[Taboleo] Imported Mid-to-Large Sedans, What Is Your Choice?

Comparison Test Drive of the 2nd and 3rd Best-Selling Imported Cars
Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC vs Lexus ES300h
Driving Feel and Convenience Preferences Differ
E350 Excels in Interior, ES300h Stands Out in Fuel Efficiency

What is the best-selling imported car until April this year? It is the mid-to-large sedan. According to data from the Korea Imported Motor Vehicle Association, the BMW 520 took first place with 3,898 units sold. Following closely behind are the Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (3,167 units) and the Lexus ES300h (3,094 units). It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of each company depends on the mid-to-large sedan segment, as the overall sales ranking is determined by the sales volume of these vehicles. Until November last year, Mercedes-Benz was in second place behind BMW. However, with the E250 (12,172 units) and E350 4MATIC (10,601 units), they succeeded in a last-minute comeback.

We test drove two mid-to-large sedans that combine each company's high-performance model style: the Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC AMG Line and the Lexus ES300h F Sport. In terms of driving feel and driver convenience, each has clear strengths and weaknesses, reflecting personal preferences. However, the most noticeable feature of each vehicle can be summarized in one word: the E350 excels in interior, while the ES300h stands out in fuel efficiency.

[Taboleo] Imported Mid-to-Large Sedans, What Is Your Choice?

Lexus ES300h F Sport (left) and Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC AMG Line (right)
Photo by Oh Gyumin

How do the driving impressions of the two vehicles compare?

Both vehicles sport the styling of their respective high-performance models (AMG, F Sport), but they felt like they pursue different goals. The E350 felt like a high-performance vehicle, while the ES300h seemed set up as a sedan. This was especially noticeable when going over speed bumps. The E350 held the driver firmly when going over the bump but gave a ‘thud’ feeling when descending. There was also a lot of vertical movement. The ES300h crossed speed bumps more smoothly than the E350. However, it experienced more lateral shaking than the E350 when only one wheel went over a bump or when encountering minor road irregularities.

The braking feel also differs. The E350 feels like it applies more braking force than the pedal input alone, as if it adds braking on its own. In contrast, the ES300h’s brakes are sensitive and stop as soon as you press the pedal. When accelerating, the E350 feels more powerful. With a maximum horsepower of 299 and torque of 40.8 kg·m, it outperforms the ES300h (maximum horsepower 218, torque 22.5 kg·m). To compensate for its lower engine power, the ES300h reduces weight (curb weight 1,680 kg) to accelerate lightly. This vehicle is about 150 kg lighter than the E350.

Since both vehicles are mild hybrids, we also compared the shift feel when switching from the electric motor to the internal combustion engine. The ES300h felt very smooth with no sense of mismatch, only a change in sound. However, its engine noise was louder than the E350’s. The E350 was quieter but had a slight ‘jerk’ feeling. It did not feel like a smooth transition from motor to engine.

How about driver convenience?

We compared driving assistance systems, factory navigation, and sound systems. Both vehicles’ driving assistance systems worked well. When pressing the adaptive cruise control button and setting a speed limit, it operated properly. However, you had to keep a greater distance than one car length from the vehicle ahead to respond to cars changing lanes. When coming to a complete stop on the road, the E350 restarted on its own, but the ES300h required a slight press of the accelerator pedal to resume driving assistance.

Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC AMG Line Driver's Seat Surroundings
Photo by Oh Gyumin

A standout feature of the E350’s factory navigation is the augmented reality display. It shows arrows indicating which direction to go by projecting the road through a camera. This was quite useful on complex roads. The ES300h does not have this feature but excels at responding to real-time traffic congestion. When commuting around Gwanghwamun in Seoul, it frequently changed the route to guide the way. The voice recognition system in the ES300h also worked well, collaborating with Naver Clova.

Lexus ES300h F Sport driver's seat area view
Photo by Oh Gyumin

The sound systems of the two vehicles pursue different goals. The Burmester speakers in the E350 allow adjustment of bass, midrange, and treble from -10 to +10, delivering a stimulating and lively sound. The ES300h’s sound felt more comfortable rather than stimulating.

Who are these two vehicles suitable for?

If you are willing to pay more and prefer interior design, the E350 is recommended; if fuel efficiency is important, the ES300h is the better choice. Driving feel and driver convenience may vary according to personal preference. However, each vehicle has one distinctive strength: the E350’s interior and the ES300h’s fuel efficiency. The ambient lighting turns on in the evening, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The ES300h has more physical buttons than other cars, making the interior design look somewhat complicated. But after an adaptation period, you can focus on driving while operating the buttons.

Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC AMG Line
Photo by Oh Gyumin

Fuel efficiency was sometimes more than twice as good in the ES300h. Both vehicles were tested on a 30 km round trip during Seoul city rush hour (with a 5:5 ratio of city to arterial roads). The E350 recorded 7.4 to 12.2 km/L, while the ES300h achieved 15.4 to 18.7 km/L. Notably, the ES300h’s fuel efficiency tended to increase as traffic congestion worsened. The price is 94.1 million KRW for the E350 4MATIC AMG Line and 73.1 million KRW for the ES300h F Sport.