A6 e-tron vs LS 500
The A6 e-tron and the LS 500 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the A6 e-tron versus the LS 500 is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance LS 500 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The LS 500 has 41 hp more power
A narrow win for the LS 500. With 416 hp to 375 hp, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A6 e-tron | 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
In the engine & performance category, the LS 500 is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. In its favor, the LS 500 has 41 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Weighing only engine & performance, the LS 500 comes out ahead.
Total system output
A6 e-tron: 375 hp LS 500: 416 hp The LS 500’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the A6 e-tron and the LS 500 each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 e-tron | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 375 hp | 416 hp (winner) |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 442 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (quattro AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 e-tron | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 17 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 e-tron | 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 e-tron | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 e-tron | 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 e-tron | 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 e-tron | 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 LS 500 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (416 hp vs 375 hp)
- you already use other Lexus products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A6 e-tron or the LS 500?
On the specs compared here, the LS 500 makes more sense for most buyers; the A6 e-tron doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the A6 e-tron’s and the LS 500’s) so you don’t have to. What I like most about the LS 500 here is 41 hp more power.
If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is your thing, the A6 e-tron fits. If engine & performance matters more, the LS 500 makes more sense.
My pick: the LS 500.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.