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Luxurious automobile consumers face a contemporary dilemma with the upcoming 2026 redesigns of the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Each acquainted luxurious sedans are set to introduce not solely up to date gas-powered fashions but in addition superior totally electrical variations.
The Lexus ES maintains its comfort-focused midsize repute, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLA supplies an accessible entry into premium German engineering. Crucially, their new electrical variants showcase the most recent EV know-how, positioned as considerably extra inexpensive than many different luxurious electrical autos.
Which one must you select? Edmunds’ auto specialists in contrast them to search out out.
House and luxury
For drivers prioritizing inside area, the Lexus ES presents a compelling selection. This sedan not solely surpasses the Mercedes-Benz CLA in measurement but in addition boasts larger size and peak than even bigger electrical sedans such because the BMW i5 and Lucid Air. This beneficiant footprint interprets into an abundance of rear legroom, with choices for reclining rear seats and adjustable footrests out there. Moreover, the ES provides a extra capacious trunk.
Past sheer measurement, the ES delivers a notably smoother experience. It navigates street imperfections and bumps with larger composure than the CLA. Whereas Edmunds drivers reported a slight choice for the CLA’s entrance seat consolation, the ES finally emerges because the superior possibility when contemplating general inside quantity and experience high quality.
Winner: Lexus ES
Vary and charging
The CLA 250+, which has a single electrical motor, will get an EPA-estimated 374 miles of vary on a single cost. It traveled a whopping 434 miles in its Edmunds’ real-world testing. The twin-motor all-wheel-drive CLA 350 has an EPA-estimated vary of 312 miles, and it went an excellent 385 miles in Edmunds’ testing.
The Lexus ES can also be out there in two fashions of differing efficiency and vary. The only-motor ES 350e will get an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 307 miles. The twin-motor all-wheel-drive ES 500e has an estimated vary of as much as 276 miles. Edmunds’ testing of an ES 350e principally matched its EPA estimates.
Charging is an analogous state of affairs. DC fast-charging functionality for the Lexus tops out at 150 kW, whereas the CLA can settle for twice as a lot energy so long as you’re linked to an acceptable fast-charging station. In Edmunds’ testing, the ES wanted 13 minutes so as to add 100 miles of vary, whereas the CLA wanted simply seven minutes.
Winner: Mercedes CLA
Efficiency and driving
Whereas the Mercedes’ compact dimensions and sportier tuning damage it within the area and luxury class above, they turn into a profit right here. The ES is nice to drive and composed round turns, however the CLA is much extra participating and feels extra like a sport sedan.
The 221-horsepower ES 350e can also be gradual by electrical sedan requirements. In Edmunds’ testing, it wanted 7.6 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph. The ES 500e is extra highly effective, however you’ll nonetheless just like the CLA extra if you would like fast acceleration. Edmunds examined the CLA 350 and located that it might get 60 mph in simply 4.5 seconds.
Winner: Mercedes CLA
In-car know-how
Whereas our outcomes so far have been fairly clear, this class is extra prone to come down to non-public choice. At first look, the Mercedes could appear to have a landslide benefit. The complete dashboard is principally one gigantic display screen housing. The touchscreen graphics are stunning and responses are lightning fast.
It will probably actually be overwhelming, although — each from a usability and visible standpoint. Those that are much less technically inclined could choose the relative simplicity supplied by the ES, which, to be honest, options the most recent Lexus infotainment system. It’s not as flashy because the Mercedes setup, however it’s additionally simple to make use of and exhausting to fault.
Winner: Mercedes CLA
Worth and worth
The Lexus ES and Mercedes CLA are very equally priced — even their extra highly effective dual-motor variations align. By electrical luxurious car requirements, they’re surprisingly inexpensive. The electrical 2026 Lexus ES 350e begins at $48,895, together with vacation spot charges, whereas the electrical 2027 CLA begins at $49,400.
In the end, it comes right down to the place you see essentially the most worth. The ES is far larger and comes with just a few extra customary options, akin to ventilated seats and a wi-fi cellphone charger. For many customers, that in all probability means the ES is the higher worth. Nonetheless, the CLA has superior electrical car specs, and never simply compared to the ES. Its tech, styling and driving expertise are fairly compelling too.
Winner: Lexus ES
Edmunds says
Each of those electrical luxurious sedans obtained excessive scores from Edmunds, however it’s the Mercedes that finally comes out on prime with an Wonderful rating versus the Lexus’ Very Good. The overwhelming power of its vary, charging, and driving expertise scores finally tipped the scales.
