GSCT

A thread on the GS 350 vs. the CTS thread mentions an article comparing the CTS to the GS (see: http://www.autos.ca/car-comparisons/...350-awd/?all=1 ). The article states: "Inexplicably, the best of the Japanese offerings in this category – the Lexus GS – still averages well under 1,000 units moved each year, even after last year’s brilliant update. What gives?" So, obviously we love them, but what is missing? Lack of Lexus advertising? Controversial styling? Thoughts?

SC300Es

I guess that is under 1,000 units in Canada. That definetely is not true for US.
My guess is most people, who just buy cars based on what they see on TV or what they think is the best, rather buy a German when they start spending close to 60k.

Ed

ItzFilyO

I don't see that many 4GS on the road, which is nice. compared to C class, E class, 3 and 5 series BMWs, I see those cars all the time.

LexFather

i believe in 2013 over 50,000 were sold worldwide, the most ever. The GS is not a volume car like a 5/E class so expectations and goals are lower.

obadea

There are 3 in my parking lot at work including mine. About 1500 per month in the US in sales.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

If anything they sold a good amount it just wasn't what they wanted to sell I think. I blame that on the low HP and not enough power for a great car.

blacksun

I heard the 4th gen GS has been selling well when compared to the previous GS models. Nevertheless, the 4G's sales numbers still pale in comparison to the 5-series and E-Class and I think its on par with the A6. I feel like word just hasn't gotten out about how good the new GS is. It will take some time and a lot evangelism to shed its image as a boring car.

Personally, it took me a long time to decide on the GS, but I'm happy I took the plunge. I just wish I had another 30-50 HP.

Ford1776

The folks buying the German cars instead of the GS are stuck with the high maintenance costs down the road. Been there. Never doing it again.

islandbeef

+1

Thank you.

sam430

iTrader: (10)

50 more HP and I'm good.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Blame the existence of the ES. The GS and ES fall within an inch of each other in length, and this extra offering being part of Lexus's core sedans ie IS, ES, GS, LS throws a monkey wrench in the convential light of model positions in an automakers stable ie A4, A6, A8, C, E, S, 3, 5, 7. The ES being slightly larger and priced significantly lower than the GS is the reason the ES is Lexus's best selling sedan. If it did not exist, people who out grew an IS would logically go the next step up which is the GS, alas for near the same price as an IS for increased space, utility and features the ES makes perfect sense to the overwhelming majority who are not enthusiasts unlike us on CL. Would I prefer the ES didn't exist so the GS was more popular and less the dark horse? Yes, but at the same time the fewer GS's on the road makes it that much more special. And this 4GS is truly a wonderful thing

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

This

Another problem is lack of engine choices. Lexus need to start offering GS250 and GS300h. If Lexus can manage to price the GS250 in low 40's, it will sell just as good as ES. GS300h will also sell well. I see many hybrid ES models on the road, that means there is market for such sedans. However, nobody is ready to pay $75K for a hybrid yet. Lexus needs to replace GS450h with GS300h and add GS250 to a lineup, then things will change.

puckhead85

Is it weird that I like it low. it makes me feel different that it's a car you don't see often. I see maybe a few each day compared to the 5, 6 and ES....

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I like where you're coming from but I may tweak it a bit. Give me (and granted I'm stretching into the future a little farther):

GS200t (base turbo 4)
GS300h (base hybrid)
GS350/300t (if FI V6 rumor is true)
GS450h (new V6 hybrid powertrain 400+hp)
GS400t (if FI V8 rumor is true)
GS F

oh Lexus Gods hear my prayers

jjscsix

I have owned a number of Japanese cars, and my BMW 550 is my first German. First a disclaimer, the main reason I got a BMW is because they offer a 400 hp engine and Lexus did not (I had a 2010 GS before the BMW). So here my opinion on the reasons why…

>BMW (and other Germans) have a "snob" appeal that many folks are looking for.

>The Germans cover a lot more ground with the same car. A 5 series starts with a 240 hp 4 cylinder (that feels as fast as a GS btw), 300 hp 6, 445 hp V8, Diesel, and 560 hp M. They also offer a very wide range of options and features that are not available on a GS AND you can actually order one the way you want it.

>The biggest reason IMHO is that Lexus and Acura both came out of the gate with a bang 25 years ago and were very well received. I know some wealthy folks who traded S Class M-Bs and 7 series BMW's for Lexus LS400s. But sadly, the Japanese became very conservative and complacent - like a basketball team with a 10 point lead comes out after half time and forgets that the opponent regrouped. The LS460 has been sitting on 380 hp for years, the GS on 303/306 hp for years, and they have been very conservative in styling and coming out with variations as pointed out above.

Lexus and Acura build fine cars, but not terribly interesting cars and they are now having to go through the process of reversing a perception - which takes time.