2025 Lexus ES vs. 2025 Audi A6 Comparison

Some cars belong in the same category, yet they differ so much from each other. That’s the case with the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2025 Audi A6. The Lexus ES appears to be the starter luxury sedan for many buyers, given its status as a top seller. On the other hand, the Audi A6 offers buyers the prestige and performance typical of a German luxury sedan — for a typical luxury German price.

Let’s take a closer look at these two midsize luxury contenders to determine which one might be right for you.

2025 Lexus ES

2024 model shown

The Lexus ES could be seen as the sensible shoe of the midsize luxury sedan segment. It’s among the best-selling cars in its class because of its simple yet elegant exterior, ample interior space, first-rate technology, and reasonable price. It captured our KBB Best Buy Award for five years in a row. The Lexus ES does everything well.

Looking at the choices, there are 14 different trim packages ranging from the base 203-horsepower/all-wheel-drive ES 250 to the ES 300h Ultra luxury hybrid. In between are F Sport versions with the look and feel of performance models.

With room for five, the ES cabin emphasizes space and comfort. All the materials are high-quality, and the interior is well designed, including the placement and type of technologies. Pricing starts at $43,215, including the destination charge.

Lexus ES Highlights

Powertrains: There’s a significant 99-horsepower spread between the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 203 horsepower and the 3.5-liter V6 developing 302 horses. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid generates 215 horsepower.

Awesome audio: A Mark Levinson audio system is a highlight of Lexus ownership. The one available in the Luxury and Ultra Luxury models delivers 1,800 watts through 17 speakers.

Premium: The ES comes with plenty of content already, but ordering the $2,790 Premium package brings a heated steering wheel, driver’s-seat memory settings, heated/ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and rear parking sensors without moving up to the Luxury trim.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the ES models near you.

2025 Audi A6

2024 model shown

If the Lexus ES is a sensible shoe, the Audi A6 is a designer pump. And like many designer items, getting something the way you want is part of the appeal. The A6 offers nine variants, all loaded with performance and technology.

The exterior of the A6 makes its German luxury sedan statement with clean, crisp lines and a fine balance of proportions. Audi turns understated design into an art, the A6 being a prime example. Inside, premium leather covers every seating surface, while the consoles, buttons, etc., all feature quality materials. The A6 is tech-centric without being complicated or fussy.

With a reputation for performance, the A6 lives up to the billing, starting with a 261-hp 4-cylinder. However, you can buy your way up to either a 444-hp V6 or a stunning 621-hp twin-turbo V8. Pricing starts at $59,395, including the destination charge.

Audi A6 Highlights

Driver tech: The Virtual Cockpit, standard in most Audi models these days, is a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can show just the information you need — and omit what you don’t want.

More performance: If the A6 isn’t enough, the extra equipment and accessible performance of the Audi S6 may be ideal. This car features a rear-wheel-steering system that increases agility at higher speeds and maneuverability in tight conditions.

Bang & Olufsen: One of the top audiophile brands, Bang & Olufsen supplies a 705-watt/16-speaker option for the A6 cars, and an air-shaking 1,820-watt/19-speaker setup for the S6 and RS 6 Avant.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the A6 models near you.

Similarities

The Lexus ES and Audi A6 offer plenty of space, a range of technology, and clean yet elegant exteriors. The other similarity is that they’re relatively old now. This is the final year of production for the A6 as we know it. An update is expected for the Lexus ES next year.

Conclusion

One of these vehicles is a beginner luxury model, while the other is the kind you move up to. How to tell? Firstly, pricing. The most expensive Lexus ES costs about $5K less than the starting price of the Audi A6. This highlights the differences between these two luxury sedans. Both are excellent vehicles. To pick one over the other, let your budget be your guide.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Lexus ES vehicles and New 2025 Audi A6 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

	2025 Lexus ES	2025 Audi A6
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6,500 rpm	261 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic/AWD	7-speed automatic/AWD
Fuel Economy	25 city/34 highway/28 combined mpg	23 city/33 highway/26 combined mpg
Also Available	3.5-liter V6/2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid	3.0-liter turbo V6, 4.0-liter turbo V8
Specs
Basic Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5 stars	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	113.0 inches	115.1 inches
Overall Length	195.9 inches	194.4 inches
Width	73.4 inches	74.3 inches
Height	57.1 inches	57.4 inches
Turning Diameter	38.0 feet	36.7 feet
Headroom, Front	37.5 inches	38.0 inches
Headroom, Rear	37.8 inches	38.1 inches
Legroom, Front	42.4 inches	41.3 inches
Legroom, Rear	39.2 inches	37.4 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	55.9 inches	57.8 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	54.3 inches	56.5 inches
Cargo Volume	13.9 cubic feet	13.7 cubic feet