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Mercedes SL Class vs Lexus ES comparison

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

Mercedes SL Class vs Lexus ES: Key differences

Mercedes SL Class

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

Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
  • substantially more trunk space
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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

SL Class

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Lexus ES is clearly 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 significantly more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 3.9 L/100km.

ES

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers clearly 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 considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Lexus ES takes 8.9 s. That’s about 6 s quicker.

SL Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

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

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

Looking at boot space, the Lexus ES offers substantially more boot space – 454 L compared to 240 L. That’s a difference of about 214 L.

When it comes to payload, the Lexus ES carries clearly 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 solid 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 435 - 816 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 9 - 13.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 12 km
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Frequently compared as well

Mercedes SL Class
Bentley Continental Convertible
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Lexus ES
Lexus NX
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Lexus ES and Lexus NX go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Mercedes SL Class
Lexus ES

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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
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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

Frequently compared as well

Lexus ES
Lexus RX
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Lexus ES
Toyota RAV4
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BMW Z4
Mercedes SL Class
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Lexus ES
Lexus UX
VS
The Lexus ES and Lexus UX compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Lexus ES
Renault Captur
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Lexus ES
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Lexus ES
Skoda Octavia Combi
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Lexus ES
Toyota Yaris
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Mercedes SL Class
Lexus ES

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

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Curb weight
1,680 kg
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Trunk capacity
454 L
Length
-
Length
4,975 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Width
1,865 mm
Height
-
Height
1,445 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
145 - 375 kg
Payload
470 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Power HP
218 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Power kW
160 kW
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Lexus
What drive types are available for the Mercedes SL Class?

The Mercedes SL Class is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-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.