Compare the2024 Lexus LCVS 2024 Audi S5

The LC has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the S5 Premium Plus/Prestige offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the LC has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the S5 Premium Plus/Prestige offers Rear Cross-Traffic Assist.

The LC’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the LC and the S5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S5 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 50 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 19th.

The LC 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 5 more horsepower (354 vs. 349) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 122 more horsepower (471 vs. 349) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 369) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the LC 500h gets better fuel mileage than the S5 Coupe (26 city/33 hwy vs. 21 city/29 hwy).

The LC can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The S5 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 6.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (21.7 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 6.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (22.2 vs. 15.3 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the S5.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The S5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the LC’s brake rotors are larger than those on the S5:

For better traction and acceleration, the LC has larger rear tires than the S5 (275/40R20 vs. 255/35R19). The LC’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the S5 (275/40R20 vs. 265/30R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the S5. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the S5.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The S5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LC’s wheelbase is 4.2 inches longer than on the S5 (113 inches vs. 108.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the LC is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than on the S5.

The LC’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the S5’s (56.7% to 43.3%). This gives the LC more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the S5’s (34.8 feet vs. 37.7 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the S5’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The S5 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC has 1.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S5 Coupe (85.9 vs. 84).

The LC has .7 inches more front legroom and 1.2 inches more front shoulder room than the S5 Coupe.

The LC Convertible has 1.3 inches more front legroom and 1.3 inches more front shoulder room than the S5 Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

The LC’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The LC’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. Audi does not offer a locking feature on the S5’s standard power windows.

The LC’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the S5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The LC’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The S5’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The LC will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the LC will retain 55.78% to 56.81% of its original price after five years, while the S5 only retains 52.03% to 53.7%.