Mercedes-Benz recently launched the S-Class facelift in India, with prices starting from Rs 2.20 crore (ex-showroom). Even though they are not traditional rivals, the new S-Class is priced very similarly to the Lexus LM MPV. These cars have completely different body types, but they cater to the same set of buyers who want an optimal chauffeur-driven experience. So, should you choose the 2026 S-Class over the LM? Let us find out.
Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our S-Class vs LM comparison.
2026 Mercedes S-Class vs Lexus LM: Prices
Both luxury cars have the same starting price, but the top-end S-Class is more affordable
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered in a single S 450e variant, which is available in two trims: Launch Edition and Manufactur Edition, priced from Rs 2.20 lakh. The Lexus LM also has the same price for the 7-Seater VIP variant, while the higher-spec 4-Seater Ultra Luxury variant has a higher ask.
2026 Mercedes S-Class vs Lexus LM: Dimensions
The S-Class is noticeably larger than the LM, save for the height
The S-Class is longer and wider than the LM and also has a larger wheelbase, but the Japanese MPV, owing to its body style, is much taller. It also offers a choice between 7- and 4-seat configurations. While the 7-seater LM’s boot space is 235 litres less than the S-Class, the 2-row 4-seater version offers 402 litres of additional boot space.
2026 Mercedes S-Class vs Lexus LM: Powertrain specifications
The S-Class gets a larger engine, and its PHEV setup is more powerful
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid system that has a significant advantage of 185hp and 441Nm over the Lexus LM's 2.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain. This is reflected in the performance figures, with the S-Class completing the 0-100kph sprint three seconds quicker than the LM. The two also differ in their drivetrain layouts: the Lexus LM's AWD system uses a rear electric motor to power the back wheels when needed, while the S-Class sends all of its power to the rear wheels, making it a rear-wheel-drive model.
On paper, the S-Class also delivers significantly higher fuel-efficiency figures. However, this is largely because its plug-in hybrid system can run on electric power alone for up to 115km, allowing it to use little to no fuel during parts of the official test cycle. By contrast, the Lexus LM's strong-hybrid system cannot be plugged in and relies more heavily on its petrol engine, making its fuel-efficiency figure less directly comparable to the Mercedes' WLTP-rated claim.
2026 Mercedes S-Class vs Lexus LM: Interior and features
The S-Class gets a front passenger display, more speakers and a rear windshield sunshade
While the sizes of the driver’s display and infotainment system on both luxury cars are similar, the S-Class gets a dedicated screen for the co-driver. The Mercedes offering also has more speakers, wireless phone chargers for the rear seat passengers, and a powered sunshade for the rear windshield, over the Lexus LM. The Lexus MPV, on the other hand, offers a TV-like 48-inch rear screen with the 4-seater option, while the 7-seater version’s rear screens are the same size as those on the S-Class. The LM also offers seat ventilation on the first and second rows, but both cars offer a feature-rich chauffeur-driven experience.
Common features include powered window sunshades, a tailgate, and doors, as well as 4-zone climate control and a head-up display.
2026 Mercedes S-Class vs Lexus LM: Safety tech
Both get similar safety features, but the S-Class offers more airbags
Except for the 15 airbags on the S-Class, which include seatbelt airbags, and an auto-park assist function, both cars offer a similar safety suite. Common features include a Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, an auto-dimming IRVM, a driver-monitoring camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
2026 Mercedes S-Class vs Lexus LM: What should you consider?
The LM's 4- and 7-seat layouts give it an edge in rear-seat practicality
Both the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LM are filled to the brim with features, especially for rear-seat passengers, something that is expected at their price point. However, what works in the S-Class’s favour is its powertrain, which not only offers more performance but also claims much higher fuel economy. That said, the Lexus LM’s 4-seater version is equipped with Ottoman function on rear seats, which would make it more comfortable than the S-Class, even though there may not be much difference between the two on paper. The 7-seater version gives added flexibility for buyers looking for a luxury car to move more people.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
