Just because the IS and GS aren't competitive by sales numbers does not mean the vehicles aren't competitive. Keep in mind market trends have CUVs outselling sedans significantly these days.

Agreed, but not just Lexus, most automakers will see declining sales for the month. Also factor in taxes were due.

 

Another stage for the same few people to (re-)beat their (long) dead horses, and trying to push their own biases and opinions as gospel truth. We seem to have these on a regular basis now. I am starting to wonder if it is the same 1 or 2 people with different forum names.

 

my 06 is250 had anilene leather, adaptive turning headlights and sheet metal that wouldnt flex with the wind like it was going to blow off/deform. my 17 nx has plastic seats, led lights and flimsy metal body. lots of cost saving measures in newer models compared to old imo. but Im not complaining, I bought it and am happy, just pointing out things.

 

Just to be clear, semi-aniline leather was never offered on the IS, you had leather, but not semi-aniline leather. You could have had leather on your NX too. Thin metal isn't really cost cutting, its weight cutting. LED lights? You feel thats a negative? Thats an upgrade from HID lights.

I actually think Lexus is doing fine, if anything I think cost cutting has reversed since the 07-12 era where it was its worst, but I do feel that the brand is moving away from what I personally want out of a vehicle. I feel like a lot of the elegance is gone, and I find myself being drawn more to competitors vehicles. One car that has really been catching my eye is the new BMW 740, lease deals are pretty good on them too. I also like the S Class a lot, as well as the Range Rover but price wise they are more than I want to spend. The Genesis G90 seems to offer more of an "old Lexus" feel for a lot less money too. I'm fairly confident my LS460 is my last Lexus.

 

my 2006 is250 awd had anilene leather

 

Sometimes you have to remember that working at a dealership is kinda like being in cult. You hear constant promotion, marketing and sales blab all day long. You work at another dealership, they have their own version of Blab 2.0 New and Improved. Sounds like you went from a Lexus job to an Infiniti job. Yes, you're a service advisor - I did that job too. But a SA is not too much removed from a customer service and sales person.

Right now you're being bombarded with Infiniti messaging (my fave Japanese brand along with Lexus). It's not surprising you have these opinions. My view is a bit wider and I don't buy into what one brand says over the other. Your points are valid in terms of what you say about some Lexus models. But just remember, right now your dollars come from Infiniti.

 

I stand corrected, the luxury package 2IS did offer a semi-aniline upgrade, I googled a window sticker.

 

When is the Lexus hell cat coming out? I'm not a mopar person but that is the best looking car on the road. Lexus and all the rest look like a Prius in profile.

 

I believe my 2006 IS 350 had semi aniline leather as well

 

I disagree with the OP. Lexus is shining bright right now and people love the products. I thought they were breaking records here and there and selling more now than before. Also, I never see any new Infiniti Q60's. I see many more new RC's. The dash and interior of the Q is extremely dated and lacking. It's possible those who love Infinitis are also writing wish lists to the president of Infiniti, asking for modern dashboards. I know if I was an Infiniti person, I'd be asking for that. And a new Infiniti M, oops I mean Q70? Forget it, that doesn't even happen in 2017. Yet new GS's are everywhere in L.A. There's a good chance Infiniti fans and dealers are begging the company to redo the M, dreaming of competing with the GS.

Also need to keep in mind, the vast majority of buyers are not drag-racing car enthusiasts. Most people don't care about 450 horsepower, twin turbos, but do care about luxury, style, and how many miles per gallon they are getting to and from work. These are every day successful people, making money, and stepping into car showrooms to spend money. I believe that is why Lexus sales are up. I don't think the brand would cater to a small % of the population that we all talk about on here. They are in it to sell cars, make money, and hit the luxury mark.

 

Lexus is not a sport brand.

It is a luxury brand.

It will fail as a sport brand.

 

So far sales figures aren't supporting that.

Not saying I disagree with you in opinion, but so far it hasn't turned out that way.

 

Lexus has done nothing since they introduced Hybrids a decade ago and nobody bought them.
Their lineup is closer to Cadillac / Infiniti than to BMW / MB.

They still have limited product offerings just your vanilla sedans and SUVs.
Engines/powertrains - ye not lot going on there either.
Their customization is even more limited even on the new LC coupe. Luxury is all about getting what you want not what LexusNA thinks you need.

 

To you maybe. Not to others.

 

I buy cars off the lot, even if it's an MB or BMW I would never order a car.