LS 500 vs Model S
Put the LS 500 next to the Model S and you have Lexus and Tesla going after exactly the same midsize luxury car crowd. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Model S wins
Key Differences
-
The Model S has a bigger 17 in touchscreen
The Model S’s 17 in leaves the LS 500’s 12.3 in well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
- LS 500 206.1 in × 74.8 in × 57.5 in
- Model S 197.7 in × 77.3 in × 56.3 in
If you’re worried about fit, relax: either car occupies roughly the same footprint.
Dimensions
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 206.1 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.8 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 57.5 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 123 in | 116.5 in |
Engine & Performance
The engine & performance entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the LS 500 and the Model S part ways.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the LS 500 nor the Model S has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
Model S leads
A modest lead on safety & tech belongs to the Model S. The Model S comes with a bigger 17 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. If this section decides it for you, choose the Model S.
Largest touchscreen
LS 500: 12.3 in Model S: 17 in The Model S’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 416 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 410 mi |
| Fuel tank | 21.7 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 17 cu ft Biggest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in Smallest touchscreen | 17 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Tesla software; no Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 206.1 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.8 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 57.5 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 123 in | 116.5 in |
Price
| Spec | LS 500 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $97,830 | N/A (not specified) |
“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 Model S if…
- you want the bigger touchscreen (17 in vs 12.3 in)
- you already use other Tesla products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the LS 500 or the Model S?
Neither wins outright. Choose the LS 500 if the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters most, or the Model S if safety & tech does.
Is the LS 500 bigger than the Model S?
The LS 500 and the Model S are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the LS 500 and the Model S purely on what they offer. On the other side, the Model S brings a bigger 17 in touchscreen, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the LS 500, safety & tech to the Model S.
My pick: there’s no single winner, so choose the LS 500 for the things a spec sheet can’t capture or the Model S for safety & tech.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.