VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
4.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
-
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
7.5 s
Engine
2494 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Lexus ES delivers 160 kW while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the ES returns 4.6 l/100km while the E-Class uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R925 400 for the ES and R1 334 267 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
160 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
7.5 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
9
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.6 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
104 g/km
163 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4975 mm
4949 mm
Width
1865 mm
1880-2065 mm
Height
1445 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2961 mm
Ground Clearance
158 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1740 Kg
1825 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
454 l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
—
625 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus ES
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ES
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
ES
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
Lexus ES
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R925 400)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (150 engine kW vs 160 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ES or E-Class?
The ES uses 4.6 l/100km and the E-Class uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the ES or E-Class?
The ES produces 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque while the E-Class delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The ES is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ES and E-Class?
The ES starts from R925 400 and the E-Class from R1 334 267. The ES is cheaper by R408 867 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ES or E-Class?
The ES has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ES or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider