2025 Lexus LS vs 2026 Audi S8

$80,335 · Sedan

$130,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus LS offers serene luxury grounded by efficiency, delivering a substantial 416 hp from its V6 powertrain, appealing to those who value consistent refinement. Conversely, the 2026 Audi S8 explodes onto the scene with staggering performance figures, boasting 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, making it the undisputed speed demon. The disparity is clear: the Lexus achieves a combined 22 MPG, notably outperforming the S8’s 18 MPG combined rating, crucial given the required premium fuel for both. This efficiency gap saves the LS owner considerable running costs over time. However, enthusiasts will flock to the Audi’s 147 hp advantage and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The $130,000 S8 demands a steep premium over the LS’s $80,335 MSRP—a difference of nearly $50,000—positioning the Lexus as the smart luxury choice against the uncompromising performance flagship.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS offers better fuel economy at 22 MPG combined versus the Audi S8's 18 MPG, reducing daily running expenses.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS provides a slightly larger cargo capacity at 17 cubic feet compared to the Audi S8's 12.5 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S8

The 2026 Audi S8 dominates raw performance metrics with 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS undercuts the Audi S8’s price by $49,665 while still offering respectable power at 416 hp.

Choose the Lexus LS if...

You prioritize long-term efficiency, benefiting from the 22 MPG combined rating over the S8’s 18 MPG.
You are budget-conscious, saving nearly $50,000 on the initial purchase price ($80,335 MSRP).
You prefer the predictable traction of a Rear-Wheel Drive platform paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic.

Choose the Audi S8 if...

Maximum speed and acceleration are paramount, thanks to the sledgehammer output of 563 hp.
You demand the superior grip and dynamic handling provided by All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
You require segment-leading torque, as the S8 commands 590 lb-ft versus the LS’s 442 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus LS	Audi S8
Length	206.1"	209.5"
Width	74.8"	76.6"
Height	57.0"	58.5"
Wheelbase	123.0"	123.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	416 hp @ 6000 rpm	563 hp
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	590 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/29 MPG	15/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	390.6/629.3 mi.	325.5/520.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	21.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	—	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	17
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Stereo Power	—	730W
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	18-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	18-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.9 in.	44.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	57.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Size	✓	265/35R21
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 in
Tire Type	—	Performance
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus LS and 2026 Audi S8.

What is the major performance difference between the 2025 Lexus LS and the 2026 Audi S8?

The Audi S8 is significantly more powerful, generating 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which dramatically exceeds the Lexus LS's 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This substantial 147 hp gap means the S8 will offer much quicker acceleration.

How much more does the 2026 Audi S8 cost compared to the 2025 Lexus LS?

The Audi S8 has an MSRP of $130,000, making it $49,665 more expensive than the Lexus LS, which starts at $80,335. This significant price hike covers the advanced performance hardware, including its AWD system.

Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for daily commuting?

The Lexus LS is the clear winner in efficiency, achieving 22 MPG combined (18 city/29 highway). The Audi S8 lags behind, rated only at 18 MPG combined (15 city/24 highway).

Do the size differences between the two sedans affect practicality?

Yes, the Lexus LS is slightly smaller overall but offers 17 cubic feet of cargo space, while the larger Audi S8 only manages 12.5 cubic feet. Families might appreciate the LS’s greater storage volume behind the rear seats.

What does the difference in drive type mean for handling?

The Lexus LS utilizes Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), often favored by purists for balanced handling characteristics. Conversely, the Audi S8's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) typically provides superior grip and stability in adverse weather conditions.