2023 Lexus LS vs. BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Lexus LS was the first model developed by Lexus, and debuted in the United States in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show as a 1990 model. At the time, the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class were the two top choices for buyers in the full-size luxury sedan. The LS launched with a higher top speed than its German rivals, yet with a lower drag coefficient and curb weight, it also achieved better fuel economy. Over 30-years later, these three world-class luxury sedans still compete for superiority at the pinnacle of the full-size sedan segment. Exactly how does the LS 500 measure up to today’s BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Let’s find out.

Lexus LS 500 AWD vs BMW 740i

2023 Lexus LS 500 AWD	VS	2023 BMW 740i
$80,785* ?	MSRP	$94,295*
3.5L 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 ?	Heated 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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Our first comparison for the Lexus LS 500 AWD is the BMW 740i Sedan. Both of these vehicles are powered by turbocharged 6-cylinder engines, but we've only opted for the all-wheel drive on the Lexus. This is to illustrate the point that AWD is just a simple option on the LS, you can have it or not (although this is Ohio, you will probably want it). But there is no AWD available for the 740i, in order to get AWD, you have to option up to the 760i xDrive, and that's another $20,000 on top of the already significantly more expensive BMW. However, if you're thinking that choosing the less-expensive Lexus instead of the BMW would mean sacrificing premium features and equipment — think again!

Craving muscular yet refined power delivery? Turn your attention towards the larger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine of the Lexus LS. As you can see, the Lexus LS power plant delivers over 80 more horsepower than the BMW 740i xDrive, resulting in a faster 0-60 time and higher top speed.

Looking further down the list of advantages for the LS, you'll find that you'll enjoy both heated front seats as standard equipment in the Lexus LS 500 AWD. BMW shoppers will have to reach even deeper into their wallets to receive these 'luxury' features. Finally, Lexus includes a more comprehensive powertrain warranty than BMW, giving you a full 2 years of additional protection versus the BMW. It's pretty clear that the Lexus LS 500 AWD delivers more performance, more luxury, and more peace of mind - and all for less money than the BMW 740i.

Lexus LS 500 AWD vs Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC

2023 Lexus LS 500 AWD	VS	2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC
$80,785* ?	MSRP	$112,150*
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 ?	Engine	3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder
416 HP / 442 TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	429 HP / 384 TQ
4.6 Seconds ?	0 to 60 Acceleration	4.9 Seconds
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
+$1,940 ?	Premium Audio Cost	+$6,730
16.9 cubic feet ?	Trunk Cargo Capacity	16.1 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, we’ll focus our attention on how the Lexus LS compares to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Looking at base trim levels equipped with all-wheel drive, the Lexus LS starts off with an astounding $30,000 price advantage over the S-Class sedan. Similar to the BMW comparison, that extra money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll receive more capability or features on the S-Class sedan than you will on the Lexus LS 500.

Starting with the powertrains, the standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 of the Lexus LS 500 may come up 13 horsepower short versus the Mercedes-Benz, but the Mercedes-Benz S 500 is actually the slowest of all 3 vehicles when it comes to zero to sixty acceleration - proving that the most horsepower doesn’t always translate to the fastest acceleration.

Many buyers shopping for cars in this segment consider a premium audio system to be a must-have. Lexus offers an impressive optional premium audio system as an available option for the LS 500. The incredible Mark Levinson® Quantum Logic® Immersion Reference Surround Sound System pushes out an impressive 2,400 watts. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System which delivers a performance every bit as impressive as the Mark Levinson® system found in the LS. The real difference, however, is what you’ll need to pay for the Burmester system - as it costs a whopping $4,790 more than the Mark Levinson® audio system.

Winner - Lexus LS

Now that we’ve counted the results and crunched the numbers, the clear winner of this competitive comparison is the Lexus LS. The rivals from BMW 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. Eager to experience the LS for yourself? Our team at Lexus of Akron-Canton is here 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.