2021 Lexus LS vs. 2021 Mercedes S-Class
2021 Lexus LS vs. 2021 Mercedes S-Class
Overview
In 2021, certain brands define luxury. Lexus and Mercedes are two of those brands, so if you're in the market for a luxury sedan this year, you've got to have your eye on the Lexus LS and the Mercedes S-Class. What do they offer (and how do they differ) in design, features, power, and looks?
Exterior (Overall Design)
The exterior dimensions of these two sedans are pretty close by numbers alone. The Mercedes is about two inches longer and higher, for example, which hardly matters to the eye. But what the numbers can't really tell you is how they look. The Mercedes looks like a classic Mercedes: there's no mistaking that grille or the characteristic "land yacht" look. The LS, on the other hand, has a much more aggressive, sweeping look that absolutely commands attention. It doesn't look like a yacht; it looks like a destroyer. Somehow, Lexus has managed to perfectly marry the look of a luxury sedan with a sportscar. Swooping lines compliment a grille that clearly means business.
Interior Features
Both vehicles have similar amounts of space for legs and heads: more than enough to be comfortable. A large car usually ranks on lists of "cars for tall drivers" if it offers at least 35 inches of headroom and 40 inches of legroom. On both of these sedans, you're looking at over 37 inches of headroom and over 41 of legroom. You get slightly more backseat leg and headroom in the Mercedes, but, to get that, you have to sacrifice something very important: trunk volume. Where the Lexus LS offers 16.9 cubic feet, you're only getting 12.9 in the Mercedes. It's hard for us to understand how the difference in cargo space can be so great when the difference in backseat space is so small. Call it simply a better design on the Lexus. If you consider the interior materials, the Lexus shines here, too. Where the Mercedes only offers three leather standard options and eight upgrade options you have to pay more for, you can choose any of the Lexus' 13 interior design options standard.
Engines
The Lexus generates 416 hp @ 6,000 RPM to the Mercedes 429 hp @ 6,100 RPM. But the Lexus' 3.4 L Twin-Turbo V6 engine cranks out a lot more torque: 442 lb-ft to a surprisingly small 384 lb-ft on the Mercedes, with its 3.0L Turbo Inline 6 engine. When you consider that the Lexus is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission to the Mercedes' 9-speed, you realize you're getting more power off the line, better acceleration, and a smoother driving experience. And when you throw in the price difference, the Lexus' engine is even more impressive. You pay over $30,000 more for the Mercedes.
Safety Features
Everyone is talking about safety features these days, and considering what you're paying for these cars, you should expect them to deliver in this area. Both vehicles have, among their standard options: