A8 D5 vs LS V (XF50): which is better?
Audi A8 D5 (2017–present) vs Lexus LS V (XF50) (2017–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A8 D5Specifications
| Audi A8 D5 | Lexus LS V (XF50) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2017–present | 2017–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 TFSI (55 TFSI) | 3.5 V6 Twin-Turbo (LS500) |
| Power, up to | 340 hp | 421 hp |
| Torque, up to | 500 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 172 mm | 5 235 mm |
| Width | 1 945 mm | 1 900 mm |
| Height | 1 473 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 998 mm | 3 125 mm |
| Fuel tank | 72 L | 82 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A8 D5
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Powerful versions: up to 340 hp
- Large tank: 72 L
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Lexus LS V (XF50)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 421 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 82 L
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Toyota Dynamic Force engine (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A): new, little reliability data so far
- Gearbox Toyota Direct Shift 8AT/10AT: the gearboxes are new
Engine (Toyota Dynamic Force (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A)): few widespread issues: the engines are relatively new, with less data.
Gearbox (Toyota Direct Shift 8AT/10AT): the gearboxes are new; there are complaints about harsh shifts, fixed by a software update.
Which one to choose
- A8 D5 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- LS V (XF50) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: A8 D5 or LS V (XF50)?
A8 D5: up to 340 hp, LS V (XF50): up to 421 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A8 D5 — about 42 425 ₸, LS V (XF50) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.