April 2017 Sales Thread
i just talked to another mild mannered person who has had one toyota after another and was considering an suv next and a lexus until the spindle grill and in particular the new rx. i wasn't expecting the reaction i got but they got animated saying they HATE it. i don't think it's just the grill though, i think the busy side profile, awkward proportions, with massive front overhang and relatively short wheelbase... the sales are continuing based on a great driving character, very nice interior, and overall reputation.
i am really worried if lexus really considers dropping it
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 319
From: NY
They should drop it. Just make a short wheelbase LS and call it a day.
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 178
Likes: 11
From: TN
I agree that the SPINDLE has spun...Lexus should have only used the spindle grille on more aggressive models such as IS/GS/RC, NOT the luxurious models ES/LS/RX. Many people love my 2008 GS350 front end. It is very luxurious looking. I understand Lexus wanted to stand out from the crowd, but I believe they have overdone it.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 319
From: NY
It's not always about driving dynamics, otherwise we will all be driving BMW's or Germans in general. Is someone willing to pay $60k for a SWB LS? Most likely yes. Is someone willing to pay $60k for a GS? Hmm sales data suggests not. It comes down to value proposition vs the ES and the GS loses.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 319
From: NY
I agree that the SPINDLE has spun...Lexus should have only used the spindle grille on more aggressive models such as IS/GS/RC, NOT the luxurious models ES/LS/RX. Many people love my 2008 GS350 front end. It is very luxurious looking. I understand Lexus wanted to stand out from the crowd, but I believe they have overdone it.
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It's not always about driving dynamics, otherwise we will all be driving BMW's or Germans in general. Is someone willing to pay $60k for a SWB LS? Most likely yes. Is someone willing to pay $60k for a GS? Hmm sales data suggests not. It comes down to value proposition vs the ES and the GS loses.
and if price is the problem on top of driving doesn't matter, then they might as well just 100% focus on the ES, which has the size AND price down already (in fact imho that's where lexus is heading)
Last edited by rominl; May 11, 2017 at 09:03 PM.
ES is already a better buy if you comprare it to the GS200t. The GS is less powerful, smaller in size, does not come with the real leather, and it cost more. GS200t would have been a success if it was cheaper and was offered in such countries where ES is not being sold. Selling both models side by side, is just plain stupid to me. Lexus marketing department really makes you wonder sometimes.......
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 319
From: NY
and you think a swb LS will be 60k? that's a dream. if it's just a shortened wheel base LS chassis with gs level setup for 60k, then it's no difference than what they have now. your logic doesn't make sense
and if price is the problem on top of driving doesn't matter, then they might as well just 100% focus on the ES, which has the size AND price down already (in fact imho that's where lexus is heading)
and if price is the problem on top of driving doesn't matter, then they might as well just 100% focus on the ES, which has the size AND price down already (in fact imho that's where lexus is heading)
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 319
From: NY
ES is already a better buy if you comprare it to the GS200t. The GS is less powerful, smaller in size, does not come with the real leather, and it cost more. GS200t would have been a success if it was cheaper and was offered in such countries where ES is not being sold. Selling both models side by side, is just plain stupid to me. Lexus marketing department really makes you wonder sometimes.......
ES is already a better buy if you comprare it to the GS200t. The GS is less powerful, smaller in size, does not come with the real leather, and it cost more. GS200t would have been a success if it was cheaper and was offered in such countries where ES is not being sold. Selling both models side by side, is just plain stupid to me. Lexus marketing department really makes you wonder sometimes.......
but yes, in recent years, either it's the car or marketing as well, these two cars are blending in more and more and the sad truth is gs is getting less and less attention
CMK1 already confirmed the code name for the 5GS.