Compare the2026 Lexus ESVS 2026 Mercedes EQS

The Lexus ES’ rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mercedes EQS does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the ES and the EQS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the ES 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the EQS. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the EQS ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The ES’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the EQS’ (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 44 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 103 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 19th.

On the EPA test cycle the ES running on electricity gets better mileage than the EQS:

The Lexus ES may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 to 1450 pounds less than the Mercedes EQS.

The ES is 5.4 inches shorter than the EQS, making the ES easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The ES has .1 inches more front legroom and .3 inches more rear legroom than the EQS.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 26% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

The ES has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the EQS.

The ES is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the EQS, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the ES offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the EQS.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the ES equipped with available HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The EQS, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Lexus ES empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

The Lexus ES stands out above the Mercedes EQS by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers in the front seat. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and one of them provide more flexibility.

The Lexus ES outsold the Mercedes EQS by over 22 to one during 2025.