2025 Lexus LS vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$80,335 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary distinction between the 2025 Lexus LS and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the substantial MSRP gap, with the S-Class commanding $119,500 compared to the LS’s $80,335—a $39,165 difference. Performance metrics show the S-Class delivering 442 hp, surpassing the LS's 416 hp, although the LS counters with slightly higher torque at 442 lb-ft versus 413 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is closely matched, with the S-Class achieving 23 combined MPG to the LS’s 22 combined MPG, and both delivering 29 MPG on the highway. Dimensionally, the S-Class is slightly larger overall, measuring 209.5 inches in length compared to the LS's 206.1 inches, yet the Lexus sedan offers superior cargo utility with 17 cu ft against the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft. Furthermore, the S-Class employs an AWD system, whereas the LS utilizes RWD exclusively.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 S-Class wins for commuters due to its All-Wheel Drive configuration providing enhanced traction in varied conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus LS

The 2025 Lexus LS is superior for families due to its significantly larger 17 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Enthusiasts will favor the S-Class for its superior 442 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS provides compelling luxury credentials while saving buyers $39,165 compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class MSRP.

Choose the Lexus LS if...

Budgetary constraints necessitate saving $39,165 against the base MSRP of the competitor.
Maximum trunk space is required, as the LS offers 17 cu ft versus 12.8 cu ft.
A rear-wheel-drive platform is specifically desired over an all-wheel-drive setup.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Maximum outright performance is the priority, evidenced by the S-Class's 442 horsepower rating.
All-wheel drive is necessary for handling adverse weather or road conditions.
A slightly larger overall vehicle footprint (209.5 inches long) is preferred for road presence.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus LS	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	206.1"	209.5"
Width	74.8"	75.6"
Height	57.0"	59.2"
Wheelbase	123.0"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	416 hp @ 6000 rpm	442 hp
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/29 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	390.6/629.3 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	15
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Stereo Power	—	710W
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	59.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	12-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	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.9 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	59.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Size	✓	255/45R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus LS and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How does the fuel requirement differ between the two sedans?

Both the 2025 Lexus LS and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class require premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation. There is only a marginal difference in economy, with the S-Class achieving 23 combined MPG versus the LS's 22 combined MPG.

Which vehicle has more torque for low-end acceleration?

The 2025 Lexus LS offers slightly better low-end pulling power, generating 442 lb-ft of torque. This marginally beats the 2026 S-Class, which is rated at 413 lb-ft of torque.

What is the key powertrain difference besides horsepower?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission paired with All-Wheel Drive, while the Lexus LS features a 10-speed automatic transmission paired only with Rear Wheel Drive.

Is the 2026 S-Class noticeably larger than the 2025 LS?

Yes, the S-Class is marginally larger overall, measuring 209.5 inches long compared to the LS's 206.1 inches, and it is also taller at 59.2 inches versus 57.0 inches.

How does the cargo capacity compare for long trips?

The Lexus LS provides substantially more usable storage volume at 17 cubic feet. The 2026 S-Class restricts luggage space to only 12.8 cubic feet, a difference of 4.2 cubic feet.

Considering the price difference, how much horsepower per dollar is gained with the S-Class?

The S-Class costs $39,165 more to achieve 26 more horsepower (442 hp vs 416 hp). This results in the LS offering a significantly lower entry cost for high-level luxury sedan performance.