Where Are The Luxury Models?
 

2023 Lexus ES 350 Brochure shows Luxury model with just the accessories I would want included. HOWEVER, no dealership inventories anywhere seem to show ANY in stock. Is there simply a shortage of some kind or are they shown in a different way. I even looked at the factory stickers when available and they seem to virtually all be Base models with up to 12 optional items added. No mention at all of Luxury package or level. Is this simply an anomaly of sorts due to supply chain and production issues or am I somehow incorrectly interpreting the data?

Dealers often have 3rd parties administering their websites so they often have little input or even direct input into how they are run. I've noticed this as well when reviewing other dealer sites and they can vary in their descriptions and even what equipment is available. I also noticed that on "in-transit" inventory, the details are often more general and less specific but often once the inventory actually arrives (isn't presold) and becomes part of their available "on-the-lot" inventory, they often update their descriptions more accurately. One easy way I use to determine the type of package or trim level is by the seats. If they are semi-aniline then you know right away that they are at least a Luxury or even Ultra Luxury. For added accuracy, you can check the side rear window curtains/sunshade to determine if an Ultra Lux.

Regarding the current shortage of Lux. trims you are searching for, it varies and is dependent on what is allocated to each dealer. A few weeks ago my local dealer had 4-5 Luxury models and several premiums and F-sports. Now they are down to 2 F-sports and the rest premium trims. Inventory allocations occur quarterly but when that inventory arrives at the dealer is anyone's guess.😀

** This is an excerpt from my post regarding dealer allocations**

Lexus Brand Allocation
The primary difference between the Lexus allocation model and the other allocation models described previously is that Lexus vehicles are allocated to dealers based on a quarterly sales plan. Unlike the Toyota models that are based on actual sales to "turn-and-earn," Lexus's vehicle allocation is based on the forecasted sales of each dealer as a share of each region's total sales. The allocation share is revised each quarter to adjust for market changes. The allocation process is consistent with the idea that firms can take greater risk with products that have a higher margin.

It feels like the Luxury models are caught in no mans land. A Luxury model with all the popular options looks and costs a lot like an Ultra Luxury trim.

Does it have all the options you want? If so, why not buy it?

The only thing you can only get on an UL and no other trim level is the rear side window shades from what I recall.

I imagine at least some of the hype and demand around the UL is for it being the highest trim level.

That's right, only the shades are exclusive to UL.

Well, I probably would if it had all the options I wanted. My point is Lexus likely wouldn't manufacture many fully loaded Luxury models because it would compete with the UL trim.

I would prefer luxury model with no options. Also few thousand dollars less than UL.

Theoretically, yes. In reality, you are lucky to even find a UL nowadays in the color you want. Good luck finding a fully loaded Luxury trim in the color you want.

I just wonder how many people agree with you there. If someone is going to shell out the cash to buy the Luxury trim, how many would really not want the options like the bigger infotainment screen, HUD, and birds eye view? Not to mention the upgraded LED headlights and ML audio which are an option on both trims.

I just dont think theres so much demand for that intermediate trim.

Which options are missing?

Tripple beams, 12.3”, ML…

Well, if the OP is correct the entire car is missing. I am simply rationalizing why there is a shortage of Luxury models.

OK, got it. Yes, I consider the 12.3" and ML as must haves. I would pass if either of these are missing.

From this statement, I got a very different impression.

For me, the 12.3", HUD, and birds eye view are must haves so at that point a Lux with all these options is essentially a UL. The ML is a nice to have for me but its an option on both trims.