2020 Lincoln Continental vs. 2020 Lexus LS 500:

• The 2020 Lincoln Continental and Lexus LS 500 are both 200+ inch, 4,200+ lb, used luxury cars, but the Continental Standard is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the LS 500.  
• The Lexus sedan has the lengthy Lincoln licked in performance, outsprinting it 60 mph and outmuscling the Continental’s top V6 engine option. 
• An LS 500 has a more luxe cabin and more appealing tech, but its heftier price could chase off car hunters.

So you’re looking for a used luxury sedan with a long wheelbase, comfortable interior, and striking looks? No problem; the market is brimming with posh contenders. Enter the 2020 Lincoln Continental and Lexus LS 500, two long-body luxury cars with opulence to spare. So, how do the two stack up?

Are the new Lincoln Continentals good cars?

Pros:

• Spacious, handsomely adorned cabin and accommodating trunk.
• Powerful twin-turbo V6 engine option with grippy AWD.
• Generous features at the Reserve and Black Label trims.

Cons:

• Thirstier than rivals in the used luxury car segment.
• Excessive torque steer with the standard FWD application.
• Smaller infotainment screen than segment rivals.

Ford and Lincoln discontinued the Continental in 2020, along with the smaller MKZ and ubiquitous Fusion sedans. Since then, the Continental has depreciated to attainable levels. Furthermore, according to Kelley Blue Book, the entry-level Continental Standard has a fair value of $29,471.

Is it worth it to buy a Lexus LS?

Pros:

• Posh, refined, spacious cabin.
• Powerful twin-turbo V6 engine option and optional AWD.
• The hybrid version is more efficient than conventional competitors. 

Cons:

• A bit sluggish compared to some of its contemporary rivals.
• The touchpad can be finicky.
• The Hybrid’s transmission is noisy and lackluster.

The 2020 Lexus LS 500 is a full-size luxury sedan with a potent twin-turbo V6 option. However, car hunters with a mind for fuel efficiency will have to opt for the hybridized LS 500h. Either way, depreciation has brought the entry-level LS 500 to around $48,945, nearly $28,000 less than the model’s starting price when new. 

2020 Lincoln Continental vs. 2020 Lexus LS 500: Driving and performance

The 2020 Lexus LS 500 rides on a RWD platform as standard with optional AWD for multiplied grip. While the Lincoln Continental also offers optional AWD, its standard application is FWD. As a result, the Continental’s driving dynamics lack the sharpness of the LS 500. Furthermore, the Continental’s snappy throttle response has the potential to produce irritating torque steer. 

Still, even with the Lincoln sedan’s 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, the Lexus outmuscles it. Instead of a V8 mill like some European competitors, the LS 500 summons 416 horsepower from its larger six-cylinder mill.   

2020 Lincoln Continental vs. 2020 Lexus LS 500: Interior and tech

The 2020 Lincoln Continental’s interior is a mix of attractive materials and subtlety, with genuine wood, pale colors, and aluminum abound. However, the Lexus LS 500 wears a much more modern aesthetic, with an asymmetrical layout composed of long, swooping lines and dark, understated colors. 

Furthermore, the LS 500’s 12.3-inch infotainment screen dwarfs the Continental’s 8.0-inch unit. In addition to a larger size, the Lexus model includes Amazon Alexa, a feature fans can access through a Lincoln+Alexa app in the Continental. 

Which used luxury car is the right fit for you?

The 2020 Lexus LS 500 is spacious, striking, refined, and powerful. Moreover, at 206 inches, the Japanese luxury car channels the over-the-top opulence of yesteryear’s four-door limousines, like the Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL.

However, the Lexus sedan’s nearly $50,000 ask might be too much compared to the last Lincoln Continental. Also, considering the model’s expansive interior, elegant styling, and generous trunk space, the Continental has the potential to be a used luxury car bargain.

Which one would you take? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest car-buying news and advice!

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