e-tron GT vs LS 500
The e-tron GT and the LS 500 land in the same midsize luxury car category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it. The e-tron GT also costs $27,670 more at launch, which raises the bar for what it needs to deliver.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance e-tron GT wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price LS 500 wins
Key Differences
-
The e-tron GT has 254 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the e-tron GT makes its strongest case: 670 hp against 416 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | e-tron GT | 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
e-tron GT leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the e-tron GT leads, and not by a little. The e-tron GT takes this one with 254 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the e-tron GT the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
e-tron GT: 670 hp LS 500: 416 hp The e-tron GT’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the e-tron GT nor the LS 500 has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the e-tron GT’s and the LS 500’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | e-tron GT | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 670 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 416 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 442 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 2-speed (rear axle) | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | e-tron GT | 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 |
| Electric range | 300 mi | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | e-tron GT | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 17 cu ft Biggest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | e-tron GT | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | e-tron GT | 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 | e-tron GT | 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 | e-tron GT | LS 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $125,500 Priciest in class | $97,830 (winner) |
“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.
Price & Value
The LS 500 launched at $27,670 less than the e-tron GT, a gap of 28%. What does the e-tron GT’s extra $27,670 actually get you? Mainly 254 hp more power.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of June 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the e-tron GT if…
- you want more power (670 hp vs 416 hp)
- you already know your way around Audi’s products
Choose the LS 500 if…
- you’re working to a firm budget and $27,670 matters
- you already use other Lexus products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the e-tron GT or the LS 500?
We’d point most buyers to the e-tron GT. The main exception is if every dollar counts and $27,670 is a real sum for you.
Which costs less, the e-tron GT or the LS 500?
The e-tron GT launched at $27,670 more than the LS 500, based on prices as of June 2024.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the e-tron GT and the LS 500. I think the e-tron GT makes its strongest case with 254 hp more power.
If engine & performance is your thing, the e-tron GT fits. If price matters more, the LS 500 makes more sense.
My pick: the e-tron GT; the one scenario where I’d reach for the LS 500 is if paying $27,670 more feels hard to justify for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.