Do You like Where Lexus Is Headed?
Have recent changes in the Lexus lineup left you out in the cold? Or do you think the future looks brighter than ever?
Few automotive manufacturers have made the kinds of radical changes Lexus has undertaken in recent years. And we aren’t just talking about the radical departure in styling. Lexus is a brand hellbent on changing its image as an “old people’s” car, one that’s plagued it since the beginning. And while most of the changes we’ve seen happen as a result of that desire are widely praised, some aren’t so thrilled. Which got Club Lexus member SW17LS wondering – how many current Lexus owners plan on being future Lexus owners?
“With all the talk of Lexus discontinuing the GS, focusing on Toyota platform engineered transverse/FWD sedans and crossovers, many feeling they pulled their punches on the latest LS, etc. I thought it would be interesting to post a poll on here as to whether people feel like perhaps the Lexus they have is the last Lexus they’ll be interested in buying. Perhaps people have already moved on and don’t see themselves coming back.
For me, if Lexus isn’t going to invest in cars built on luxury platforms with longitudinal/RWD layouts, if they’re going to abandon V8 power in the LS, then I don’t see how I can purchase another Lexus after this one. I love the brand. Love the reliability. Love the fact that they last forever and can be worked on by anybody. But I want a true, premium luxury car. And IMHO, that is not what they are presenting with the ES, RX, NX, UX, which seems to be all they’re really all-in on right now.”
All of these concerns revolve around issues that seem to be industry wide, however. And when it comes to naturally-aspirated V8 engines, Lexus has held on longer than anyone else. Plus, as Hoovey2411 points out, the future might not be as bleak as it sounds, either.
“Simple answer. No. I will be looking at the UX250h in December. New generation of AWD and hybrid transmission has my interest piqued. Lexus won’t be the only ones consolidating their stable of models in their portfolio. The next decade is a whole new frontier for the whole industry. Hoping Lexus can be one of the first with a powerful hydrogen fuel cell.”
Others, like ST430, are just waiting on the sidelines to see what comes in the future.
“Personally, I am WAITING to buy my next Lexus (and/or Toyco), when they have a powerful sports car/sedan in their stable. This means RWD/AWD with at least 400hp (maybe 350 if it’s a TT at least).
Until then, I’m just playing around with my Q50 RS400 (and FX50), but the quality (and suspect reliability) are not up to Lexus standards to make me want to keep them long term.
As much as Toyco/Lexus makes me scream (FRS/2GRFSE), I keep on holding out hope that one day, they will get it right and appease guys like me. They keep inching closer and closer with cars like the LC, so I have my fingers crossed!”
Some, like JDR76, are somewhat undecided at this point.
“I truly do not know how to answer this question (or I just don’t want to accept my probably answer). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one I’ve owned, with my current GS being my favorite. I quite like the new LS, but I simply don’t want something so large. Don’t want to go any bigger than my GS.
I have about a year left on my GS lease.At this point, I suspect I’ll just buy it out. I don’t feel like I’m ready to get rid of it yet. But if I was ready to turn it in at the end of the lease, I can’t really say there is anything in the Lexus lineup that fits the bill. I had thought I would be trading it in on the next gen GS. But if there isn’t one, then where does it leave me?
I think the new ES is absolutely fantastic, but I just have no desire to go back to FWD. Would like to stick with a mid sized, RWD based vehicle. If Lexus ends the GS, it kind of forces my hand, doesn’t it?“
One thing’s for sure – the current direction of the automotive world pretty much leaves most enthusiasts out in the cold. Hopefully Lexus will continue to buck those trends and keep the naturally-aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive, performance sedan alive, even with sales plummeting. In the meantime, most who have voted in this poll say they will buy another one in the future.
But we want to know what you think! So head over here and cast your vote, then add your thoughts to this rapidly expanding thread.
Join the Club Lexus forums now!
