How is Lexus doing?
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 5
From: Florida
While I can't say that Lexus went wrong (cuz the numbers prove otherwise), I am sad that the current lineup just isn't what I'm looking for in a luxury brand anymore. Having owned a GS400, SC400, and RX400h, I once thought I would be "Lexus for life" with a fleet of their vehicles in my collection. Now, IMO the design language (grill) looks too trendy, like the brand is trying too hard to catch the eye. The old models never stood out as sharply as the current models but rather delivered a luxurious, quiet-but-confident look that I loved, much like my current Aston.
My wife drives a GLK, another sharp design, but who would call it ugly? From the opinions I've gathered, the new Lexus design language has been polarizing at best. I feel like Lexus is in a transition period, similar to the Porsche 996 with the ugly headlights, which were corrected with the arrival of the beautiful 997 model.
I miss the old Lexus, but I know that it is not coming back. Brands must embrace change to survive. A pre-spindle LS600hL with exec seating will be the last Lexus that I buy....or a Tesla Model S if the hype ever dies down.
My wife drives a GLK, another sharp design, but who would call it ugly? From the opinions I've gathered, the new Lexus design language has been polarizing at best. I feel like Lexus is in a transition period, similar to the Porsche 996 with the ugly headlights, which were corrected with the arrival of the beautiful 997 model.
I miss the old Lexus, but I know that it is not coming back. Brands must embrace change to survive. A pre-spindle LS600hL with exec seating will be the last Lexus that I buy....or a Tesla Model S if the hype ever dies down.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,205
Likes: 253
it is just horrible looking vehicle... i guess thats why they say design is subjective... new ML looks great... GLK looks like it is Chinese car.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
Its not hideous. I've seen some people on here call it ugly and call it what you will but its not hideous, calling it that is too much imo. At least they have a identity now. The old designs were the definition of bland and boring. Just like BMW has the kidney grills lexus now has the spindle grill.
theres no one anybody could prefer the old fronts to the newer nicer ones
theres no one anybody could prefer the old fronts to the newer nicer ones
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,472
Likes: 247
From: Illinois
Compared with the base or only engine in the competition (X3, Q5, RDX, Evoque etc.) the 3.5L/7 speed is a nice combo in the GLK. It's pretty quick for a CUV. MPG's are decent but not class leading. Sales wise it's doing pretty well so some buyers obviously like it. They sold 33k +11% here in NA last year. Still the exterior styling isn't my cup of tea.
Last edited by LexBob2; Jan 5, 2014 at 06:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: NSW
Audi here offers the SQ5 SUV with a 3.0L TDI V6 that does 0-100kmh in 5.1 seconds
So 0-60mph in about 4.8 seconds
And it cost less than the RX450h, looks way better, gets better MPG and absolutely smashes it in performance and handling.
So 0-60mph in about 4.8 seconds
And it cost less than the RX450h, looks way better, gets better MPG and absolutely smashes it in performance and handling.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for comparing cars that don't compete with one another. Let's compare the 210hp cvt fwd a4 with the IS F next.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,472
Likes: 247
From: Illinois
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 67,908
Likes: 3,839
From: Maryland
awkward OP, Lexus' sales are increasing with the new direction they're taking. Young people are more excited about Lexus product line. I'm seeing a huge influx of new IS sales, especially F-Sport. I'm also seeing a lot of GS F-Sport and RX F-Sport.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 67,908
Likes: 3,839
From: Maryland
I also get a LOT of positive reaction to my GS I have never experienced with the Lexus vehicles I've owned previously. People come up to me at gas stations etc and tell me how much they love the car, neighbors. We were dropping our Jeep off for service in a night drop and we had obviously taken both cars, and a young couple stopped us so the guy could tell me how much he loved the car and ask questions about it, etc...
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,472
Likes: 247
From: Illinois
Yessir. Finally with the addition of the NX the RX will most likely stop being an inbetween like the CTS was for so long. NX and RC will certainly garner most of the attention for 2014, but the 2015 RX is a remodel so there's a good chance of it getting bigger. Currently it's around 187in in length iirc, I wouldn't be surprised to see it go to 190ish+ and be better positioned against the likes of MDX, ML, X5 instead of straddling small and midsize segments
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,208
Likes: 220
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
While I can't say that Lexus went wrong (cuz the numbers prove otherwise), I am sad that the current lineup just isn't what I'm looking for in a luxury brand anymore. Having owned a GS400, SC400, and RX400h, I once thought I would be "Lexus for life" with a fleet of their vehicles in my collection. Now, IMO the design language (grill) looks too trendy, like the brand is trying too hard to catch the eye. The old models never stood out as sharply as the current models but rather delivered a luxurious, quiet-but-confident look that I loved, much like my current Aston.
You hit the nail on the head. Form is not always better than function. 
My wife drives a GLK, another sharp design, but who would call it ugly?
I miss the old Lexus, but I know that it is not coming back. Brands must embrace change to survive.