Lexus LS vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the more rational limousine for Malaysia: it costs RM738,888 against the Lexus LS at RM1,188,000, has a 28.6 kWh battery, 100 km EV range and uses 1.0 L/100 km on paper. The Lexus fights back with 415 hp, 600 Nm, a 5.0-second 0-100 km/h time and a larger 480-litre boot. But the S-Class is longer, wider, taller, has more airbags and asks RM2,005 less in annual road tax.
Pick the Lexus LS if you want the stronger rear-drive petrol sedan, the bigger boot and the longer five-year warranty.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if you want the lower purchase price, petrol-hybrid running numbers and 100 km of EV range.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus LS RM1,188,000; Mercedes-Benz S-Class RM738,888
- Power and torque: Lexus LS 415 hp/600 Nm; Mercedes-Benz S-Class 362 hp/500 Nm
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: Lexus LS 5.0 s/250 km/h; Mercedes-Benz S-Class 5.2 s/250 km/h
- Efficiency: Lexus LS 9.5 L/100 km; Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1.0 L/100 km with 100 km EV range
- Size: Lexus LS 5,235/1,900/1,450 mm; Mercedes-Benz S-Class 5,289/1,954/1,503 mm
- Boot and airbags: Lexus LS 480 litres/10 airbags; Mercedes-Benz S-Class 350 litres/14 airbags
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 1,188,000 | RM 738,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Luxury |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 3,445 cc | 2,999 cc |
| Power | 415 hp✓ | 362 hp |
| Torque | 600 Nm✓ | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 5.0 s✓ | 5.2 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 9.5 L/100km | 1.0 L/100km✓ |
| Battery | — | 28.6 kWh |
| EV range | — | 100 km |
| CO₂ | — | 22 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,235 mm | 5,289 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,954 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm | 1,503 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,216 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L✓ | 350 L |
| Fuel tank | 82 L | 67 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 10 | 14✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5✓ | 4 |
| Road tax / year | RM 4,133 | RM 2,128✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
LS
- 415 hp and 600 Nm are higher than the S-Class figures
- Quicker 5.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- 480-litre boot and five-year warranty
- Costs RM449,112 more than the S-Class
- Higher 9.5 L/100 km fuel use
- Annual road tax is RM4,133
S-Class
- RM738,888 price is much lower than the LS
- 28.6 kWh battery with 100 km EV range
- 14 airbags and RM2,128 annual road tax
- 362 hp and 500 Nm trail the LS
- 350-litre boot is smaller
- Four-year warranty is shorter
LS vs S-Class FAQ
Is the Lexus LS or Mercedes-Benz S-Class better?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is better on cost, efficiency, EV range, size and airbags. The Lexus LS is better for power, acceleration, boot space and warranty. For most Malaysian buyers, the S-Class numbers are harder to argue against.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is RM449,112 cheaper than the Lexus LS, based on RM738,888 versus RM1,188,000.
Which is quicker from 0-100 km/h?
The Lexus LS is quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes 5.2 seconds. Both have the same 250 km/h top speed.