2027 Lexus ES vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Which Luxury Sedan Wins?

The ES and the E-Class arrive at their outputs through entirely different methods. The Lexus ES 350h uses a sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system pairing a 2.5L four-cylinder (186 hp, 173 lb-ft at the engine) with a 201-hp front motor generator. Net combined output is 244 hp across both FWD and AWD configurations. The system prioritizes the electric motor at lower speeds, keeping engine revs low and cabin noise minimal. Drivers who want zero tailpipe emissions can step into the ES 350e, a full BEV rated at 221 hp and 307 miles of range, or the dual-motor ES 500e AWD.

The E 350 uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with mild-hybrid assist, producing 255 hp and a stout 295 lb-ft of torque from as low as 2,000 rpm. That low-end pull gives the E-Class a confident, surge-on-demand feel, and the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic shifts quickly. Step up to the E 450 4MATIC and output climbs to 375 hp with a 4.4-second 0-60 mph run. The AMG E 53 HYBRID PHEV reaches 577 hp combined and 43 miles of electric range, though it sits at a substantially higher price point.

For everyday commuting, the ES 350h's hybrid system keeps fuel consumption far lower. For drivers who value turbocharged torque delivery and RWD balance, the E-Class makes its strongest argument.

2027 Lexus ES powertrain details

The ES is the physically larger car. At 202.4 inches long versus the E-Class's 194.9 inches, the ES is 7.5 inches longer. That size advantage carries through to rear seat legroom: the ES 350h provides 40.7 inches of rear legroom with 37.8 inches of rear headroom. Cargo capacity edges ahead as well, at 13.3 cu ft versus the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft.

Every 2027 ES comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and NuLuxe seating surfaces. The E-Class includes heated front seats and dual-zone climate control as standard, but ventilated seats require the optional Leather Package upgrade.

The ES cabin leans toward quiet refinement. Laminated side window glass, active noise control, and a large muffler work together to suppress road and engine intrusion. The E-Class cockpit is sportier in orientation, with a wraparound dashboard design and 64-color ambient lighting that creates a more theatrical atmosphere at night.

Both sedans carry large touchscreens as the centerpiece of their infotainment. The ES uses a 14.0-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch driver Multi-Information Display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and four USB-C ports, all standard. The 10-speaker audio system is standard across all ES trims, while Premium+ and Luxury trims step up to the 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson system. A head-up display, 360-degree camera, digital rearview mirror, and automated parking system are standard on Premium+ and Luxury trims.

The E-Class counters with a 14.4-inch MBUX touchscreen, MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation (a live camera overlay with street names and directional arrows), and third-generation MBUX with AI-based Routines. Its standard audio is a six-speaker system. Burmester 4D surround sound with Dolby Atmos is available via the Pinnacle Trim package. The E-Class's DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control is standard. Note that ACTIVE Distance Assist DISTRONIC has an optional package on certain trims at an additional cost.

On safety, the ES carries Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 as standard on every trim. LSS+ 4.0 includes Front Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Intersection Turn Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Intelligent High Beams, and Safe Exit Assist. The E-Class covers standard forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, PRE-SAFE, lane departure warning, driver attention assist, and adaptive cruise.

Both are strong on active safety. The ES's LSS+ 4.0 suite, including Intersection Turn Assist and Proactive Driving Assist, represents a broader set of features at the standard level without requiring option packages.

Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 explained

The warranty gap is significant. The 2027 Lexus ES carries a six-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class powertrain warranty runs four years / 50,000 miles. For buyers who keep their vehicles beyond the standard coverage window, the ES's additional two years of powertrain protection has real value.

Fuel costs tell a similarly clear story. The ES 350h FWD is EPA-rated at 46 MPG combined. The E 350's 28 MPG combined rating means meaningfully higher fuel spending over any ownership period of substance. For California drivers in Riverside and surrounding areas who face consistent fuel costs, the efficiency gap compounds over time.

Standard content is another ES strength. Heated and ventilated front seats, the Mark Levinson audio system (on upper trims), a head-up display (on Premium+ and above), a panoramic moonroof, and the full suite of connected services including a five-year Remote Connect trial and five-year Safety Connect trial are all baked in. Many comparable features on the E-Class require option packages that add to the out-of-pocket total.

The E-Class does deliver more standard torque in the E 350 and offers the high-performance AMG E 53 HYBRID at the top of the range for buyers who want a performance sedan in that segment. The ES tops its lineup with the dual-motor ES 500e AWD BEV, which is a different kind of performance argument centered on instant electric torque and zero-emission driving.

2027 Lexus ES trim comparison