SW17LS

Its cost cutting. They're trying to deliver the car equipped a certain way under a certain price and the power-folding mirrors were an item they removed for the US to accomplish that. If you look elsewhere in the world there are lots of features the ES has available we don't get here, power rear seats, all kinds of stuff.

Unfortunately, $50k is just not a lot for a car anymore. The ES is not of the same level as the E Class or 5 Series regardless of what Lexus might like you to believe, those cars are much more expensive than the ES. An E Class STARTS at $55k for the basic 4cyl version. The ES is really comparable to the Buick LaCrosse, Lincoln MKZ, Avalon, etc.

mikemu30

Somehow I dont think ES buyers are cross shopping a LaCrosse especially since its been discontinued. MKZ not likely either. Avalon perhaps if theyre looking to save a few Gs.

SW17LS

I just helped a friend buy an ES and we absolutely cross shopped the Lacrosse. Lacrosse is a direct competitor to the ES, and in fact they reverse engineered the ES when they designed the Lacrosse. The MKZ is absolutely a competitor also, same price point, also a FWD car. Lacrosse is slated for discontinuation but its still being made and sold at current.

The ES is not a comparable car to midsized German cars. The Germans don't really have models that are direct competitors to the ES. Same size, type, amenities and price.

Read any publication or review of the ES where they talk about its competitors, they all list the vehicles I mention. mmarshall who is a big poster in the CarChat forum has a Lacrosse and he cross shopped the ES and the MKZ.

Steve300h

Before buying the 2019 Lexus ES 300h we cross shopped it with:
Volvo S60 / XC 60
Mazda 6
Toyota Avalon
Honda Accord Hybrid

SW17LS

See, people cross shop a wide variety of cars. My friend looked at the Mazda 6, Avalon, Lacrosse, and Accord since he had one previously and chose the ES. Volvo S60 also makes a ton of sense, similar price point, FWD, large sedan.