LS V (XF50) vs S-Class W223: which is better?
Lexus LS V (XF50) (2017–present) vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 (2020–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223Specifications
| Lexus LS V (XF50) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2017–present | 2020–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 Twin-Turbo (LS500) | 3.0 Turbo (S500) |
| Power, up to | 421 hp | 435 hp |
| Torque, up to | 600 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 235 mm | 5 179 mm |
| Width | 1 900 mm | 1 954 mm |
| Height | 1 450 mm | 1 503 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 125 mm | 3 106 mm |
| Fuel tank | 82 L | 76 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
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.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 435 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 76 L
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 9G-Tronic: jerky shifts when worn, software updates
Engine (Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176): engines are complex and expensive to repair; oil leaks and chain issues occur on M276/M278 at high mileage.
Gearbox (Mercedes 9G-Tronic): jerks when worn, software updates.
Which one to choose
- LS V (XF50) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- S-Class W223 — if you care more about: power, 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 V (XF50) or S-Class W223?
LS V (XF50): up to 421 hp, S-Class W223: up to 435 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: LS V (XF50) — about 68 375 ₸, S-Class W223 — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.