Compare the2023 Lexus LCVS 2023 Audi R8

The LC has a standard Pre-Collision System, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The R8 doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

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 R8 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The LC’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The R8 doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The LC’s blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The R8 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the LC’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The R8 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

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 R8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the LC and the R8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The Lexus LC weighs 427 to 1079 pounds more than the Audi R8. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the R8. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the R8 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The R8’s redline is at 8700 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The LC has a 6600 to 7300 RPM redline.

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.

On the EPA test cycle the LC Coupe gets better mileage than the R8:

On the EPA test cycle the LC Convertible gets better mileage than the R8:

The LC can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The R8 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the LC Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The R8 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the R8 Coupe’s standard fuel tank (21.7 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the R8 Spyder’s standard fuel tank (22.2 vs. 21.1 gallons).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus LC higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Audi R8 (1). This means the LC produces up to 47 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the R8 every 15,000 miles.

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 R8.

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 R8 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the LC’s brake rotors are larger than those on the R8:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC offers optional 21-inch wheels. The R8’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

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 R8 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 R8’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LC’s wheelbase is 8.7 inches longer than on the R8 (113 inches vs. 104.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the LC is 1.4 inches wider in the rear than on the R8.

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the R8’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.7 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the R8’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.7 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 R8 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC has standard seating for 4 passengers; the R8 can only carry 2.

The LC Convertible has 25.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the R8 (75.2 vs. 50).

The LC has 1.1 inches more front legroom and 1.4 inches more front shoulder room than the R8 Coupe.

The LC has a much larger trunk than the R8 Coupe (5.4 vs. 4 cubic feet).

With its coupe body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the LC offers cargo security. The R8’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

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 R8 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 R8 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The LC offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The R8 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The LC’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. Audi does not offer a locking feature on the R8’s standard power windows.

The LC’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The R8’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the LC keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The R8 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the LC’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The R8 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The LC’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The R8 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the LC has a standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The R8 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Insurance will cost less for the LC owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the LC will cost $1440 to $7240 less than the R8 over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Lexus LC will be $40459 to $83692 less than for the Audi R8.

The LC was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The R8 has never been an “All Star.”

The Lexus LC outsold the Audi R8 by almost four to one during the 2022 model year.