I watched some videos today on the new 24 GX and all new 24 TX (full 3-row SUV based mainly on the Grand Highlander). The GX is aiming for more rugged capabilities and doesn’t look too bad; the main press vehicle is really off road equipped and the interior pretty Toyota like. The more luxurious TX had to be what trim? Why an F Sport, of course! The interior was again, very Toyota like (lots of plastic, faux suede, no wood, etc.) quite similar to the new RX, not giving much if any luxury vibes we’ve come to expect. Of course no V6 either even in such a large vehicle. (The GX loses its V8)

I being this up only to help figure out what may be in store in the new ES generation in 2025 (?). Small turbo 4-cylinder engines are a given, and at this point I have to wonder how nice the interior will be. I really hope they don’t continue this down market Toyota vibe but I really fear it may come to that.

Anyway, time will tell how the next ES develops, but these new models seem to further confuse or down market brand identity. Is Lexus downplaying its luxury past? Are they just giving up to the “it’s just a more expensive Toyota”? I sure hope not. I love my ES and the Lexus brand but this direction seems poorly thought out.

 

Cost savings in wrong areas for GM into bankruptcy.

If people ( companies are run by people) don't pay attention to details of history, they are doomed to repeat it!

 

Amen to all that. Let’s hope for the best. Worst case—-I’ll drive my 2021 into the sunset, as they say—-or as Savageese says, “to the grave,” as it will last forever.

 

That TX interior reminds me of a much watered down and plasticized ES interior. I'd much rather have a Mazda CX-9/0 which looks and feels really premium... and it's just a standard brand. Mazda gets the premium/classy styling/quality so right.

 

I think that Mazda will be a competitor to Lexus at some point. According to Car and Driver their intent is to go straight up luxurious. Interiors, features, styling, etc. My son bought a top of the line CX-30 @ $30,000. and it had every option that my top of the line UL 350 had. Maybe not the interior, but very close and high quality.

 

I can see that. Mazda interiors (and exteriors) just look so nice. they need to kick it up a notch on electrification though. they have a couple of battery options but they don't seem that mature.