Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2007 Mercedes Benz S-Class VS 2007 Lexus LS Near Phoenix, AZ

The S550 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The LS Series doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

An active infrared night vision system optional on the S Class helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera and near-infrared lights to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The LS Series doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the S Class and the LS Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

There are over 58 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the S Class’ warranty.

The S550’s standard 5.5 DOHC V8 produces 2 more horsepower (382 vs. 380) and 24 lbs.-ft. more torque (391 vs. 367) than the LS Series’ 4.6 DOHC V8. The S600’s standard 5.5 turbo V12 produces 130 more horsepower (510 vs. 380) and 245 lbs.-ft. more torque (612 vs. 367) than the LS Series’ 4.6 DOHC V8. The S65’s standard 6.0 turbo V12 produces 224 more horsepower (604 vs. 380) and 371 lbs.-ft. more torque (738 vs. 367) than the LS Series’ 4.6 DOHC V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the Mercedes S Class is faster than the Lexus LS Series:

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the S Class’ engines produce their peak torque and horsepower at lower RPM’s than the LS Series:

The S Class has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the LS Series (23.8 vs. 22.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the S Class’ brake rotors are larger than those on the LS Series:

The S Class stops much shorter than the LS Series:

For better traction, the S Class has larger standard tires than the LS Series (255/45R18 vs. 235/50R18). The S Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LS Series (F:255/40R19 & R:275/40R19 vs. 245/45R19).

The S550’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio), which provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS Series’ standard 50 series tires. The S Class’ optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the LS SeriesL’s optional 45 series tires.

The front and rear suspension of the S Class uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the LS Series, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The S Class offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the LS Series.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the S Class’ wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer than on the LS LWB. The S Class’ wheelbase is 7.7 inches longer than on the LS Series.

The S600 handles at .82 G’s, while the LS 460 pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

The S600 goes through Road & Track’s slalom 4.7 MPH faster than the LS 460 (64.6 vs. 59.9 MPH).

The S Class has 5.4 inches more front hip room, .6 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, 2.5 inches more rear legroom, 5.4 inches more rear hip room and 1.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the LS Series.

The power windows standard on both the S Class and the LS Series have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the S Class is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The LS Series prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left down on the S Class the driver can raise them all using the keyless remote (remote must be aimed at door sensor); on a hot day the driver can lower the windows. The driver of the LS Series can only raise the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the S Class to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The LS Series doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

A power rear sun shade is standard on the S Class to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. A sunshade costs extra on the LS Series.

The S Class’ standard power mirror controls are mounted on the door for easy access. The LS Series’ power mirror controls are on the dash, hidden behind the steering wheel, where they are awkward to manipulate.

The headlight lenses on the S Class are made of plastic to be lighter, more resistant to damage and less expensive to replace than the glass headlight lenses on the LS Series.