A6 vs LS 500
The A6 and the LS 500 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Where the A6 shines on fuel economy & range, the LS 500 counters on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance LS 500 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range A6 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.2
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance5.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The LS 500 has 155 hp more power
On this line of the spec sheet, the LS 500 is in a different league: 416 hp, next to 261 hp for the A6. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The A6 has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the A6 leads by a wide margin: 26 mpg versus 21 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The LS 500 has 169 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 442 lb-ft to the A6’s 273 lb-ft, the LS 500 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The A6 has better city fuel economy
Put simply, the A6 is far ahead here: 24 mpg compared with 17 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the A6 starts from a better baseline.
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The A6 has better highway fuel economy
The A6 nudges ahead with 31 mpg, while the LS 500 lists 27 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 206.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 123 in |
Engine & Performance
LS 500 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the LS 500 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The LS 500 brings 155 hp more power. The LS 500’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the LS 500 is the one to beat.
Total system output
A6: 261 hp LS 500: 416 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
A6: 273 lb-ft LS 500: 442 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
A6 leads
The A6 clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. The A6 wins here with better fuel economy. The A6 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the A6.
Fuel economy (combined)
A6: 26 mpg LS 500: 21 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
A6: 24 mpg LS 500: 17 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the A6 and the LS 500 cover space & practicality equally well on paper. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 416 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft Least torque in class | 442 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 17 cu ft Biggest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 206.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 123 in |
Price
| Spec | A6 | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $97,830 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A6 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (26 mpg vs 21 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (31 mpg vs 27 mpg on the highway)
Choose the LS 500 if…
- you want more power (416 hp vs 261 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (442 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Lexus’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A6 or the LS 500?
It depends on your priorities: the A6 is stronger on fuel economy & range, while the LS 500 leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the A6 and the LS 500. I just have opinions about the numbers. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the A6 has better fuel economy. Plus, the A6 gets better highway fuel economy, which I wouldn’t overlook. That said, the LS 500 answers with 155 hp more power, which some people will value more.
I think of the A6 as the one for fuel economy & range and the LS 500 as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let fuel economy & range versus engine & performance settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.