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Audi A8 vs Lexus LS460

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A8
Audi A8

2023 price

Lexus LS460
Lexus LS460

2018 price

Summary

2023 Audi A8
2018 Lexus LS460
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

V8, 5.0L
Fuel Type
Diesel/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
5.9L/100km (combined)

8.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Big turning circle
  • No folding rear seat
  • No front door bottle slots

  • Engines could do with more shove
  • CVT in 500h is not suited for spirited driving
  • Headroom could be better
2023 Audi A8 Summary

Audi’s flagship is the A8, a long, luxurious sedan where being driven is often as important as doing the driving.

To put this ultra-premium machine in context, it competes with other German heavyweights like BMW’s 7 Series and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as Porsche’s Panamera. Not to mention the Lexus LS or Maserati’s Quattroporte.

What’s life like at the top of the Audi pyramid? Stay with us to find out.

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Interested in an Audi A8?
2018 Lexus LS460 Summary

Almost 30 years after Lexus launched its original LS flagship sedan, the fifth generation of the car has arrived in Australia in what appears to be the brand’s never-ending battle to hunt down and beat Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi at their own game.

In some markets it looks as though Lexus is making headway. In the United States last year Mercedes-Benz was the best-selling luxury brand, followed by BMW and then Lexus. To give you even more insight, 50 per cent of all Lexus sales globally are in the US.

The story is different in Australia, with Lexus hardly a threat to the big three Germans, selling about a third less each month.

The Lexus LS is the Japanese prestige brand’s flagship and comes with a price that nudges up against formidable rivals. There’s the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi’s A8. Only the best cars from a few of the best brands in the world – no pressure, Lexus.

This may even be a reason to buy one – in that it’s not one of the traditional three. You could see Lexus as the popular underdog that in some ways does a better job than the usual suspects. A people’s favourite perhaps?

Just look at how often it’s mentioned in songs. According to lyrics.com.au the word Lexus has been used in 873 songs. Meanwhile Mercedes Benz appears in 500, Audi in 402 and BMW in 307.

With all this in mind we headed to the Australian launch to drive the LS 500 and its hybrid twin the 500h.

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Interested in a Lexus LS460?

Deep dive comparison

2023 Audi A8 2018 Lexus LS460

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