2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, was a testament to the brand's "sensual purity" design philosophy. It moved away from the sharper lines of its predecessor to embrace a more fluid and curvier aesthetic, reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. The E-Class featured a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its elegance across its sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible variants. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxury, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre adorning the cabin. The dual 12-inch screens provided a modern touch, while the lavish materials and ambient lighting created an inviting atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original IS F with its powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine. The exterior design was subtle, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, maintaining a stealthy appearance. Inside, the IS 500 offered a snug yet comfortable interior, with bolstered front seats and adequate rear seating for average-sized adults. The cabin was equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing usability. Despite its compact size, the IS 500 provided a satisfying driving experience, blending comfort with performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains, replacing the conventional V6 engines. The E450 model became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to supplement the 12-volt system. This setup provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-litre I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with overboost capabilities. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a 4.0-litre V8 engine with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the E-Class prioritized comfort over sportiness, offering a smooth and stable ride.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, providing a dynamic driving experience. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper ensured a comfortable ride, while the upgraded brakes offered reliable stopping power. The IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, delivering an exhilarating performance. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. The interior featured supportive cushions, knee cutouts, and a scalloped roof for taller passengers. The E-Class Coupe provided comfortable rear seats, while the convertible's rear seats were less accommodating. The wagon variant offered a stowable rear-facing jump seat and significant cargo space, with 640 litres or 1,820 litres with seats folded. The sedan's trunk space measured 540 litres, while the two-door models offered 405 litres. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and plastic body cladding for a rugged look.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance prioritized comfort with its effective climate control system, seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent thigh support and a driver-focused position. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. The trunk space was limited to 305 litres, which was small for a compact car. The IS 500's control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs clearly marked, complementing the touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with organized menus and shortcut buttons. Gesture controls and natural voice processing enhanced usability, while the system provided live camera feeds and augmented reality navigation. Optional features included massaging seats, seat kinetics, and a wireless phone charger. The instrument cluster offered customizable displays, allowing drivers to choose between traditional or modern graphics. Despite lacking over-the-air updates, the E-Class provided a comprehensive suite of connected services and optional driving assists.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance introduced a touchscreen infotainment system, improving ergonomics and usability. The dynamic voice command system handled queries accurately, while standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The IS 500 added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The intuitive controls and logical layout made the IS 500's technology user-friendly and satisfying.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a leader in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 optional driver-assist features available.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. The system included driving assistance, collision warning, and emergency braking technologies. The IS 500 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While some safety features were helpful, others could be intrusive, such as the low-speed automatic braking in city traffic.