Compare the2023 Lexus LCVS 2023 Audi A5

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The LC offers optional Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The A5 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The LC has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the A5’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the LC has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the A5.

The LC’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the LC and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the A5 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 82 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 14th.

The LC 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 93 more horsepower (354 vs. 261) and 77 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 210 more horsepower (471 vs. 261) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 273) than the A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the LC 500h gets better fuel mileage than the A5 Coupe (26 city/34 hwy vs. 24 city/32 hwy).

The LC can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The A5 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 6.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the A5 (21.7 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 6.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the A5 (22.2 vs. 15.3 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A5.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The A5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the LC’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A5:

The LC’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A5 are solid, not vented.

The LC stops much shorter than the A5:

For better traction and acceleration, the LC has larger rear tires than the A5 (275/40R20 vs. 245/40R18). The LC’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the A5 (275/40R20 vs. 255/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the A5. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the A5 Premium Plus/Prestige.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The A5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The LC has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LC’s wheelbase is 4.2 inches longer than on the A5 (113 inches vs. 108.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the LC is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than on the A5.

The LC 500 handles at .93 G’s, while the A5 Prestige Coupe pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The LC 500 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the A5 Prestige Coupe (24.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 26.3 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the A5’s (34.8 feet vs. 37.7 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the A5’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The A5 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC has 1.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A5 Coupe (85.9 vs. 84).

The LC has .7 inches more front legroom and 1.2 inches more front shoulder room than the A5 Coupe.

The LC Convertible has 1.3 inches more front legroom and 1.3 inches more front shoulder room than the A5 Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

The LC has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A5 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The LC’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The A5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the front windows are left open on the LC the driver can close them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the A5 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The LC was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The A5 has never been an “All Star.”