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Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz EQE

2026 Lexus IS vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus IS

2026 Lexus IS

Compact CarsAWD/4WD
VS2 – 2Tie: 2 categories each
Mercedes-Benz EQE

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,950 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz EQE (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz EQE has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 15).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,913 lb.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 123-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,456 lb (Class 350 4dr Sedan).

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Midsize Cars
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV
3.5L 6-cyl
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

22 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
19 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
308 mi
$3,750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$800

Performance & space

311 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
288 hp
5
Seats (most)
5
185.8 in
Length
191.3 in
72.4 in
Width
76.4 in
56.3 in
Height
59.1 in
3,913 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,456 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
10
0
Recalls (2026)
0
15
Recalls, all years since 2005
4
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
1

Interest

28,367
Wikipedia views, 30 days
3,291

Buying used

2024
Best used year
–
2015
Year to avoid
–

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus IS if…

  • You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz EQE if…

  • You want an EV with more range (308 miles)
  • You want more room (6 in longer)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You put reliability history first (4 vs 15 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus IS

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 25% below the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE

  • Long EV rangeUp to 308 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →