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Lexus ES vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (218 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (46,600 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Lexus ES or Mercedes SL Class?

Lexus ES vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • only slightly lighter
details

Mercedes SL Class

  • considerably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

ES

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Lexus ES is substantially cheaper – starting at 46,600 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 66,119 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Lexus ES uses 5.1 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 3.9 L/100km.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers considerably more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 218 HP. That’s roughly 598 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Lexus ES takes 8.9 s. That’s about 6 s quicker.

ES

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Lexus ES offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus ES is only slightly lighter – 1,680 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 130 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Lexus ES carries noticeably more – 470 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 95 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £112,700
SL Class

Mercedes SL Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 381 - 816 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 9 - 13.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 12 km
details

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Lexus ES
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES delivers a supremely comfortable, quietly luxurious experience that favors serene cruising over sporting theatrics. It wraps everyday practicality, top-notch build quality and unimpeachable reliability in a handsome, grown-up package that will appeal to buyers who prize calm refinement over headline-grabbing excitement.

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71646-esultra-luxurylow16x93
71660-esultra-luxurylow16x928

Reviews Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
Patryk
9 Jan 2026, 23:36:16

Excellent car. Very comfortable and easy to use.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

details
15C1119_012
15C1119_029
15C1119_120
15C1119_004

Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Lexus ES
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
46,600 - 59,300 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
115 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,680 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
454 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4,975 mm
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
1,445 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
470 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
218 HP
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
480 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
160 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Lexus
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the Lexus ES offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.