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Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus ES

2026 Lexus ES

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 2Tie: 2 categories each
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Lexus ES is more fuel-efficient: 46 vs 28 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $2,350 a year less in fuel for the Lexus ES (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus ES is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 17).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus ES is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 202 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,641 lb (350e 4dr Sedan).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,269 lb (Amg 4dr Sedan).

Buying used? The 2022 ES and the 2024 E-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 ES.

Basics

Midsize Cars
Class
Midsize Cars
EV, Hybrid
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
2.5L 4-cyl
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

46 MPG
Best combined MPG
28 MPG
48 city
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
307 mi
EV range
–
$600
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,950

Performance & space

186 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
–
202.4 in
Length
194.9 in
75.6 in
Width
74 in
61.4 in
Height
57.9 in
4,266 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,189 lb

Safety & reliability

12
Driver-assist features standard
–
0
Recalls (2026)
0
17
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

18,660
Wikipedia views, 30 days
28,957

Buying used

2022
Best used year
2024
2019
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus ES if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (46 vs 28 MPG)
  • You want an EV with more range (307 miles)
  • You want more room (8 in longer)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if…

  • You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 17 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus ES

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
  • Long EV rangeUp to 307 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 186 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2026 models.

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Lexus ES specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →