Audi
A7
Lexus
LS
Audi A7 vs Lexus LS: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi A7 offers fuel economy, while the Lexus LS excels at power instead. Choose the Audi A7 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Lexus LS if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A7
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding the driving experience, design, and long-term reliability of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine (3.0T) and 3.0-liter TDI diesel powertrains. The A7 is consistently praised for its gorgeous, timeless design, exceptional comfort, refined handling with Quattro all-wheel drive, and practical hatchback body style. Owner feedback indicates high satisfaction with the vehicle's performance as a daily driver and long-distance cruiser, with specific acclaim for its quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and high-quality interior build.
Best version to buy
The 2016-2018 model years with the 3.0T supercharged V6 gasoline engine (CREC version, 333 hp) are most frequently recommended. This iteration is noted for having design revisions that address earlier potential issues like carbon buildup (via dual port and direct injection) and updated chain tensioners.
Known issues
- ⚠Higher maintenance and repair costs compared to mainstream brands. Labor and part costs at dealerships are noted as expensive. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Water pump and PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve failure. Common replacement items typically needed between 60,000-100,000 miles (97,000-161,000 km). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Emissions system complexity (TDI models). The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, EGR, and associated sensors are potential failure points with high replacement costs, especially beyond 100,000 miles…
LS
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability. The LS is consistently described as a benchmark for a "decade-plus" ownership experience with minimal drama, offering a sense of solidity, quietness, and effortless power that makes other vehicles feel "a bit cheap by comparison." While there is strong consensus on its supreme comfort and build quality, nuanced criticisms exist regarding specific model years and components. The LS460 (2007-2017) is praised for its bulletproof V8 but noted for expensive wear items like control arms and air suspension.
Best version to buy
For the LS460 generation, later model years (e.g., 2017) are implied to be more refined and reliable than early first-year models (e.g., 2007), which are described as "Toyota's bastard child for reliability." For the current LS500 generation, the LS500h AWD with the "Teammate" advanced driver-assist system is mentioned as a highly capable but rare and expensive configuration. There is no single trim consensus, but the underlying recommendation is to seek well-maintained examples with full service histories, regardless of specific year or trim.
Known issues
- ⚠**LS460 Generation:** * Control arm and suspension bushing wear: Requires replacement far too often, as frequently as every 60k miles, with costs exceeding $2,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**LS500 Generation:** * Early powertrain reliability: The 2018 LS500's new twin-turbo V6 had "early teething issues" compared to the previous V8. A manufacturer recall for engine debris affecting some 2022-2023 models is mentioned.
- ⚠**General (All Generations):** * Excessive weight and handling: The car is described as incredibly heavy, with tires and wheel wells too small for its mass, leading to compromised cornering and braking feel. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi A7 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Lexus LS, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Lexus LS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A7 or the Lexus LS?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi A7 and the Lexus LS. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi A7 or the Lexus LS?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi A7 is classed as a Liftback, the Lexus LS as a Sedan, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A7 or the Lexus LS?
The Audi A7 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.3-1.6 L/100km combined versus 8.6 L/100km for the Lexus LS, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A7 or the Lexus LS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.