Audi
A8
Lexus
LS
Audi A8 vs Lexus LS: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi A8 offers power, while the Lexus LS excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Audi A8 if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Lexus LS if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A8
Overall
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market. The D5 is frequently described as a "hovercraft" for its sublime, non-floating air suspension and is noted for being significantly lighter than its rivals due to its aluminum construction, contributing to better handling and fuel economy. Owner satisfaction is often tied to purchasing the vehicle as a lightly used or CPO example at a steep discount from MSRP, where its blend of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics presents a compelling alternative to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Best version to buy
For the D5 generation (2018+), a well-optioned example is highly recommended. Key desired options include the Executive Package (22-way seats with ventilation/massage, head-up display), Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist), dual-pane acoustic glass, the premium lighting package (HD Matrix LED, OLED taillights), and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Mild Hybrid System (Belt Starter Generator/BSG) failures: a known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Electronic gremlins: concerns over long-term reliability of complex infotainment, driver aids, and other electronic systems; some isolated reports of issues requiring multiple resets. Frequency: recurrent.
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 Lexus LS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Audi A8, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus LS are a dealbreaker, the Audi A8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A8 or the Lexus LS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus LS than the Audi A8. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi A8 or the Lexus LS?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A8 or the Lexus LS?
The Lexus LS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.6 L/100km combined versus 11.3 L/100km for the Audi A8, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A8 or the Lexus LS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi A8 than the Lexus LS. See the known issues comparison above.