ES III (XV20) vs E-Class W210: which is better?
Lexus ES III (XV20) (1996–2001) vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 (1995–2002): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus ES III (XV20)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210Specifications
| Lexus ES III (XV20) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1996–2001 | 1995–2002 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 V6 (ES300) | 2.8 V6 (E280) |
| Power, up to | 200 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque, up to | 290 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 830 mm | 4 818 mm |
| Width | 1 790 mm | 1 799 mm |
| Height | 1 420 mm | 1 441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 670 mm | 2 833 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 80 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 41 025 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus ES III (XV20)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 200 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
- Age: the last cars were built in 2001, condition is everything
Engine (Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6)): ring coking and oil consumption; cracked engine mounts.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 204 hp
- Large tank: 80 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 2002, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- ES III (XV20) — if you care more about: torque.
- E-Class W210 — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: ES III (XV20) or E-Class W210?
ES III (XV20): up to 200 hp, E-Class W210: up to 204 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ES III (XV20) — about 42 425 ₸, E-Class W210 — about 41 025 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.