| Model Year | 2008 | 2006 | |
| Model | Lexus ES | Mercedes-Benz R-Class | |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 272 hp@6200 254 lb-ft@4700 |
5.0L V8 OHC-3v 302 hp@5600 339 lb-ft@2700 |
|
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 126.6 in | -17.3 in |
| Length | 191.1 in | 203.0 in | -11.9 in |
| Width | 71.1 in | 75.7 in | -4.6 in |
| Height | 57.1 in | 65.4 in | -8.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3580 lb. | 4929 lb. | -1349 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 25.1 gal. | -6.6 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 37.4 in | 39.8 in | -2.4 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 60.3 in | -3 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 0.0 in | 55.9 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 39.8 in | 2.4 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 40.4 in | -3.6 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 59.6 in | -3.3 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 0.0 in | 52.8 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 35.9 in | 36.2 in | -0.3 in |
| Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.2 in | -37.2 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 52.8 in | -52.8 in |
| Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 32.4 in | -32.4 in |
| Total Legroom | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 108.4 in (over 3 rows) | -30.3 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.7 ft3 | 15.3 ft3 | -0.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 14.7 | 42.2 ft3 | -27.5 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 14.7 ft3 | 85.0 ft3 | -70.3 ft3 |
| 2008 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Similar to the front seats, super comfortable and soft. A lot of leg room with an average-sized driver + passenger up front. Rear moonroof gives off the feel of a huge ceiling. see full Lexus ES review |
| 2008 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
the seams in a seat should run front to rear vs. left to right this would make the seat more comfortable. the Toyota Camry leather seats are definitely more comparable... I think Lexis wanted a sportier looking seat but sacrificed comfort in doing see full Lexus ES review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
There is simply not enough legroom and three passengers will probably feel very cramped in the back as well. see full Lexus ES review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Had a ton of trouble with front seat comfort - had to trade it in after only 4 mos. Even my daughter's Sonata was more comfortable. Did everything i could to rectifiy - even had firmer cushions put into driver seat. Others have had the same issue. see full Lexus ES review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Most awful front seats i have ever experienced in 40 yrs of driving. I have done everything i can to make it comfortable. Even had extra firmer padding added to the driver seat. Pain in my leg and lower back is unbearable - check forums for Lexus owners - seems to be a problem with taller men and even some women. Never ever had a problem like this in any car i have had or driven. Strange issue. see full Lexus ES review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
If tall person sits in front seat, rear seat will not have a lot of legroom. Otherwise, very comfortable. Poor interior lighting in rear (front is bad, too, but slightly better). see full Lexus ES review |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seats are big enough and comfortable enough for an adult. 2nd row seats are the best captain chairs I have ever sat in in a car. Glass roof gives additional room appearance. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2007 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Great front view, comfortable seats. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2007 | 4dr SUV 302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is excellent legroom in the middle and rear seats. All four recline. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Outstanding room in the second row- tons of leg room. Very comfortable see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The STANDARD leather seating surfaces on the 2006 front seats - way better feel than artico leather. The adjustment range to get things just right and the head rest. Very cozy. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3 row seating see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
This has to be, by far, the roomiest Mercedes period. Back seat comfort, even in the third row, is unmatched. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seating for 6. Great for kids. Easy to get into. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |