigh potential maintenance costs accordingly.

Pricing, Value, and Who Should Consider Each

The price-to-feature equation and target buyer profiles differ between the two brands.

Value propositions for different buyers

• The Lexus ES tends to offer strong value for money, with generous standard equipment, a comfortable ride, and a reputation for reliability—appealing to buyers seeking long-term peace of mind and lower annual ownership costs.


• The Mercedes-Benz E‑Class carries a higher entry price but delivers a more premium feel, broader engine choices, advanced tech, and a badge associated with luxury prestige—attracting buyers willing to pay for status and performance potential.


• Budget, lifestyle, and ownership priorities will often determine which model makes more sense: ES for value and ease; E‑Class for luxury, tech depth, and driving refinement.

In essence, the ES offers compelling value and reliability for everyday luxury, while the E‑Class targets buyers who prioritize prestige, customization, and performance options, even at higher costs.

Bottom Line and Practical Takeaways

Choosing between the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz E-Class boils down to what you value most in a luxury sedan: effortless comfort and ownership economics, or premium ambiance with a broader powertrain lineup and tech suite.

Summary

For daily comfort, predictable ownership costs, and strong reliability, the Lexus ES is a standout choice and often the better value in the long run. For drivers seeking a more luxurious, tech-forward interior, a wider range of engines, and a badge with significant prestige, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the stronger option. Your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize serene comfort and practicality or upscale ambiance and driving polish.

Which IS better, Mercedes or Lexus?

The better choice between Mercedes and Lexus depends on your priorities: choose Lexus for superior reliability, lower ownership costs, and high resale value, while choose Mercedes for more advanced technology, performance, and a prestigious image. Lexus is generally seen as more dependable and practical, while Mercedes is often favored for a more thrilling and high-tech luxury experience.
 
Choose Lexus if:

• Reliability is your top priority: Lexus consistently ranks higher for dependability and has lower average repair costs. 
• You want to save on maintenance: Lexus vehicles are often cheaper to maintain, and some models can use regular gasoline, unlike many Mercedes models that require premium. 
• High resale value is important: Lexus has a history of winning awards for its resale value, often more than Mercedes. 

Choose Mercedes if:

• You want cutting-edge technology and performance: Mercedes-Benz is known for being at the forefront of innovation and often offers more advanced technology and powerful performance options. 
• You prioritize a premium, prestigious image: Mercedes-Benz often conveys a stronger sense of prestige, and its interiors are frequently praised for their style and quality. 
• You want a more refined driving experience: Many reviewers note that Mercedes vehicles have better road manners and a more polished, high-end feel, especially in areas like power delivery and cabin refinement. 

Final considerations:

• Warranty: Both brands offer a similar 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, but this can be a factor for long-term ownership outside the warranty period, where Lexus's reputation for lower repair costs becomes more significant. 
• Hybrid options: While Lexus has a broad lineup of hybrids, Mercedes-Benz is often seen as delivering a more polished and powerful experience in its hybrid SUVs, such as the GLC and GLE plug-in hybrids. 

What Lexus is comparable to Mercedes E-Class?

Comparing the Lexus ES 350 with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Its unique design, reliable driving manners, superior luxury, and a choice between two engine options are why the Lexus ES is considered the most popular sedan in our lineup.

What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?

You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
 
Years to avoid and common problems

• 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common. 
• 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures. 
• 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks. 
• 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years. 

Years that are generally considered more reliable

• 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy. 
• 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features. 
• 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models. 

Which IS more expensive to maintain, Lexus or Mercedes?

Lexus has lower maintenance costs compared to Mercedes-Benz, with Lexus averaging around $551$ 551$551 per year for maintenance and repairs, while Mercedes-Benz averages around $908$ 908$908 per year. This is due to Lexus's higher reliability, simpler mechanical designs, and complimentary initial services, whereas Mercedes-Benz's luxury and performance-oriented models tend to have higher repair and service costs. 
This video explains why Lexus is more reliable and less expensive to maintain than Mercedes-Benz: 58sCar Lensy YouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Lexus

• Average annual cost: Around $551$ 551$551. 
• Reliability: Generally considered more reliable, with lower probabilities of unexpected failures. 
• Maintenance: Has longer service intervals in some cases, and a history of being closer to Toyota for service costs. 
• Initial benefits: New Lexus vehicles come with two complimentary scheduled maintenance services. 

Mercedes-Benz

• Average annual cost: Around $908$ 908$908. 
• Reliability: Less reliable than Lexus, with a higher probability of major repairs. 
• Maintenance: Scheduled service intervals (like Service A and B) can cost between $400$ 400$400 and $900$ 900$900 depending on the model, and some repairs, such as brake jobs on certain models, can cost around $1,200$ 1 comma 200$1,200. 
• Initial benefits: Mercedes-Benz does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance services for new vehicles. 

This video compares the maintenance costs of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, including the cost of scheduled services: 54sCarLandTVYouTube · Jul 20, 2025