Lexus LS500/LS500h
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Lexus LS500/LS500h
Didn't know whether to drag in an old LS thread or put a new one... the media events have been going on. Driving embargo is in effect until later this month, but this seems like the first posting that lists price, starting at $75,000 and they expect 70% of LS500 to be transacted under $80,000. Well under the German flagships. Genesis G90 probably doesn't like this news.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/doronle.../#71d2b7de7baa
https://www.forbes.com/sites/doronle.../#71d2b7de7baa
Toyota Motor Corp.’s new flagship Lexus LS500 looks very much like a contender to take the premium luxury sedan segment by storm, a segment filled with some of the world’s most impressive sedans like the Mercedes S Class, Cadillac CT6 and BMW 7 Series.
Trouble is, the premium sedan segment itself looks like the victim of a tempest, shrunken and battered by mass defection of affluent consumers away from sedans and toward SUVs. So far, none of the leading makers of premium sedans is backing down, certainly not Toyota which brings to market an all-new design, architecture, engine, transmission, safety features and a host of aesthetic refinements meant to spark interest in the model.
Toyota also is taking a page from its playbook of 28 years ago, when the LS400 first appeared, by pricing the new model well below its direct competitors. The car will start at $75,000; and the company estimates that 70% of LS500s sold will transact at less than $80,000. Cooper Ericksen, vice president of Lexus marketing in the U.S. said the new model’s retail price represents roughly 10% that of comparable German luxury sedans.
“You might ask, ‘why would customers buy a sedan when everyone is buying SUVs?’” said Ericksen. “Well, for this income bracket, it’s safe to say they probably have an SUV in their household fleet already. The LS plays a different…more luxurious…role in their lives and they’re anxious to park it in their garage.”
That said, Lexus expects to sell only about 1,000 LS500s a month in the U.S., equipped with the standard 3.5-liter V6 and the gas-electric hybrid and a ten-speed automatic transmission. In 1990, its second year in the market, Lexus was selling 4,000 LS400s a month. The first generation sedan was the launching pad for the Lexus brand in the U.S., transforming believers out of skeptics who had predicted Toyota would fall on its face with its luxury franchise.
Trouble is, the premium sedan segment itself looks like the victim of a tempest, shrunken and battered by mass defection of affluent consumers away from sedans and toward SUVs. So far, none of the leading makers of premium sedans is backing down, certainly not Toyota which brings to market an all-new design, architecture, engine, transmission, safety features and a host of aesthetic refinements meant to spark interest in the model.
Toyota also is taking a page from its playbook of 28 years ago, when the LS400 first appeared, by pricing the new model well below its direct competitors. The car will start at $75,000; and the company estimates that 70% of LS500s sold will transact at less than $80,000. Cooper Ericksen, vice president of Lexus marketing in the U.S. said the new model’s retail price represents roughly 10% that of comparable German luxury sedans.
“You might ask, ‘why would customers buy a sedan when everyone is buying SUVs?’” said Ericksen. “Well, for this income bracket, it’s safe to say they probably have an SUV in their household fleet already. The LS plays a different…more luxurious…role in their lives and they’re anxious to park it in their garage.”
That said, Lexus expects to sell only about 1,000 LS500s a month in the U.S., equipped with the standard 3.5-liter V6 and the gas-electric hybrid and a ten-speed automatic transmission. In 1990, its second year in the market, Lexus was selling 4,000 LS400s a month. The first generation sedan was the launching pad for the Lexus brand in the U.S., transforming believers out of skeptics who had predicted Toyota would fall on its face with its luxury franchise.
#5
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Methinks lexus really wants to shut the genesis party down.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Sounds reasonable. Be interesting to see the LS and Genesis side by side. I saw the big Hyundai at Costco yesterday, with a FLA plate and the dealer was Napleton. I googled and the dealer is WPB, not Naples, showing people with means, will spend on the big Hyundai. It has decent styling but imho no motor.
embargo, what does that mean, press?
embargo, what does that mean, press?
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#9
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Yes, so driving impressions can't be released, generally this is due to the numerous waves of media that need to be able to cycle through the press event. Once the final wave clears, then the embargo is generally lifted at the same time for all attendees.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
I will probably test drive it when things calm down, and would like to drive the V6 and then the V8 (when it happens). Doubtful I would buy one, but it would be great to get a $200 gift card or something and be able to see what it's about.....I heard dealers lick their chops when you drive in with a relatively low mileage LS430 and they sometimes end up being traded and a staff member takes it...
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Johnhav430
I will probably test drive it when things calm down, and would like to drive the V6 and then the V8 (when it happens). Doubtful I would buy one, but it would be great to get a $200 gift card or something and be able to see what it's about.....I heard dealers lick their chops when you drive in with a relatively low mileage LS430 and they sometimes end up being traded and a staff member takes it...
#14
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)