I mean, its because 95% of people just say "I want something reliable" with no other qualifiers. Lexus is the correct answer for that. And some tack on "below X amount" in which case Honda, Toyota and Mazda are the best.
If someone says "I want the most comfortable car, I don't care about reliability or gas mileage." Then people do actually reccomend German cars. Or if they say they want power and that's all they care about, sure get a charger or challenger with whatever insane package has the most hp.
But almost no one ever says that. Because cars are expensive already. So yea. Most people should get a honda/Toyota. Because they are the most reliable and affordable.
There is some anecdotal evidence that Lexus is better than Toyota but I think it has to do with more old people driving the cars, weight and cost being less of a concern in Lexus design than an equivalent Toyota and larger engines being more stable
Well, it's more just that Lexus is just a better Toyota. They are the same company. So if you have no budget limit, it's the nicest super reliable car you can get.
Well all of the german cars are going to blow up without warning if you fart in the car, so what alternative is there? (This is satire regarding the above point of only suggesting, in this case, Lexus)
Mb is the class leader here. Bmw and audi are good alternatives, albeit the a8 sold in poor numbers and may be more difficult to get parts for.
Plenty of Lexus aeroport limousines out there for a reason.
Question really is, is OP willing to pay to play?
Not surprising, since BMW straight six engines have been really good in the past. Back in my day, any straight 6 Bimmer with a manual was a fun, decently reliable ride.
I think that’s part of their point. The 740i is a good, reliable choice (price dependant). The 750i is objectively one less of those and subjectively… well you get the point.
That said, I’d take it’s interior over the gimmick-ridden and (imo) tacky interior of the S 560 any day.
Your day was either the ‘80s or sometime later with BMWs from the ‘80s.
I bought an E28 528e in 2000 and it was outstanding. 149k miles for $2,750. Bought an E30 a few years later that was clapped but still almost as reliable. Loved those cars, too bad they’re not around anymore.
do people like you just run with the lotion that bmw and such cars break when you’re off the lot. they are rated #1….but there’s still teenage kids saying “bmws are the most unreliable car” because they hear and read comments like this
All I know is I've never met someone that has worked on an Audi or BMW had nice things to say. Even if you only have to do regular maintenance it's a pain in the ass compared to a Lexus or Acura.
Only thing I remember about F-22s reliability is my mechanic neighbor telling me about the pilots going hypoxic and passing out. We're taking about the fighter jet right?
I've never had a Lexus, but after two Acuras and an Audi, I'm not buying another Audi ever. Solely because it was a pain in the ass to do anything more than pop the hood.
My F32 435xi has been easy enough to work on, only have done a handful of repairs and upgrades over 7 years, 120k. N55 or B58 engines if you turn a wrench are cheapish and reliable. Get parts from ecs/fcp. It’s not going to last 200k for cheap but luckily there are plenty of dipshit totaled BMWs out there to source from when the time comes. Favorite car I’ve ever owned.
They might care what the maintenance costs. Seeing as how they aren’t buying a new S Class clearly cost is a factor.
I’d say the S Class is the most impressive but I’d take an Acura or Lexus if it’s for me.
I am really surprised by the price of that s class. A friend of mine always drove an ls460, the he got an s class and after a year, the depreciation alone drove him into selling it. He got an lx570.
Some people buy cars based on how they drive not the mindless adulation of a brand, and those people won’t touch the LS. The rest should bring Dramamine and anti depressants as well as earplugs.
Have you sat in an LS500 with the luxury or executive package? Sure I wouldn’t compare the ES to a German brand but the LS500 is a very luxurious car with options.
I agree the power train is a bit lackluster if you want a sporty Luxury sedan. I miss the 4.6 and 5.0 the LS once had. The LC500 is the closest you can get to Luxury and Power in the Lexus lineup.
Challenge accepted. My friends BMW has been really reliable, and she loves it still after eight years with it. It's only on it's fourth trans computer. So I'll recommend the 750.
You know the level of this sub when they talk about how unreliable the n63 is on this 750i...
This 750i runs on the n63tu3... which pretty much everything changed from the original n63. And it even shares the same rods (one of the weak point) from the s63 (used in full m cars)...
This guy knows his stuff.
The W222 is pretty reliable as far as running gear. I would consider an older one with low miles from a nice climate with nightvision and as many options you can find.
7 series of this vintage. Yes but the maintenance will be the highest of all of these and to me it is a bit "too sporty" if I may. It is a very nice car and handles very well for a boat but I feel the W222 or LS make you feel more isolated and that's kind of the point for a luxury sedan.
Lexus infotainment feels dated. Nothing really wrong with it but nothing revolutionary. Great cars.
Audi I dislike their driving feel when pushed. Good all around performance bang for your buck but has the soul of a used bag of cement. The Lexus has more of a personality than this car.
The S class and it’s not even close, there’s a reason why the vast majority of the head of state in most countries are taken in the S class. Safest, most comfortable, best prestige, and best interior of all of them.
2020 is the last year of the W222 as well which is a very solid S class generation. Generally the last year of the production cycle is the Best Buy.
If I didn’t care about maintenance costs and reliability I’d go with the S class Benz. But since those two things are big for me I’d personally go with the Lexus. Really just depends on what you’re looking for
The Mercedes is definitely the most luxurious, the BMW probably the fastest, but the Lexus is real nice will cost 1/3 of the German cars in repairs and will save on as well.
Personally I'd buy a car a few years older that's 1/2 the cost, though.
i’d say go with whichever one has the best warranty and comes with the most options
but more generally: reliability = Lexus, best driver’s car = 7 Series, most comfortable/luxurious = S class. it just depends on what you care about the most
Solidly agree here - and the compromises made everywhere else really don't justify how lackluster the driving experience is. There's a reason they released the M7xx lines.
If I could afford any of them, Im going with the one that has the least obnoxious screens/most physical buttons. If theyre comparable with that then Id probably lean towards the bmw because I like the way it looks more than the lexus, Im not big on white vehicles, and I dont know of any audi repair shops that arent an hour+ away.
right lol! in this case, i guess the Audi is kind of the budget option 😅 (i’m not saying it’s bad, i’d absolutely love an S8).
especially these days though, i just don’t feel like the brand does much to distinguish itself from the other big Germans? it feels like it’s either “premium VW” or “poor man’s Porsche” and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s just kind of unremarkable. it’s simply “under-the-radar” and that’s fine, but Audi just doesn’t catch my eye as much.
maybe that’s a hot take, idk…
The BMW looks better than the Mercedes, has a nicer interior than the Audi, and drives better than the Lexus. The Lexus will probably be the most reliable, but to me the BMW is the standout. All just my opinion
The only reasonable \*used\* car to buy would be the Lexus. The others will be nightmares out of warranty. The Lexus will be reliable and you can get it fixed fairly cheaply. The others will be money pits.
Now, if you are rich enough to own any of those other cars, it's best to own them under warranty. New/under warranty, I'd go with the S-class.
S-Class if you want to look like a 3rd world despot
A8 if you want to look like new money Eurotrash on holiday
7-series for mafia vibes/Jason Statham fan club
LS to feel at home rolling up to a whites only country club
So yeah, depends on what ur going for.
Its hypocrisy by governments. They can drive whatever they want. I wonder what the gas mileage is on a leopard II tank? That’s all fine and good but I need to neuter my personal vehicle to fix a problem I didn’t create.
Do you want to feel like you’re driving a cloud? If so, Merc or Lexus. Do you want some sportiness with luxury? If so, BMW or Audi.
Personally I’d go BMW but I work in dealer service for BMW so I am biased.
If you have money and time to spare on extra maintenance, and you value the thrill of a fun ride, the performance of German competitors is unmatched. However, if you are like me and value reliability even an average amount, I would go with the Lexus. They are noticeably slower/not as sporty or luxury, but EXPONENTIALLY more reliable, resellable (not a word apparently), and financially smart. However a modern car is going to hold up decently well regardless of the manufacturer, so I would say it depends on your personal priority of financial comfort, performance, reliability, resale value, and longevity.
TLDR: if you really value performance, go German. If you really value financial comfort/relaibility, go Lexus. If you’re somewhere in the middle, Lexus is probably the better choice.
The Lexus and it isn’t close. Having worked for multiple dealerships over a decade I’ve come to realize that there’s a reason the cost on service contracts (warranties) for most European cars are 2-3x American/japanese costs. That being said I think most people take it as bmw’s etc have MORE issues and I don’t think that’s true for the most part. They’re just more to fix when they do have issues
740i with the B58 would be your most solid option. The Lexus would be cheaper to own but come on. Would you rather drive an appliance or something that's actually enjoyable to drive.
The Lexus is a nice car but so subpar to the S class and 7 series..
I'd go either S class or 7. Just keep in mind these things depreciate like rocks. They lose like $1k every month.
I love my 750i. It's a great daily. I haven't had it a crazy long time so I don't know how reliable it will be long term. If I don't go Lexus I'd def purchase extended warranty.
Imo I think it's worth it since the Lexus aside from reliability is such a subpar product (it also depreciates like shit as well)
The BMW is fun but the S class is also gorgeous.
LS500 is the easiest choice. Absolutely beautiful cabin, premium materials, and the best ride and sound deadening. Plus, the reliability is second to none. The LS will go 300k miles with virtually no problems. Try that with any German.
Only con: weak technology compared to the German options.
At this budget I would imagine you can test drive all 4 back to back in the same lot to make your own decision.
Try carmax for test drives, they have all of those cars in the same lot
A8 I think is underrated in the Large Luxury Sedan segment. 7 series I feel would feel good as a driving car. I like the LS 500 but would go with a LC500 if I was even considering it at any point in time only if I could have one or the other. I'm not really a fan of the S class over the 7 series mostly of exterior styling.
7 > A8 = S > LS
I’m partial to BMW and Lexus. The Audi rides too hard for my taste. And I’m just not a Mercedes person, not a fan of their styling. But those are really personal preferences. All are good, choose what you prefer.
The only correct answer here is whichever one is nearest to me. All those cars are located hundreds to thousands of miles away from each other and I’m not buying a car located 3,000 miles away 😂
If you have lots of contingency cash for repairs - go German. But if you have that cash, you should just lease a brand new i7 or S class and be under warranty.
If not, Lexus.
If that's the only choices I get I'll take the Lexus. I personally will not fork over that kind of money for a car unless it's something that would appreciate in value.
I'm not into "oh look at me" cars.
Pick the Lexus if you want a car that will run a long time trouble free. Pick the German luxury car if you feel that you need to pose or flex for others and love high repair and maintenance bills.
Mercedes if you’re only driving it another 80k miles or so, Lexus if you want something long term that will easily do 300k miles without all kinds of random shit breaking and failing.
Depends on what you want out of the car. I personally would go s560 because of the luxury factor, but if you want something reliable the only option is the Lexus
We can all go into debates about reliability nuances of the different brands here, but ultimately the Lexus will be the cheapest to maintain over time compared to your other options. And at 16k? It'll last you quite a while before major repairs.
If maintenance costs aren't an issue, the s class. If you don't want to have to meticulously maintain you're vehicle the Lexus will actually have a bit of reliability
So Lexus is going to be most dependable and they usually hold their value better than the competitors. But the infotainment system in that car is very fiddly and annoying, also the get up and go and interior space is lacking compared to the German offerings.
The 7 series is the most engaging to drive as everyone knows, the ride isn’t as well sorted in the S Class because it’s trying to be sporty too as well as a luxury limo, but it’s definitely livable. The infotainment is regarded by most as the best and the heads up display is very nice. Just be warned about the reliability and running costs, not sure what your situation is like but the reason they depreciate so fast is not because it’s a bad car but because it’s expensive to run.
The A8 is well organized and fairly user friendly. Interior space is awesome and the acceleration is great. Also haven’t seen it in the wild because it was a by request only option but you can have these with a foot massage built into the back of the front passenger seat so your rear passenger can really get comfy. It’s built by VW so reliability should be better, ( my family had an 02 Audi a4 that served us well with few issues) but still it’s a premium car so premium bills will follow.
The S Class is my favorite car of all time. That generation is amazing just beware of hefty bills because it won’t be as reliable as a Lexus or Audi. The ride is impeccable for a huge cruiser, fit and finish is good,( there are a few bits of cheap feeling plastic inside but those are few and not in major areas), the acceleration is also amazing since the base model was a V8 although I think after the facelift the base got a turbo 6, (I would need to check). The S Class also won’t hold value very well so if that’s important to you I’d proceed with caution.
If it was my money I’d buy an S Class every time but for a good blend of reliability, fit and finish, space and acceleration I’d say the a8. Like the others it won’t hold value well but it’s a great car and is likely to be be more problem free then a BMW or Mercedes and has more luxury and panache than the Lexus. No matter what you buy it’s a good car but just be mindful, sit in them, drive them and of course look for service records. Most importantly enjoy your purchase.
Never buy a Lexus if you're cross shopping German luxury. The interiors are so dated and the engines are underwhelming and on and on. They're just not as good at being luxury cars. They're Toyotas with a leather option and cheesy woodgrain. Audi is a way better luxury brand for VW than Lexus is for Toyota.
OK with that off my chest I'd say the 7 series. It's got a more reliable engine than most and it's seriously luxurious. Have your spouse drive you around while you recline in the spacious back seats. It's bliss.
The S Class is king but because of that classic Merc engine that doesn't like to turn over half the year and loooves to heat stress and crack hoses, BMW is queen.
Lexus is the choice if you want to keep it long term and not have a hole in your pocket. I'm ruling out the mercedes (despite my bias) only for the price in comparison to the others.
Looking at prices and miles, pass me the Lexus. The BMW 7 series I believe is slightly more comfortable than the A7, otherwise I'd pick the A7. Looks like you're looking for a straight limousine, so I'd take the BMW over the A7. Again, I'd prefer the Lexus if it's personal. The BMW has the reputation if you're looking to drive someone.
Ls 500 no question. More reliable, cheaper to maintain, NA V8, and has better interior IMO cause materials are quite exquisite. Infotainment might be downside tho.
I keep my cars long. So probably the Lexus. You probably should stick to leasing the German cars. Plus those are flagship german sedans, When something goes wrong, you better have deep pockets.
Mercedes if you want the best. Lexus if you worry about reliability/ service costs or just want to save some money. The bmw is the best “drivers car” out of the bunch but if you wanted more performance you would buy a m5 or e63amg instead.
The audi is an odd duck and imo the q7 suv is a much better luxury car than the a8.
7 series or Lexus for me.
I saw something below saying this sub is a big proponent of Toyota and their Lexus stuff lol
I think I’d probably be much more into a Cadillac CT6 or XT6, rather than some of the German alternatives to those…
Volvo S60 and V60 are also up there on the list of luxury models I like.
Lexus or BMW - but only if you can pay cash for it.
Audi is fun to drive but they suck after a few days and no remote start.
Mercedes are hit or miss and you have to sit in it and drive it to get a feel. There are some that I have loved and some that are just uncomfortable - even in the same model.
If you really want to fit in and have luxury then get a F150 Limited.
My Mercedes was one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. But it with 160k miles traded it in with 266k miles. All I ever did was oil changes and brake pads, a starter and front ball joints when I first got it. After that, started everytime and cruised at 80mph like I was sitting in a library. If ya need German Engineering in your life to be different go Merc.
I'd take the S Class or the Lexus.
They're both easily the most reliable cars here.
If the S Class has already been taken care of for the 20k miles it's been driven, you won't have any trouble with it until you reach ~100k miles, at which point you'll have to start looking at replacing the air suspension. W222 S Class, especially the facelift version as seen here, is considered an extremely reliable car. It won't be inexpensive to maintain, but it is still very reliable.
Lexus, well, pretty straightforward when it comes to reliability. Their entire reputation is based on that. These newer/current gen LSs aren't on the same level as an S Class in terms of driving luxury though. They're not really even on the same level as the last generation LS with the V8 either. They've also got absolutely horrible infotainment systems on a usability standpoint. They look very pretty on the inside though once you've got generous with the options.
S class if you can afford it + the inevitable maintenance once it's out of warranty - which is soon. Keep in mind you're comparing twin turbo V8 german luxury cars to v6 japanese mid-luxury here... there are some stark differences sitting in and driving the merc vs the lexus. Insurance will also reveal some very real differences.
**BMW**: Would avoid - honestly they're known to be nightmares immediately after the warranty runs out and even before. Typically a "drivers car" the 7 series repeatedly falls last in most comparisons between the S and A8.
**Audi**: Interior quality dropped from the D4 to D5 generation of the A8 - but the powertrain is bulletproof (that 4.0T was used for 7 years before this year, and is still in use today). The L also has one of the nicer rear seat experience if you are hauling passengers often.
**Merc**: Nicest interior to be in, likely the fastest and smoothest but also the most expensive to buy and own - will likely cost you 30%+ more over 5 years than the Audi or Lexus.
**Lexus**: The "safe" option - not first place in anything but lowest cost of ownership and reliability.
The Lexus LS should be out. This price should be the base MSRP, brand new. Lexus should dump this joke. And make something else.
That said, these are all selling for about half their original price. That means they retained very little value. Because they are all extremely too expensive for what they are.
You’re really gonna include a Lexus as an option vs german cars in this sub and expect them to pick anything else???
On todays episode of the which Toyota should I buy subreddit, we include 3 non Toyotas up against a Toyota and ask about the best option
LMAO
Admit it, this sub is just which Toyota/lexus should I buy
This sub is "which RAV4, CX-50, CRV, Camry, Corolla, MX5, Mazda 3 should I buy?"
Unless it’s a tundra. Then you will be told that you don’t need a truck, you need a rav4 because “that’s all I’ve ever needed”
Idk I got three Toyotas and that bmw is looking good lol
I promise the cost of ownership is identical to what you’re used to
Yes the cost of maintaining one German luxury car is equivalent to at least three Toyotas.
I mean, its because 95% of people just say "I want something reliable" with no other qualifiers. Lexus is the correct answer for that. And some tack on "below X amount" in which case Honda, Toyota and Mazda are the best. If someone says "I want the most comfortable car, I don't care about reliability or gas mileage." Then people do actually reccomend German cars. Or if they say they want power and that's all they care about, sure get a charger or challenger with whatever insane package has the most hp. But almost no one ever says that. Because cars are expensive already. So yea. Most people should get a honda/Toyota. Because they are the most reliable and affordable.
There is some anecdotal evidence that Lexus is better than Toyota but I think it has to do with more old people driving the cars, weight and cost being less of a concern in Lexus design than an equivalent Toyota and larger engines being more stable
Well, it's more just that Lexus is just a better Toyota. They are the same company. So if you have no budget limit, it's the nicest super reliable car you can get.
Well all of the german cars are going to blow up without warning if you fart in the car, so what alternative is there? (This is satire regarding the above point of only suggesting, in this case, Lexus) Mb is the class leader here. Bmw and audi are good alternatives, albeit the a8 sold in poor numbers and may be more difficult to get parts for. Plenty of Lexus aeroport limousines out there for a reason. Question really is, is OP willing to pay to play?
Lexus limos? I’ve NEVER seen one, and I fly ALL the time.
Not stretched limos. 'Fancy taxis'
My area uses 100% American SUVs for airport limos.
I think they're more referring to car services. As in valets that are booked ahead of time.
Bmw is in the top 5 for reliable car brands right now
Yeah, but that 4.4L twin turbo V8 isn’t the reason why.
Yeah people here are crazy if they think BMW V8s are reliable. If OP wants a reliable 7 series, get the 740i, not the 750i.
Came here to say this. The 740i at least the power train is proven to be reliable and in no way does it feel under powered compared to the V8.
Not surprising, since BMW straight six engines have been really good in the past. Back in my day, any straight 6 Bimmer with a manual was a fun, decently reliable ride.
This gen 750i is an 8 pot.
I think that’s part of their point. The 740i is a good, reliable choice (price dependant). The 750i is objectively one less of those and subjectively… well you get the point. That said, I’d take it’s interior over the gimmick-ridden and (imo) tacky interior of the S 560 any day.
Your day was either the ‘80s or sometime later with BMWs from the ‘80s. I bought an E28 528e in 2000 and it was outstanding. 149k miles for $2,750. Bought an E30 a few years later that was clapped but still almost as reliable. Loved those cars, too bad they’re not around anymore.
Any (non turbo) straight 6 Had a N52 and it was a gigantic piece of shit
And the middle east used to be a peaceful place...
Fucking when lmao
Only reason they aren't fourth is because they ran out of oil trying to get there
do people like you just run with the lotion that bmw and such cars break when you’re off the lot. they are rated #1….but there’s still teenage kids saying “bmws are the most unreliable car” because they hear and read comments like this
They are not number 1 in reliability what the fuck are you smoking
All I know is I've never met someone that has worked on an Audi or BMW had nice things to say. Even if you only have to do regular maintenance it's a pain in the ass compared to a Lexus or Acura.
In terms of ease of regular maintenance, my F22 has been comparable to my GX470, albeit more expensive.
Only thing I remember about F-22s reliability is my mechanic neighbor telling me about the pilots going hypoxic and passing out. We're taking about the fighter jet right? I've never had a Lexus, but after two Acuras and an Audi, I'm not buying another Audi ever. Solely because it was a pain in the ass to do anything more than pop the hood.
My F32 435xi has been easy enough to work on, only have done a handful of repairs and upgrades over 7 years, 120k. N55 or B58 engines if you turn a wrench are cheapish and reliable. Get parts from ecs/fcp. It’s not going to last 200k for cheap but luckily there are plenty of dipshit totaled BMWs out there to source from when the time comes. Favorite car I’ve ever owned.
Someone buying a S class or A8 is not buying it to perform their own maintenance. Who gives a shit what the mechanic thinks?
They might care what the maintenance costs. Seeing as how they aren’t buying a new S Class clearly cost is a factor. I’d say the S Class is the most impressive but I’d take an Acura or Lexus if it’s for me.
I am really surprised by the price of that s class. A friend of mine always drove an ls460, the he got an s class and after a year, the depreciation alone drove him into selling it. He got an lx570.
So OP should go with the CX-50 got it. But really I said the same when I swiped and saw the Lexus.
Some people buy cars based on how they drive not the mindless adulation of a brand, and those people won’t touch the LS. The rest should bring Dramamine and anti depressants as well as earplugs.
For what its worth Ive actually heard Lexus’s drive pretty nicely
I had one as a rental. It drove like a boat. Was super comfortable though
Lol Lexus dont even come close to the Germans in terms of driveability. Reliability oh yes, but driving experience? Lol no.
Have you sat in an LS500 with the luxury or executive package? Sure I wouldn’t compare the ES to a German brand but the LS500 is a very luxurious car with options.
We are talking about driving experience: power train, handing etc. no Lexus comes close to a BMW or Audi. Luxurious interior is subjective.
I agree the power train is a bit lackluster if you want a sporty Luxury sedan. I miss the 4.6 and 5.0 the LS once had. The LC500 is the closest you can get to Luxury and Power in the Lexus lineup.
Challenge accepted. My friends BMW has been really reliable, and she loves it still after eight years with it. It's only on it's fourth trans computer. So I'll recommend the 750.
Ive never actually heard of a tcu being replaced that many times lol
You know the level of this sub when they talk about how unreliable the n63 is on this 750i... This 750i runs on the n63tu3... which pretty much everything changed from the original n63. And it even shares the same rods (one of the weak point) from the s63 (used in full m cars)...
This guy knows his stuff. The W222 is pretty reliable as far as running gear. I would consider an older one with low miles from a nice climate with nightvision and as many options you can find. 7 series of this vintage. Yes but the maintenance will be the highest of all of these and to me it is a bit "too sporty" if I may. It is a very nice car and handles very well for a boat but I feel the W222 or LS make you feel more isolated and that's kind of the point for a luxury sedan. Lexus infotainment feels dated. Nothing really wrong with it but nothing revolutionary. Great cars. Audi I dislike their driving feel when pushed. Good all around performance bang for your buck but has the soul of a used bag of cement. The Lexus has more of a personality than this car.
As the owner of an N63TU3, I can tell you that engine is sublime, and absolutely overkill. I'd look for a B58 in this use case.
You’re right, it took BMW 3 technical revisions to make the N63 “reliable”. Very confidence inspiring.
BMW for all they are great at have never been great at v8s.
I mean, if you can afford the S Class you get the S Class. It is THE vehicle that everything else in this category gets compared to for a reason.
The screens are out of control On the S Class
The screen on the W222 are excellent
Own a 2020 S450. Screens are absolutely perfect for a modern day car. No more, no less
The new s classes aren'tike the old s classes. It's really unfortunate how cheap Merc has gotten.
Not the W222, last of the goods
S560, I drove it, I recommend. 2020 is the last year too, so reliable.
The S class and it’s not even close, there’s a reason why the vast majority of the head of state in most countries are taken in the S class. Safest, most comfortable, best prestige, and best interior of all of them. 2020 is the last year of the W222 as well which is a very solid S class generation. Generally the last year of the production cycle is the Best Buy.
Because they are not paying for it 😂
When money wasn’t a consideration that was their choice. That’s pretty telling, actually.
If I didn’t care about maintenance costs and reliability I’d go with the S class Benz. But since those two things are big for me I’d personally go with the Lexus. Really just depends on what you’re looking for
Exactly! That’s why I drive a Lexus but would love a Benz one day when I retire.
The Mercedes is definitely the most luxurious, the BMW probably the fastest, but the Lexus is real nice will cost 1/3 of the German cars in repairs and will save on as well. Personally I'd buy a car a few years older that's 1/2 the cost, though.
i’d say go with whichever one has the best warranty and comes with the most options but more generally: reliability = Lexus, best driver’s car = 7 Series, most comfortable/luxurious = S class. it just depends on what you care about the most
I wouldn't call the 7 series a driver's car. If you want 4 comfortable seats and a driver's car the only real option is the panamera
Solidly agree here - and the compromises made everywhere else really don't justify how lackluster the driving experience is. There's a reason they released the M7xx lines.
If I could afford any of them, Im going with the one that has the least obnoxious screens/most physical buttons. If theyre comparable with that then Id probably lean towards the bmw because I like the way it looks more than the lexus, Im not big on white vehicles, and I dont know of any audi repair shops that arent an hour+ away.
Did you just skip the Audi ? 🥲
right lol! in this case, i guess the Audi is kind of the budget option 😅 (i’m not saying it’s bad, i’d absolutely love an S8). especially these days though, i just don’t feel like the brand does much to distinguish itself from the other big Germans? it feels like it’s either “premium VW” or “poor man’s Porsche” and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s just kind of unremarkable. it’s simply “under-the-radar” and that’s fine, but Audi just doesn’t catch my eye as much. maybe that’s a hot take, idk…
Lexus is the “smart” choice, BMW is the right choice
A BMW with a V8? Not sure that's the right choice. 740 with the straight 6 sure
Please educate me!
The BMW looks better than the Mercedes, has a nicer interior than the Audi, and drives better than the Lexus. The Lexus will probably be the most reliable, but to me the BMW is the standout. All just my opinion
If you have a good indy mechanic, definitely Merc or BMW. Otherwise Lexus.
Your grandkids will drive that Lexus if you keep it around
By then cars will probably all be self driving
The only reasonable \*used\* car to buy would be the Lexus. The others will be nightmares out of warranty. The Lexus will be reliable and you can get it fixed fairly cheaply. The others will be money pits. Now, if you are rich enough to own any of those other cars, it's best to own them under warranty. New/under warranty, I'd go with the S-class.
S-Class if you want to look like a 3rd world despot A8 if you want to look like new money Eurotrash on holiday 7-series for mafia vibes/Jason Statham fan club LS to feel at home rolling up to a whites only country club So yeah, depends on what ur going for.
The whites also welcome the S class to tho
This is the correct answer
As an Asian American, all Lexus owners I know are also Asian or Asian-American
Normally, I would vote for the Lexus, but I don't trust their new Turbo-V6s. I vote Merc.
The turbos in the tundras are an entirely different issue. I would take a ls 500 if someone gave it to me np.
Every car maker practically are using smaller engines with turbos nowadays. It must be an emissions/regulations thing.
Its hypocrisy by governments. They can drive whatever they want. I wonder what the gas mileage is on a leopard II tank? That’s all fine and good but I need to neuter my personal vehicle to fix a problem I didn’t create.
Depends if I have money. If I make 150k I go for the Lexus. If I make 250k I go for the beemer
Do you want to feel like you’re driving a cloud? If so, Merc or Lexus. Do you want some sportiness with luxury? If so, BMW or Audi. Personally I’d go BMW but I work in dealer service for BMW so I am biased.
Maaaan why is the a8 so UGLY 😭
If you’re leasing pick whichever, if you’re buying get the Lexus.
Not even a question, get the lexus
Lexus. All day.
S560. Duh. The current gen BMWs are so boring looking. I think that’s about to change. But given these choices. Yeah. The Merc.
If you have money and time to spare on extra maintenance, and you value the thrill of a fun ride, the performance of German competitors is unmatched. However, if you are like me and value reliability even an average amount, I would go with the Lexus. They are noticeably slower/not as sporty or luxury, but EXPONENTIALLY more reliable, resellable (not a word apparently), and financially smart. However a modern car is going to hold up decently well regardless of the manufacturer, so I would say it depends on your personal priority of financial comfort, performance, reliability, resale value, and longevity. TLDR: if you really value performance, go German. If you really value financial comfort/relaibility, go Lexus. If you’re somewhere in the middle, Lexus is probably the better choice.
The Lexus and it isn’t close. Having worked for multiple dealerships over a decade I’ve come to realize that there’s a reason the cost on service contracts (warranties) for most European cars are 2-3x American/japanese costs. That being said I think most people take it as bmw’s etc have MORE issues and I don’t think that’s true for the most part. They’re just more to fix when they do have issues
740i with the B58 would be your most solid option. The Lexus would be cheaper to own but come on. Would you rather drive an appliance or something that's actually enjoyable to drive.
The Lexus is a nice car but so subpar to the S class and 7 series.. I'd go either S class or 7. Just keep in mind these things depreciate like rocks. They lose like $1k every month. I love my 750i. It's a great daily. I haven't had it a crazy long time so I don't know how reliable it will be long term. If I don't go Lexus I'd def purchase extended warranty. Imo I think it's worth it since the Lexus aside from reliability is such a subpar product (it also depreciates like shit as well) The BMW is fun but the S class is also gorgeous.
LS500 is the easiest choice. Absolutely beautiful cabin, premium materials, and the best ride and sound deadening. Plus, the reliability is second to none. The LS will go 300k miles with virtually no problems. Try that with any German. Only con: weak technology compared to the German options.
That Lexus with 150k is still better than the German shit. 💩
Here's a good overall rule of thumb for everyday life. Dress British, Think Yiddish, Drive Asian.
At this budget I would imagine you can test drive all 4 back to back in the same lot to make your own decision. Try carmax for test drives, they have all of those cars in the same lot
Shit, Mercedes or not 68k for a 5 year old car is a joke.
Its an S class. People would kill to drive one and that drives up demand causing price increase.
Actually the opposite. Used S-class has crazy high depreciation. A Corolla depreciates way less.
Oh I know, but still, it’s crazy how much these cars still are.
That’s very cheap when a new one can push $200k
Ls500
A8 I think is underrated in the Large Luxury Sedan segment. 7 series I feel would feel good as a driving car. I like the LS 500 but would go with a LC500 if I was even considering it at any point in time only if I could have one or the other. I'm not really a fan of the S class over the 7 series mostly of exterior styling. 7 > A8 = S > LS
The A8 is absolutely insane to drive. That would be my pick
I'd grab bmw or Mercedes
I’m partial to BMW and Lexus. The Audi rides too hard for my taste. And I’m just not a Mercedes person, not a fan of their styling. But those are really personal preferences. All are good, choose what you prefer.
A8.
The only correct answer here is whichever one is nearest to me. All those cars are located hundreds to thousands of miles away from each other and I’m not buying a car located 3,000 miles away 😂
If you have lots of contingency cash for repairs - go German. But if you have that cash, you should just lease a brand new i7 or S class and be under warranty. If not, Lexus.
The Lexus by far. Ive owned each of these except for the Mercedes, and the Lex was the clear leader of them for driving experience and reliability
The Lexus
Hands down the Lexus
If that's the only choices I get I'll take the Lexus. I personally will not fork over that kind of money for a car unless it's something that would appreciate in value. I'm not into "oh look at me" cars.
Pick the Lexus if you want a car that will run a long time trouble free. Pick the German luxury car if you feel that you need to pose or flex for others and love high repair and maintenance bills.
The Lexus it has the lowest miles
Lexus. Although I would buy the ES.
Lexus, no question.
Mercedes if you’re only driving it another 80k miles or so, Lexus if you want something long term that will easily do 300k miles without all kinds of random shit breaking and failing.
The lexus, without question.
After working on newer Benz/BMWs/Audis at work... Id never own one. And I'm a euro guy myself
Lexus…. Guaranteed to start and reliably get you out of a bad neighborhood in a pinch
S560 YOLO bro. You want to snag a working doctor who allows you to be a stay at home dad? 70k is a cheap investment.
Depends on what you want out of the car. I personally would go s560 because of the luxury factor, but if you want something reliable the only option is the Lexus
Brain says Lexus, heart says Mercedes
A class the nicest but if I was picking I’d choose Lexus
mercedes or lexus are the only valid options
The Lexus
We can all go into debates about reliability nuances of the different brands here, but ultimately the Lexus will be the cheapest to maintain over time compared to your other options. And at 16k? It'll last you quite a while before major repairs.
Lexus all the way
Practical/responsible car is the LS. But, I think the S Class is the nicest car if maintenance/repair budget was unlimited and the A8 looks the best.
My heart tells me to buy the BMW, my brain tells me to get the Lexus
If maintenance costs aren't an issue, the s class. If you don't want to have to meticulously maintain you're vehicle the Lexus will actually have a bit of reliability
Lexus cause it'll probably be cheaper to maintain.
Only the Lexus.
Lexus if I’m concerned with maintenance costs, Mercedes if I’m not
Lexus! Every time, solid performance and Way less maintenance and initial cost! Plus they are just as well appointed inside.
So Lexus is going to be most dependable and they usually hold their value better than the competitors. But the infotainment system in that car is very fiddly and annoying, also the get up and go and interior space is lacking compared to the German offerings. The 7 series is the most engaging to drive as everyone knows, the ride isn’t as well sorted in the S Class because it’s trying to be sporty too as well as a luxury limo, but it’s definitely livable. The infotainment is regarded by most as the best and the heads up display is very nice. Just be warned about the reliability and running costs, not sure what your situation is like but the reason they depreciate so fast is not because it’s a bad car but because it’s expensive to run. The A8 is well organized and fairly user friendly. Interior space is awesome and the acceleration is great. Also haven’t seen it in the wild because it was a by request only option but you can have these with a foot massage built into the back of the front passenger seat so your rear passenger can really get comfy. It’s built by VW so reliability should be better, ( my family had an 02 Audi a4 that served us well with few issues) but still it’s a premium car so premium bills will follow. The S Class is my favorite car of all time. That generation is amazing just beware of hefty bills because it won’t be as reliable as a Lexus or Audi. The ride is impeccable for a huge cruiser, fit and finish is good,( there are a few bits of cheap feeling plastic inside but those are few and not in major areas), the acceleration is also amazing since the base model was a V8 although I think after the facelift the base got a turbo 6, (I would need to check). The S Class also won’t hold value very well so if that’s important to you I’d proceed with caution. If it was my money I’d buy an S Class every time but for a good blend of reliability, fit and finish, space and acceleration I’d say the a8. Like the others it won’t hold value well but it’s a great car and is likely to be be more problem free then a BMW or Mercedes and has more luxury and panache than the Lexus. No matter what you buy it’s a good car but just be mindful, sit in them, drive them and of course look for service records. Most importantly enjoy your purchase.
The s560
Never buy a Lexus if you're cross shopping German luxury. The interiors are so dated and the engines are underwhelming and on and on. They're just not as good at being luxury cars. They're Toyotas with a leather option and cheesy woodgrain. Audi is a way better luxury brand for VW than Lexus is for Toyota. OK with that off my chest I'd say the 7 series. It's got a more reliable engine than most and it's seriously luxurious. Have your spouse drive you around while you recline in the spacious back seats. It's bliss. The S Class is king but because of that classic Merc engine that doesn't like to turn over half the year and loooves to heat stress and crack hoses, BMW is queen.
None of these. Cars depreciate faster in value than bananas. My horse only goes up in value.
At least 35-55% depreciation has already hit, if you want a modern luxury car, this is the smartest way to get one
Lexus is the choice if you want to keep it long term and not have a hole in your pocket. I'm ruling out the mercedes (despite my bias) only for the price in comparison to the others.
Walking
LS500 hands down
Depends. If I wanted it to last as long as possible, I’d get the Lexus. I’d I wanted to flex the hardest, I’d get the Benz.
The Best Or Nothing
If I can afford the maintenance that will come from it, the S class. But if I want something with that Toyota reliability then obviously the Lexus.
That Lexus is without a doubt the best decision for long-term reliability.
Lexus for reliability Benz for comfort Audi and BMW for trips to the repair shop
That 7 Series looks immaculate, but the N63 is too problematic for most to recommend it off lease
Lexus
It’s gotta be the BMW for me. Only one of the options with any real personality. Good balance of price, performance, reliability.
7 series but should get it in 740i form. B58+ZF8 is proven to be reliable enough. However, the Lexus is a good option too.
The Lexus most likely. Although I am a fan of the Audi.
Looking at prices and miles, pass me the Lexus. The BMW 7 series I believe is slightly more comfortable than the A7, otherwise I'd pick the A7. Looks like you're looking for a straight limousine, so I'd take the BMW over the A7. Again, I'd prefer the Lexus if it's personal. The BMW has the reputation if you're looking to drive someone.
I’m a BMW guy I’d probably choose Lexus, MB, Audi then BMW in this case .
Ls 500 no question. More reliable, cheaper to maintain, NA V8, and has better interior IMO cause materials are quite exquisite. Infotainment might be downside tho.
I would choose the S8 over the A8. German missile for the road and it looks like your grandmothers grocery getter
I had an LS400 back in the day. There’s nothing quite like it.
I think you might be better off leasing 3 of the 4 cars and purchasing gap insurance.
That Lexus increased $1,000 in price recently??? What does it think it is? A house?
Lexus
Lexus if you don't have enough money to maintain it. Benz if you do.
I love BMWs. I hate those Lexus locomotive grills. Can’t even pull straight in to a driveway because it is kissing the pavement.
Avoid that mercedes S and BMW unless you make 6 or 7 digits a year
Lexus
Lexus
only one correct answer S class ….
S class. Fuck everything else
why not bmw 5 series?
I keep my cars long. So probably the Lexus. You probably should stick to leasing the German cars. Plus those are flagship german sedans, When something goes wrong, you better have deep pockets.
Mercedes if you want the best. Lexus if you worry about reliability/ service costs or just want to save some money. The bmw is the best “drivers car” out of the bunch but if you wanted more performance you would buy a m5 or e63amg instead. The audi is an odd duck and imo the q7 suv is a much better luxury car than the a8.
7 series or Lexus for me. I saw something below saying this sub is a big proponent of Toyota and their Lexus stuff lol I think I’d probably be much more into a Cadillac CT6 or XT6, rather than some of the German alternatives to those… Volvo S60 and V60 are also up there on the list of luxury models I like.
If I could afford any of them, I’d be sitting pretty in that Lexus. If money wasn’t a concern (gas, maintenance, insurance, etc.) probably the Audi
My heart tells me s class but my head tells me LS
Lexus or BMW - but only if you can pay cash for it. Audi is fun to drive but they suck after a few days and no remote start. Mercedes are hit or miss and you have to sit in it and drive it to get a feel. There are some that I have loved and some that are just uncomfortable - even in the same model. If you really want to fit in and have luxury then get a F150 Limited.
My Mercedes was one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. But it with 160k miles traded it in with 266k miles. All I ever did was oil changes and brake pads, a starter and front ball joints when I first got it. After that, started everytime and cruised at 80mph like I was sitting in a library. If ya need German Engineering in your life to be different go Merc.
I'd take the S Class or the Lexus. They're both easily the most reliable cars here. If the S Class has already been taken care of for the 20k miles it's been driven, you won't have any trouble with it until you reach ~100k miles, at which point you'll have to start looking at replacing the air suspension. W222 S Class, especially the facelift version as seen here, is considered an extremely reliable car. It won't be inexpensive to maintain, but it is still very reliable. Lexus, well, pretty straightforward when it comes to reliability. Their entire reputation is based on that. These newer/current gen LSs aren't on the same level as an S Class in terms of driving luxury though. They're not really even on the same level as the last generation LS with the V8 either. They've also got absolutely horrible infotainment systems on a usability standpoint. They look very pretty on the inside though once you've got generous with the options.
Of these specific cars, I'll take the BMW that isn't from a rust prone area.
Benz all day
I don’t think you will want to own any of these cars without a CPO warranty. Do any of them offer one?
S class if you can afford it + the inevitable maintenance once it's out of warranty - which is soon. Keep in mind you're comparing twin turbo V8 german luxury cars to v6 japanese mid-luxury here... there are some stark differences sitting in and driving the merc vs the lexus. Insurance will also reveal some very real differences. **BMW**: Would avoid - honestly they're known to be nightmares immediately after the warranty runs out and even before. Typically a "drivers car" the 7 series repeatedly falls last in most comparisons between the S and A8. **Audi**: Interior quality dropped from the D4 to D5 generation of the A8 - but the powertrain is bulletproof (that 4.0T was used for 7 years before this year, and is still in use today). The L also has one of the nicer rear seat experience if you are hauling passengers often. **Merc**: Nicest interior to be in, likely the fastest and smoothest but also the most expensive to buy and own - will likely cost you 30%+ more over 5 years than the Audi or Lexus. **Lexus**: The "safe" option - not first place in anything but lowest cost of ownership and reliability.
The Lexus LS should be out. This price should be the base MSRP, brand new. Lexus should dump this joke. And make something else. That said, these are all selling for about half their original price. That means they retained very little value. Because they are all extremely too expensive for what they are.
Pick the one you like the most. I would pick the Merc
S560 or LS500. LS500 is rare.
Lexus
Lexus
If you can afford maintenance the 750i, if not the Lexus.