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Luxury car buyers face a fresh dilemma with the upcoming 2026 redesigns of the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Both familiar luxury sedans are set to introduce not only updated gas-powered models but also advanced fully electric versions.

The Lexus ES maintains its comfort-focused midsize reputation, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA provides an accessible entry into premium German engineering. Crucially, their new electric variants showcase the latest EV technology, positioned as significantly more affordable than many other luxury electric vehicles.

Which one should you choose? Edmunds’ auto experts compared them to find out.

Space and comfort

For drivers prioritizing interior space, the Lexus ES presents a compelling choice. This sedan not only surpasses the Mercedes-Benz CLA in size but also boasts greater length and height than even larger electric sedans such as the BMW i5 and Lucid Air. This generous footprint translates into an abundance of rear legroom, with options for reclining rear seats and adjustable footrests available. Furthermore, the ES offers a more capacious trunk.

Beyond sheer size, the ES delivers a notably smoother ride. It navigates road imperfections and bumps with greater composure than the CLA. While Edmunds drivers reported a slight preference for the CLA’s front seat comfort, the ES ultimately emerges as the superior option when considering overall interior volume and ride quality.

Winner: Lexus ES

For drivers prioritizing interior space, the Lexus ES presents a compelling choice (Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via AP)

Range and charging

The CLA 250+, which has a single electric motor, gets an EPA-estimated 374 miles of range on a single charge. It traveled a whopping 434 miles in its Edmunds’ real-world testing. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive CLA 350 has an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles, and it went an outstanding 385 miles in Edmunds’ testing.

The Lexus ES is also available in two models of differing performance and range. The single-motor ES 350e gets an EPA-estimated range of up to 307 miles. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive ES 500e has an estimated range of up to 276 miles. Edmunds’ testing of an ES 350e basically matched its EPA estimates.

Charging is a similar situation. DC fast-charging capability for the Lexus tops out at 150 kW, whereas the CLA can accept twice as much power as long as you’re connected to an appropriate fast-charging station. In Edmunds’ testing, the ES needed 13 minutes to add 100 miles of range, while the CLA needed just seven minutes.

Winner: Mercedes CLA

The CLA 250+, which has a single electric motor, gets an EPA-estimated 374 miles of range on a single charge (Mercedes-Benz USA via AP)

Performance and driving

While the Mercedes’ compact dimensions and sportier tuning hurt it in the space and comfort category above, they become a benefit here. The ES is pleasant to drive and composed around turns, but the CLA is far more engaging and feels more like a sport sedan.

The 221-horsepower ES 350e is also slow by electric sedan standards. In Edmunds’ testing, it needed 7.6 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph. The ES 500e is more powerful, but you’ll still like the CLA more if you want quick acceleration. Edmunds tested the CLA 350 and found that it could get 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Winner: Mercedes CLA

In-car technology

While our results thus far have been quite clear, this category is more likely to come down to personal preference. At first glance, the Mercedes may seem to have a landslide advantage. The entire dashboard is basically one gigantic screen housing. The touchscreen graphics are beautiful and responses are lightning quick.

It can certainly be overwhelming, though — both from a usability and visual standpoint. Those who are less technically inclined may prefer the relative simplicity provided by the ES, which, to be fair, features the latest Lexus infotainment system. It’s not as flashy as the Mercedes setup, but it’s also easy to use and hard to fault.

Winner: Mercedes CLA

Price and value

The Lexus ES and Mercedes CLA are very similarly priced — even their more powerful dual-motor versions align. By electric luxury vehicle standards, they’re surprisingly affordable. The electric 2026 Lexus ES 350e starts at $48,895, including destination fees, while the electric 2027 CLA starts at $49,400.

Ultimately, it comes down to where you see the most value. The ES is much bigger and comes with a few more standard features, such as ventilated seats and a wireless phone charger. For most shoppers, that probably means the ES is the better value. Still, the CLA has superior electric vehicle specs, and not just in comparison to the ES. Its tech, styling and driving experience are pretty compelling too.

Winner: Lexus ES

Edmunds says

Both of these electric luxury sedans received high ratings from Edmunds, but it’s the Mercedes that ultimately comes out on top with an Excellent score versus the Lexus’ Very Good. The overwhelming strength of its range, charging, and driving experience scores ultimately tipped the scales.