Audi
S8
Lexus
LS
Audi S8 vs Lexus LS: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi S8 offers power, while the Lexus LS excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Audi S8 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
S8
Overall
Owner sentiment is strongly positive regarding the vehicle's core proposition as a high-performance luxury sedan, described as a "sleeper rocket with insane comfort" and "the best balance of comfort and performance possible." The twin-turbo 4.0L V8 (EA825) engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission are very frequently praised for their robust performance, smooth power delivery, and proven long-term reliability when properly maintained, with multiple reports of trouble-free operation beyond 100,000 miles, even on tuned vehicles. The interior build quality, quietness (especially with the optional dual-pane glass), and air suspension are also highlighted as exceptional. However, this enthusiasm is universally tempered by a very frequent and emphatic warning about extremely high ownership costs.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a specific model year or trim (e.g., S8 Plus) as a definitive "best version." However, there is a strong, recurrent emphasis on seeking out vehicles where the critical turbocharger oil screen recall/service action (TSB 2044640) has been completed. For the D5 generation (post-2019), units produced after late 2018 are noted to have revised engine components (rocker arms) that resolved early issues, and all models are subject to a recall for the faulty Continental BSG (Belt Starter Generator) unit, which should be verified as completed.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: Routine service, tires, and brakes are very expensive; major repairs (turbos, transmission, engine mounts) can cost $5,000-$15,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Turbocharger failure due to oil screen blockage: A known defect in the D4 generation 4.0T engine where a restrictive oil screen can starve the turbos of oil, leading to catastrophic failure.
- ⚠Faulty Belt Starter Generator (BSG): Affects D5 generation models (and other Audis) as part of "Emissions Service Action 27BQ"; the unit can fail without warning around 40,000 miles. Replacement is covered by recall. 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 S8, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus LS are a dealbreaker, the Audi S8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi S8 or the Lexus LS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus LS than the Audi S8. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi S8 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 S8 or the Lexus LS?
The Lexus LS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.6 L/100km combined versus 10 L/100km for the Audi S8, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi S8 or the Lexus LS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi S8 than the Lexus LS. See the known issues comparison above.