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 R1 138 800 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.
Specification
Lexus ES300h SE 2022 - From R1 138 800
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassE 200 2024 - From R1 334 267
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
✓ 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 (R1 138 800)
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 R1 138 800 and the E-Class from R1 334 267. The ES is cheaper by R195 467 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