2010 Lexus LS vs 2010 Audi A8 November 17, 2009 AUTORIVALS.NET

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Two of the most popular luxury vehicles are the Lexus LS and Audi A8 which U.S. News ranks as their number 1 and 2 respectively. It's no surprise as these two vehicles are fine examples of luxuriousness while still keeping within peoples' grasps (unlike Bentley and Rolls Royce). They compete against the newly revised BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the all new Porsche Panamera. 2010 Lexus LS vs 2010 Audi A8 Neither design is particularly exciting which is probably due to the demographics of the typical buyer (read: old) of this segment. The A8 is a bit more blood-bumping for a senior citizen with Audi's oversized upside-down trapezoidal grill which is now a familiar sight. The Lexus is handsome if not a bit boring though. Both the LS and A8 are aging fast but luckily redesigns should be out within the next couple of years. Hopefully they'll be styled a little more interestingly. The LS's profile is smoother formed than the Audi. The window profile seem too rigid for the rest of the A8's design and the rear side windows are particularly misshapen. It's a bit too familiar of the 1990s Lincolns which were never considered good looking. The Lexus's rear door is interesting with an upswept window as part of the door and not the C-pillar like most cars. It's a distinctive design and looks good. The rear design of the LS is a bit more exciting with a nicely chiseled trunk lid. The A8's trunk bubbles out a bit too much for anyone to ever call sporty. Both tail pipes are nicely integrated into the rear bumpers but the Lexus wins for design. The rest of the LS's rear is also a bit better formed than the Audi which seems a bit too boring. How ironic, I know. Both interior designs are exquisite. From a functionality standpoint, the Lexus might win with a larger information screen but the Audi would win in a beauty contest. Interiors seem to be Audi's forté and the A8 is no exception. The materials are nicer and everything is laid out elegantly.

SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $63,825 - $106,035 ENGINE: 4.6L V8 - 5.0L V8 Hybrid HORSEPOWER: 357 - 438 hp TORQUE: 344 - 385 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 198.0 x 73.8 x 58.1 in. WEIGHT: 4244 - 5049 lbs 0-60 MPH: 5.4 - 6.2 sec 1/4 MILE: 13.8 sec @ 106 mph - 14.6 sec @ 99 mph FUEL (CITY/HWY): 16-20/22-24 mpg Share SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $74,050 - $120,100 ENGINE: 4.2L V8 - 6.0L W12 HORSEPOWER: 350 - 450 hp TORQUE: 325 - 428 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 199.3 x 74.6 x 56.9 in. WEIGHT: 4321 - 4729 lbs 0-60 MPH: 5.5 - 6.8 sec 1/4 MILE: 13.6 sec @ 105 mph - 15.2 sec @ 94 mph FUEL (CITY/HWY): 15-16/21-23 mpg RECAP RECAP PROS +Relatively exciting rear styling +Distinctive rear door styling CONS -A bit too bland in the front PROS +Beautifully designed interior CONS -A bit too bland in the rear -1990s Lincoln styled rear window

NOTES Amazingly enough, the LS600h manages to pull off a 5.4 second 0-60 time while still managing a fuel economy of 20/22. That beats the Audi's W12 while still managing to cost $14,000 less.