That's very interesting, and much lower than I had expected.

I figured the 5th gen GS was going to move upmarket and become a $70k car. Perhaps not if the LS starts at $75k.

 

Unless there is option for faux leather, non turbo, smaller wheels. I am highly skeptical of the pricing and if this article is legit. Pricing is also embargoed as well. I highly doubt Lexus will be able to get that much power, features, options in a new model that is less than $80K from Japan.

 

The current LS460 starts at $72,520. It's not unheard of to try to hold the line on pricing, especially given the ultra competitiveness of the overall segment and current incentives that Lexus has been spending. Article is from Forbes, not some random website, so I don't know if there's reason to question the legitimacy of it....

 

Forbes is a legit source...

I'm fired up!

 

Where does the AWD model start at assuming the $75k starting point is the RWD model. Perhaps the new platform is really that cost efficient.

 

From what I have seen I would still rather have a G90, I like its interior, exterior, and 8 cylinder more and it is all less then the starting point for the LS. I think it is more like Lexus knew the LS500 was not going to sell priced anywhere near the Germans, it should be the LS350 really, who do they think they are fooling giving it a name like it has a 5 liter V8 when it has a 3.5 liter 6 cylinder. Just because the Germans have done it does not mean Japanese companies need to do it with their names. Still it is good news they did not try to price it starting in the mid or upper 80's or 90's which would ensure it fails.

 

Getting big power out of turbo's is not that hard, especially when it already has 3.5 liters in displacement. It does not seem to be loaded up with luxury or features either, from what I am seeing I don't see why it can't be priced at 75K to start. The GS350 with a luxury/cold weather package has semi analine leather, heated steering wheel, rear seat controls, nav, etc and it is priced well under 75K even with ML.

 

I would expect another $2,500 or so for the AWD car.

 

Everyone is doing it, unfortunately. Think about it, a BMW 530i was sweet in 2001'ish. At least I thought so. A 530i today is 4 cyl. 2 liters. I think Infiniti was one of the first, doesn't 50 today represent a 1990's V6? It gets a letter in front of it, Q, G, M, etc. I just saw a 3rd Gen maxima on the road yesterday, that's when Nissan had it goin' on and 190 HP back then was decent.

 

no need for AWD, RWD with 4 snows ftw

 

Disagree. I love the AWD in my climate because it doesn't make sense to buy snow tires here, it doesn't typically stay cold enough and snow is very hit or miss. My LS460 AWD is awesome in the snow on all seasons, while my RWD LS400 and LS430 were terrible. Its also great when accelerating from a stop in the rain, you never get any wheelspin, just straight connect and power, even full throttle turning right out of a neighborhood etc.

The other part of it is Lexus will only sell the AWD model in areas where you may get snow, as they do now. Try and find a RWD LS460 or GS or IS on a lot anywhere north of NC, you can't. So the real base price for those of us not in the south, not in CA, and not in TX/AZ/NV/etc will be the car with AWD because thats all we'll have without a special order.

As for the G90, all things equal unless the LS500 is dramatically different riding and driving than what I'm used to, I would definitely rather have the LS than a G90, even though I really like the G90. The question is what premium would I pay, I would pay $10,000 more for the LS over a G90 no doubt, and forfeit some equipment. $20,000+ more? I'd have a hard time since the G90 is such a compelling package.

If I can get an LS500 with upgraded leather, ML audio and AWD for ~ $80k, I am absolutely a buyer.

 

Automotive News has it at $76k:

http://www.autonews.com/article/2017...rt-above-75000

They're billing it as an increase, they just don't realize the comparable car was the SWB before. The LWB currently starts at nearly $79k

 

Looks like Lexus is finally smartening up on their pricing.

 

What Lexus do you feel is overpriced? In my experience Lexus pricing has been pretty good. I can't think of one model I feel is overpriced relative to its competition...

 

I think their cars are worth the price but I've seen a lot of people complaining about the GS-F, RC-F, and even LC price sadly.