LS III (XF30) vs S-Class W220: which is better?
Lexus LS III (XF30) (2000–2006) vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 (1998–2005): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus LS III (XF30)Specifications
| Lexus LS III (XF30) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2006 | 1998–2005 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 4.3 V8 (LS430) | 3.7 V6 (S350) |
| Power, up to | 282 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque, up to | 417 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 995 mm | 5 038 mm |
| Width | 1 830 mm | 1 855 mm |
| Height | 1 470 mm | 1 444 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 925 mm | 2 965 mm |
| Fuel tank | 84 L | 88 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 508 125 ₸ | ≈ 69 775 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus LS III (XF30)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 282 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 84 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 245 hp
- Large fuel tank: 88 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 2005, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- LS III (XF30) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- S-Class W220 — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
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: LS III (XF30) or S-Class W220?
LS III (XF30): up to 282 hp, S-Class W220: up to 245 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: LS III (XF30) — about 508 125 ₸, S-Class W220 — about 69 775 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.