Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Lexus LC500H
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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2021 price

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Lexus LC500H

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2020 price

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Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2020 Lexus LC500H

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.4L/100km (combined)

6.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

S-Class' return to splendour
Stunning high-tech cabin presentation
Outstanding ride and handling capabilities

Cracking interior
Awesome ownership perks
Comfortable when you want it to be

Dislikes

Price of entry prohibitive for most
3D instrumentation can make you woozy
A tad conservative in design

Not as angry as V8
Probably less sporty than it looks
Cabin tech still fiddly

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Summary

It's only in the running for the title of world's best luxury car. No biggie here, then.

Like Rolex and Concorde, S-Class has become a byword for ultimate, and deserved or not, the Mercedes-Benz defines its segment despite the best efforts of the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS and (sadly now-defunct) Jaguar XJ, as well as pointing the way forward with new technologies that eventually trickle down to more proletarian models.

Replacing the half-million selling W222 unveiled in 2013, the W223 is the latest in a long line since the first W187 Ponton debuted in 1951, and includes the famous ‘Finnies' and Stroke-8 models that followed immediately afterwards, but it is the 1972 W116 that really set the template.

Now, seven generations in, the 2021 S-Class is all-new again, with progressive safety and interior features that should help keep it Australia's bestselling full-sized upper-luxury sedan.

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2020 Lexus LC500H Summary

For those merely gazing up to the lofty, ivory-tipped towers of high society, it would be easy to think that the mere ownership of a plush, premium vehicle, like the Lexus LC 500h for example, is a reward in and of itself.

The truth, though, is that Australia's premium manufacturers then sweeten the ownership pot even further, often inviting new owners into a secret club filled with tickets to exclusive events, seats at the fanciest of dining tables and concierge-style car maintenance, to name but a few of the perks on offer.

Lexus, though, sits atop the pile when it comes to offering ownership perks to its owners, and now more than ever, with the brand's existing Encore Club today welcoming a new and more-exclusive tier, called Encore Platinum.

We'll circle back to all of this under our 'Ownership' sub heading, but the short answer is that anyone who has bought a RC F, GS F, LX, LS or LC, like this 500h, since January 1 this year is automatically signed up, and is in line for some serious goodies.

Perhaps the most pressing question, though, is will it be the new ownership program that lures customers into a LC 500h? Or can the luxurious Lexus performance coupe stand on its own four wheels?

Let's find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2020 Lexus LC500H

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz set out to restore the S-Class' place amongst the greatest sedans in the world.

In the heavily-optioned, near-$250K-plus S450 as well as the extended S450L at $300K as tested (the sweet spot of the range for now), we reckon the Germans have succeeded, pushing safety, comfort and technology boundaries, in a package that is true to the heritage of the series.

Tax-fuelled sky-high prices will certainly keep the S-Class niche in Australia, but the car is more than good enough to dominate its tiny corner of the upper-large luxury car sphere.

The best new car in the world? We reckon it's highly likely. Mission accomplished, Mercedes.

Verdict

A truly fuel-efficient performance car, who’d have thought? There are some obvious trade-offs for trying to exist in two seperate worlds, but the Lexus LC 500h largely handles its dual roles with aplomb.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Lexus LC500H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Lexus LC500H
What's the difference?