2025 Lexus LS vs. BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Audi A8

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

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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Our first comparison is with the BMW 7 Series, which comes in a number of different forms, but most are significantly more expensive that the one in this comparison. Here we’ve chosen the 740i, as it’s the closest to the LS in price, and although both cars come with turbocharged six-cylinder engines, the larger six-cylinder engine in the LS comes with a noticeable power advantage, allowing the Lexus LS to lay down a far better 0-60 time than the alleged “Ultimate Driving Machine” can manage in its base trim.

Since the 7 Series comes with a heftier price tag, yet doesn’t quite measure up in the performance department, it would be natural to think that it must offer superior equipment, but that isn’t the case either. Both cars come with heated front seats, but ventilated seats will cost you extra only on the BMW. Both cars come with standard rear-wheel drive, but we’ve picked the all-wheel drive version of the LS in order to illustrate how you can load up the LS with options and still not pay as much as you would for the base model 7 Series. You even get superior powertrain warranty coverage with the LS.

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

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 is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which comes with the highest starting price in this segment. This price gets you more power than the BMW, and although it has more horsepower than the LS, it comes up short on torque output, which is critically important for a large sedan like the ones we’re looking at here. Adding to the advantage of that extra torque is the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that comes with the LS, just that extra bit better than the 9-speed transmission in the S-Class. The Mercedes does at least come with standard all-wheel drive, but that’s not really an advantage when it’s still priced so high. We bring this up because the LS has a maneuverability advantage, with a tighter turning circle, but if you opt for the rear-wheel drive LS, that turning circle drops to just 36.8 feet. That’s a huge difference, and it means the LS can literally go places the S-Class can’t.

Both cars offer a premium stereo option, but the 2,400-watt reference system in the LS will be the one preferred by audiophiles. The Burmester system in the S-Class is also a significantly more expensive option than the Mark Levinson® one offered by Lexus, and it’s not at all clear why Mercedes charges so much for it, a theme that is repeated often with the S-Class. The LS comes with more trunk space, enough that it can make a difference in how you plan for a trip. And to round things out, the LS comes with included maintenance and better powertrain warranty coverage.

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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Our last comparison is to the Audi A8, which is the most reasonably priced of the flagship sedans from major German manufacturers. Unfortunately, that lower price also comes with a lower power output, something that isn’t a problem for the LS. In fact, the LS is so much more powerful that it can outrun the A8 to 60 mph by a full second, a huge gap for two cars in the same segment, made all the more egregious by the fact that the slower car also costs more. Not all of the difference comes down to the difference in power. The LS also has a more advanced 10-speed transmission, making it easier to find the right gear on either the highway or in the city.

On the subject of highway driving, the A8 is unusual in the luxury segment for not offering adaptive cruise control as standard equipment. This technology makes road trips a lot more relaxing, and when combined with the large trunk on the LS, it’s clear which car is better suited to this kind of highway cruising. Navigating is easier in the Lexus too, thanks to the bigger (and higher-positioned) infotainment touchscreen, which makes it altogether more usable.

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 Audi, 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.