Two familiar names in luxury motoring — the Lexus ES and the Mercedes-Benz CLA — have both been completely redesigned for 2026 and now come in fully electric versions alongside traditional gas-powered models. The ES has long been Lexus’ comfort-focused midsize sedan, while the CLA serves as a more accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Auto experts at Edmunds put both electric versions through their paces to determine which one deserves your money.
Space and Comfort: Lexus ES Wins
If having plenty of room is at the top of your list, the ES is the clear choice. It’s not just bigger than the CLA — it’s actually longer and taller than other well-known electric sedans like the BMW i5 and the Lucid Air. That generous size translates into an impressive amount of rear passenger legroom, and buyers can even opt for reclining rear seats with adjustable footrests. The ES also offers a larger trunk. When it comes to ride quality, the ES floats over road imperfections more gracefully than the CLA. Edmunds testers did note that the CLA’s front seats edged out those in the ES for comfort, but overall, the Lexus takes this category.
Range and Charging: Mercedes CLA Wins
This is where the CLA really pulls ahead. The single-motor CLA 250+ carries an EPA-estimated range of 374 miles per charge and actually covered an impressive 434 miles during Edmunds’ real-world testing. The all-wheel-drive, dual-motor CLA 350 is EPA-rated at 312 miles and achieved 385 miles in testing.
The Lexus ES is offered in two electric variants as well. The single-motor ES 350e is EPA-rated for up to 307 miles, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive ES 500e is rated for up to 276 miles. Edmunds’ testing of the ES 350e came in close to its EPA figures.
Charging speed is another area where the CLA has a significant edge. The Lexus tops out at 150 kilowatts of DC fast-charging capability, while the CLA can handle twice that power when connected to a compatible fast charger. In timed testing, the ES required 13 minutes to add 100 miles of range, compared to just seven minutes for the CLA.
Driving Experience: Mercedes CLA Wins
The same compact size and sportier setup that works against the CLA in the comfort category actually helps it here. While the ES handles turns confidently and offers a pleasant drive, the CLA delivers a noticeably more exciting, sport sedan-like experience behind the wheel.
The ES 350e, rated at 221 horsepower, is on the slower side for an electric sedan — Edmunds clocked it at 7.6 seconds from zero to 60 mph. The more powerful ES 500e improves on that, but drivers looking for quick acceleration will still prefer the CLA. Edmunds recorded the dual-motor CLA 350 sprinting to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Technology: Mercedes CLA Wins
This category is the most subjective of the bunch. The CLA’s interior is dominated by one sweeping, large screen housing that spans the dashboard. The graphics are sharp and the system responds quickly. However, the sheer scale of it can feel like a lot to take in — both visually and in terms of day-to-day usability.
Drivers who prefer a less overwhelming setup may gravitate toward the ES, which features Lexus’ latest infotainment system. It’s not as visually dramatic as what Mercedes offers, but it’s intuitive and straightforward. Still, Edmunds gave the edge to the CLA in this category.
Value: Lexus ES Wins
Pricing between the two is remarkably close. The 2026 electric Lexus ES 350e starts at $48,895 including destination charges, while the 2027 electric CLA begins at $49,400. Both are considered affordable by luxury EV standards.
The ES comes with a few additional standard features out of the box — including ventilated seats and a wireless phone charger — and its larger size gives it an edge in overall value for most buyers. That said, the CLA’s superior EV specs, along with its technology, styling, and driving dynamics, make a compelling case of their own.
Overall Winner: Mercedes-Benz CLA
Both vehicles earned strong ratings from Edmunds, but the Mercedes-Benz CLA came out on top overall with an “Excellent” score, compared to a “Very Good” rating for the Lexus ES. The CLA’s dominant performance in range, charging speed, and driving experience ultimately tipped the scales in its favor.
This comparison was produced by Edmunds. James Riswick is a contributor at Edmunds.
