Autobild: Lexus LS600h vs Mercedes S600

[cawimmer430]

Autobild compared the LS600h to the Mercedes S600.

They didn't a select a winner but gave the Lexus 50% and the Mercedes 50% in terms of win-win, a draw basically.

Overall, the Mercedes S600 was sportier, handled better, was more comfortable, stronger and more responsive brakes and gave more driving pleasure. The LS600h convinced with a lot of technology, quiet ride, excellent AWD system and good fuel economy.

The S600 obviously scored very low in terms of CO2 output and fuel economy, especially within the city (S600: 21.7 liters / LS600h 11.3 liters). However, the Lexus LS600h, at a mere 190 km/h on the Autobahn will consume over 30 liters of gasoline, just like the Mercedes S600. So basically, Autobild mentioned that the LS600h's only read advantage is within the city.

Both cars were nearly tied for rear seat comfort, though the S600 offered a little more side space at the rear. The Mercedes took 4.6 seconds from 0-100 km/h while the Lexus needed 6.3 seconds. The LS600h cannot follow the S600 in midrange acceleration, or even from 0-100 km/h due to the massive 830 Nm of torque the S600 develops. Even at a stoplight, the S600 will leave the LS600h behind.

The Mercedes S600 has the bigger trunk and can take onboard more load capacity than the Lexus LS600h which is seriously handicapped by the heavy weight of the hybrid system. Let's not even talk about the load capacity...

In the end, it depends on what one looks for. Those who want to be spoiled by an ultra quiet ride, roomy rear and technology and care about CO2 emissions are best served with the LS600h. The customer who likes to drive himself, enjoy wonderful handling and comfort and is not too concerned about fuel efficiency should go for the S600.

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Fazit von AUTO BILD-Autor Georg Kacher:
Wer viel Kurzstrecke fährt – oder sich fahren lässt –, der sollte den Lexus in die engere Wahl ziehen. Nein, nicht nur wegen CO2 und Sprit-Spar-Effekt. Sondern auch zur Befriedigung des Spieltriebs, den vor allem die Fondpassagiere im Überfluss ausleben dürfen. Als Fahrmaschine ist dagegen der Mercedes nicht zu schlagen. Er geht um Welten besser, ist viel komfortabler und macht rundum mehr Spaß. Das S-600-Budget sprengt allerdings (fast) jeden Rahmen.

[Centurion]

I've driven the new GS and it's pretty damn high tech but I don't get why Autobild calls the LS high tech, especially in comparison to the S-class which is supposed to be the hight of technology.

The S600 has a very scary fuel consumption. 21l/100km, that's as much as a freaking helicopter. Thanks a lot for the translation though. Gotta love the S600 kit, rim and exterior colour combo. That's exactly how I want my S-class.

[cawimmer430]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

I've driven the new GS and it's pretty damn high tech but I don't get why Autobild calls the LS high tech, especially in comparison to the S-class which is supposed to be the hight of technology.

Hi Luwalira,

I've also heard the sayings that the S-Class is a very hightech car, but I guess Lexus advertises more about their technology. They cannot compete against the Germans in this class with prestige, because they have none (in the same sense as the big German three), so they dazzle consumers with technology and they advertise this. That's my opinion of why people claim the LS600h is filled with technology. It's true though. I guess both cars are filled to the max with this stuff.

Originally Posted by Luwalira

The S600 has a very scary fuel consumption. 21l/100km, that's as much as a freaking helicopter. Thanks a lot for the translation though. Gotta love the S600 kit, rim and exterior colour combo. That's exactly how I want my S-class.

If you're going to consider an S600 in the first place, fuel economy is not your priority. By the way, the 21 liters is the S600's fuel consumption in the city. In normal daily driving, Autobild got an acceptable 14.3 l / 100 km with the S600 and 9.5 L / 100 km with the Lexus.

[Bruce]

Thanks for the test Wimmer!

Personally, I do not feel the LS600h should be compared to the S600. I think a comparsion against the 760i and/or A8 W12 would have been better suited (especially when it comes to performance figures).

Nonetheless, despite it's shortcomings, it appears the LS held it's own.

[The Artist]

lol MB won in all areas that matter..

the tech thing i dont buy
the quiet thing..i have to take my hat off to lexus on this one
AWD --?? who cares?
Fuel economy.. once again who cares..

[Merc1]

That they found the Benz to be more comfortable and yet sportier is really telling. If Mercedes can't get anything else right, they always mangage to get the S/CL/SL correct each and every time. Amazing though the Lexus even compares at this level, impressive for them. The Lexus does look like some sort of nice railway car next to the svelte Benz.

M

[Mr. M]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

The S600 has a very scary fuel consumption. 21l/100km, that's as much as a freaking helicopter. Thanks a lot for the translation though. Gotta love the S600 kit, rim and exterior colour combo. That's exactly how I want my S-class.

Dude, sometimes we do 21L/100KM on the QP.

This is the best review I've seen so far of the cars. Best as in, unbiased. Thanks for sharing Wimmer.