Top 8 Reasons to Buy a Lexus Instead of a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi

Intro

Lexus has been around for over 30 years now, but compared to the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz they are the new kids on the block. However, just because Lexus has not been around as long doesn’t mean that they don’t offer vehicles on par with their rivals. In fact, Lexus holds many advantages over the legacy brands from Germany. If you are in the market for a new luxury vehicle in 2024, you might want to put a Lexus on the top of your list. And it is not just because we are Lexus fans here. It is because there are several indisputable facts that give Lexus vehicles an advantage over their key rivals. Read on to discover what puts Lexus ahead of the competition.  

8. Body-on-Frame SUVs

If you want an old school body-on-frame SUV for rugged adventures, you can buy either the Lexus GX or LX. Both vehicles are tough but still offer plenty of luxury that Lexus is famous for. Do you want a body-on-frame Audi or BMW? You are out of luck because they don’t offer any. Mercedes-Benz does still offer one body-on-frame SUV, the G-Class. However, the G-Class is outrageously priced. A loaded LX 600 Ultra Luxury is about $10,000 less than a zero option G 550.

7. More Hybrid / Gas Options

The world is moving toward fully electric vehicles. But if you are not quite ready to fully embrace the EV era, you may find more Lexus models that will make you happy. Lexus offers just one full EV for 2024. But they do have plenty of powerful and efficient Hybrid models. BMW, Audi and Mercedes have rushed in on the EV future and you may find yourself with limited options in their lineup if you don’t want an EV.

6. Less Expensive to Maintain

In 2023 Consumer Reports analyzed data from their annual auto survey. What it found was that Lexus models were far less expensive to maintain compared to Audi, BMW, Mercedes. The cost of maintenance over 10 years for Lexus vehicles averaged $3,825. Audi came in at $5,895, BMWs cost $5,910, and to maintain a Mercedes for ten years cost a whopping $6,955.

5. Best Resale Value

Back in March Kelley Blue Book announced the winners of their Best Resale Value awards. Lexus took home the prize for 2024 Best Resale Value – Luxury Brand. The Luxury Compact Car winner was the Lexus IS. The Luxury Midsize Car winner was the Lexus ES. The Luxury Subcompact SUV was won by the Lexus UX. The Lexus LS won the Luxury Full-Size Car class. The Luxury Compact SUV and Midsize SUV awards were won by the Lexus NX and RX respectively. BMW and Audi didn’t have a single winner. Mercedes-Benz won the Luxury Full-Size SUV and Luxury Electric Car categories.

4. Superior Exterior Design

This is the only item on our list that is more subjective than objective. However, have you seen the new BMWs? The BMW XM is Pontiac Aztek-level ugly. The 7-series is not much better. You would be hard pressed to find a good-looking vehicle in the entire BMW lineup. Audi makes a few attractive vehicles, but most Mercedes models look like the same bar of soap, just in different sizes. The Lexus LC 500 is a stunner. The new GX has rugged good looks. And the Lexus SUVs and sedans might not be cutting edge, but they are generally nice looking and nowhere near as offensive looking as the BMWs. 

3. Naturally Aspirated V8 Engines

The naturally aspirated V8 is going to be a thing of the past very soon. In fact, it already is a thing of the past at Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. They still have some V8 engines, but they all have turbo or hybrid assist. Nothing wrong with that but there is something about a naturally aspirated V8. The way it sounds and the way it delivers its power is special. Hop in an LC 500 Convertible, drop the top and put your foot down and you will find out exactly what we mean.

2. Lexus Leads All in Dealership Satisfaction

2024 marked the third year in a row that Lexus beat all premium brands in the J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study. Owners and lessees of 1-to-3-year-old vehicles are contacted and score their experience in five categories weighted to calculate the final score: service quality (32 percent), service advisor (19 percent), vehicle pickup (19 percent), service facility (15 percent) and service initiation (15 percent). Lexus scored an 897 out of a 1,000-point scale. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi ranked 8th, 9th, and 10th respectively. Dealership experience is an important part of car ownership, and nobody does it better than Lexus.

1. Tops J.D. Power Dependability Study

Lexus dealership experience is the best, Lexus resale value is the best, and Lexus vehicles are the least expensive to maintain. That is quite a trio of accomplishments. But on top of all that, Lexus vehicles are the most dependable that you can buy. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study had Lexus ranked as the most dependable brand with a score of 135 problems per 100 vehicles. The study average was 190 problems per 100 vehicles. BMW was exactly average with a score of 190, and Mercedes was worse than average with a score of 218. Audi scored a rather dismal 275 problems per 100 vehicles. Only Chrysler scored worse.

With all these factors in mind, is it any wonder that we are such big fans of Lexus vehicles?

Images: Lexus