2025 Lexus LS vs. the Competition with Specs, Price, & Photos

Ever since its introduction over three decades ago, the Lexus LS has revolutionized the way the world views the full-size luxury sedan. The LS is known not only for its impeccable design, first-class comfort features, and innovative technology -- but also its long-lasting build quality and proven reliability. As it built its world-renowned reputation for excellence, two of its biggest rivals stood in the way -- the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This same heated rivalry continues to this day, each model continuing to push the limits of what’s possible. Curious which model is the best option in today’s marketplace? Lexus of Cleveland has created this in-depth model comparison guide that showcases the strengths of the Lexus LS compared to the competition. Let’s take a closer look.

Lexus LS vs BMW 7 Series

2025 Lexus LS 500 AWD	VS	2025 BMW 740i
$85,035 ?	MSRP	$100,475
3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 ?	Engine	3.0L Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder
416 HP / 442 TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	375 HP / 398 TQ
4.6 Seconds ?	0 to 60 Acceleration	5.2 Seconds
Standard ?	Ventilated Seats	Optional
All-wheel drive ?	Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ?	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles

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The first competitor to challenge the Lexus LS is the BMW 7 Series. The LS starts off with a price advantage, and a significant one at that. Thinking that the lower price tag means you'll be missing out on premium features? Guess again! For example, the LS 500 we used for this comparison has AWD, and while this is a feature that’s available for the 7 Series, it adds an additional $3,000 to the selling price - making it even less price competitive with the Lexus LS.

Drivers searching for the “Ultimate Driving Machine” might actually find it behind the wheel of a Lexus LS, as the Lexus sports a larger 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, AWD, and a faster 0-60 time - all for less money than the BMW 7-Series. This sophisticated powertrain not only outperforms the BMW, but it accomplishes that while still matching the highway fuel economy rating of the BMW.

Continuing down the lengthy list of advantages for the LS, Lexus includes features like ventilated seats as standard, since cold isn’t the only kind of weather we have in Ohio. But as baffling as it might be, BMW is still asking buyers to shell out extra for this feature, even with the already much higher price. Lastly, Lexus includes a more comprehensive powertrain warranty than BMW.

Lexus LS vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2025 Lexus LS 500 AWD	VS	2026 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC
$85,035 ?	MSRP	$119,500
3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 ?	Engine	3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder
416 HP / 442 TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	442 HP / 413 TQ
10 ?	Transmission Speeds	9
39.4 feet ?	Turning Radius	42 feet
Mark Levinson® 2,400-watt Quantum Logic® Immersion Reference Surround Sound System ?	Premium Audio Option	Burmester 1,730-watt High-End 4D Surround Sound System
16.9 cubic feet ?	Trunk Cargo Capacity	12.8 cubic feet
1 Year / 10,000 Miles ?	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ?	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles

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Next up, we have the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a longtime staple of the segment. The LS has an even more significant price advantage here, as Mercedes-Benz tends to be the priciest offering in whatever segment is being discussed. But just as it was with the BMW, it’s sort of difficult to pin down why Mercedes charges so much more. The S-Class comes with a smaller engine that, in turn, produces less torque. The S-Class does have more horsepower on tap, but with these kinds of large sedans, torque is the more important of the two. And the more sophisticated 10-speed transmission in the LS also makes better use of that power. The LS is a bit more maneuverable as well, thanks to the tighter turning circle, which is always important with a large sedan.

Both vehicles are offered with high-end stereo systems, but the system in the LS is just that little bit better, despite the fact that it costs less than a third of what the premium system in the S-Class costs. This does a pretty good job of summarizing the entire difference between the two cars. There are a few additional bonuses with the LS too, like the significantly larger trunk, the included routine maintenance, and the better warranty.

Lexus LS VS Audi A8

2025 Lexus LS 500 AWD	VS	2026 Audi A8 55 TFSI® quattro® tiptronic®
$85,035 ?	MSRP	$96,395
416 HP / 442 TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	335 HP / 369 TQ
4.6 seconds ?	0-60 Time	5.6 seconds
10 ?	Transmission Speeds	8
Standard ?	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
16.9 cubic feet ?	Trunk Cargo Capacity	12.5 cubic feet
12 inches ?	Infotainment Touchscreen	10 inches

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Last up is the Audi A8, which manages to avoid the inflated pricing of the other German offerings in this segment. That said, it’s still perplexing why it costs more than the LS. It certainly isn’t the engine, which has been an Audi mainstay for quite a few years, and just doesn’t produce enough power to be competitive anymore. That’s why the A8 is slower to 60 mph by a full second, which is a huge gap for two vehicles in the same segment and price range. To go with the older engine in the Audi, the A8 has an 8-speed automatic transmission. The LS has a 10-speed transmission, once again, just that extra bit better than the competition.

One of the most surprising things about the A8 is that adaptive cruise control isn’t standard. While this might be common in budget models, for luxury models like the LS, it has been standard for some time. The LS has a larger infotainment touchscreen, which is also mounted higher on the dash to make it easier to see and use. This also isn’t likely to be the deciding factor for anyone, but it does show how Lexus put more thought into the interior of their car. The LS has an unusually large trunk for the segment, and we see how much of an advantage it is over the entirely average trunk space in the A8.

Winner - Lexus LS

Now that we’ve tallied the results, the obvious winner of this in-depth comparison is the Lexus LS. The competition from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz simply cannot measure up to the outstanding value, performance, premium standard features, and driver-assist technologies found across the Lexus LS model range. Ready to experience the LS for yourself? Our team at Lexus of Cleveland is standing by to help you choose the model that’s perfect for your lifestyle.

*Price includes destination charges, but does not include sales tax or other applicable fees. Prices are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the dealer or the manufacturer.