2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the idea that a car could reflect its owner's personality. With its athletic proportions and dynamic stance, the IS appeared to be in motion even when stationary. Its design was marked by elegance, with a well-measured distance between the front axle and dashboard, and a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback. The distinctive kick-up of the window base at the rear passenger door added a sporty touch, while the updated spindle grille and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dashboard was simple yet stylish, with a retro hi-fi feel to the centre stack. The interior design was bold and modern, though the analog clock felt outdated amidst the contemporary aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet exuded luxury and versatility, available in multiple body styles. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, was a spectacle with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim. The design was pure and elegant, with AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a convertible top that added to its allure. Inside, the E-Class was a haven of luxury, featuring high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather. The car was designed to impress, both in appearance and in the sensory experience it offered to its occupants.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered to excel in the luxury sports sedan category, debuting the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD consuming 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively transferred to the road. The E53 accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, offering a dynamic driving experience with AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. The car's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its sporty character, while the convertible design provided a versatile driving experience, suitable for various weather conditions.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with an easily adjustable driver position and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The IS featured synthetic NuLuxe upholstery, known for its eco-friendliness and ease of maintenance. Storage options were ample, with various compartments and a trunk offering 305.8 litres of space. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating and an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The focus was on front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The car's trunk offered 360 litres of space with the top up, though this was reduced when the top was down. The interior featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing long-distance comfort.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside various connected services with trial subscriptions. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout feature, offering exceptional sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation services posed potential future costs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation with its MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods and customizable settings. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional upgrades like Wi-Fi and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester surround-sound audio system added to the luxurious experience, though the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision systems, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for potential collisions. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety and convenience.