Lexus GS Sedan Not Going Anywhere, Will Continue Sales in North America

Posted by Kevin on June 12th, 2018

Lexus will continue to sell the GS sports sedan in North America for the foreseeable future, as confirmed with both Lexus USA and Lexus Canada.

“The Lexus GS has been an important part of the Lexus line-up since 1993 and we value its role as a sports sedan,” Lexus USA spokesperson Ed Hellwig explained over email. “We will continue to offer the GS in the United States, and will evaluate how best to meet our customers’ needs going forward.”

The future of the GS sports sedan was called into question recently when Lexus Europe discontinued the model due to new emission regulations. It will be replaced in the region by the new seventh-generation ES sedan.

Despite the promise of continued sales, there is no guarantee the GS will see a next-generation model. Lexus would not comment on future product plans.

CanadaLexus GS: Fourth GenerationUSA
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Comments
krew
joepac
The ES is still going to be FWD. Look at that profile pic in the article about the ES in camo. The front overhang and the back of the front fender give it away. They will not make the ES a RWD car... Maybe pull an Acura/Audi and make it FWD based AWD but still with a horizontally opposed engine and FWD dimensions-No thanks.
I honestly think the toughest crowd to convince regarding the ES will be Lexus enthusiasts. I'm of the opinion that a full-time AWD system would transform the ES, but I have to wonder if it's enough to replace the GS.

Interesting times, to be sure.
krew
joepac
The ES is still going to be FWD. Look at that profile pic in the article about the ES in camo. The front overhang and the back of the front fender give it away. They will not make the ES a RWD car... Maybe pull an Acura/Audi and make it FWD based AWD but still with a horizontally opposed engine and FWD dimensions-No thanks.
I honestly think the toughest crowd to convince regarding the ES will be Lexus enthusiasts. I'm of the opinion that a full-time AWD system would transform the ES, but I have to wonder if it's enough to replace the GS.

Interesting times, to be sure.
joepac
krew
I honestly think the toughest crowd to convince regarding the ES will be Lexus enthusiasts. I'm of the opinion that a full-time AWD system would transform the ES, but I have to wonder if it's enough to replace the GS.

Interesting times, to be sure.
Agreed. I just wish Lexus will one day cast aside its conservatism and go for it like the IS-F and LFA. They need to at least be competitive in the performance category or will always carry the "Old Granny Car" or "Overpriced Toyota" stigma.

I've driven the new ES as a loaner when I got the 60K service on my IS. It really drives like your on ambien. I would rather drive my Prius LOL. I also had the opportunity to drive the NX 200t which was much more lively and felt more sporty than the ES.
joepac
krew
I honestly think the toughest crowd to convince regarding the ES will be Lexus enthusiasts. I'm of the opinion that a full-time AWD system would transform the ES, but I have to wonder if it's enough to replace the GS.

Interesting times, to be sure.
Agreed. I just wish Lexus will one day cast aside its conservatism and go for it like the IS-F and LFA. They need to at least be competitive in the performance category or will always carry the "Old Granny Car" or "Overpriced Toyota" stigma.

I've driven the new ES as a loaner when I got the 60K service on my IS. It really drives like your on ambien. I would rather drive my Prius LOL. I also had the opportunity to drive the NX 200t which was much more lively and felt more sporty than the ES.
joepac
krew
I honestly think the toughest crowd to convince regarding the ES will be Lexus enthusiasts. I'm of the opinion that a full-time AWD system would transform the ES, but I have to wonder if it's enough to replace the GS.

Interesting times, to be sure.
Agreed. I just wish Lexus will one day cast aside its conservatism and go for it like the IS-F and LFA. They need to at least be competitive in the performance category or will always carry the "Old Granny Car" or "Overpriced Toyota" stigma.

I've driven the new ES as a loaner when I got the 60K service on my IS. It really drives like your on ambien. I would rather drive my Prius LOL. I also had the opportunity to drive the NX 200t which was much more lively and felt more sporty than the ES.
Tragic Bronson
I have been driving my dad's new ES Hybrid a lot more....for the enthusiast driver in me it does nothing, but is fine for its intended purpose in being a luxury hybrid. My dad is at the retirement age (He just hasn't stopped working), so he decided to splurge on an ESh instead of the Camry Hybrid (I even told him to consider the Sonata Hybrid).

Anyway, the GS has to better appeal to the 5 Series/E Class demographic. Honestly, if you look at numbers, it has been hard for the GS to break through the glass that Ze Germans have in place; I even think Audi has surpassed Lexus in some luxury buyers' minds. The Germans made a lot of luxury buyers in the US biased against anything that wasn't German/European.

My dad bought his ES with a huge discount, and there's no way the other Lexus cars would continue to sell without incentives too at this time.
Tragic Bronson
I have been driving my dad's new ES Hybrid a lot more....for the enthusiast driver in me it does nothing, but is fine for its intended purpose in being a luxury hybrid. My dad is at the retirement age (He just hasn't stopped working), so he decided to splurge on an ESh instead of the Camry Hybrid (I even told him to consider the Sonata Hybrid).

Anyway, the GS has to better appeal to the 5 Series/E Class demographic. Honestly, if you look at numbers, it has been hard for the GS to break through the glass that Ze Germans have in place; I even think Audi has surpassed Lexus in some luxury buyers' minds. The Germans made a lot of luxury buyers in the US biased against anything that wasn't German/European.

My dad bought his ES with a huge discount, and there's no way the other Lexus cars would continue to sell without incentives too at this time.
Tragic Bronson
I have been driving my dad's new ES Hybrid a lot more....for the enthusiast driver in me it does nothing, but is fine for its intended purpose in being a luxury hybrid. My dad is at the retirement age (He just hasn't stopped working), so he decided to splurge on an ESh instead of the Camry Hybrid (I even told him to consider the Sonata Hybrid).

Anyway, the GS has to better appeal to the 5 Series/E Class demographic. Honestly, if you look at numbers, it has been hard for the GS to break through the glass that Ze Germans have in place; I even think Audi has surpassed Lexus in some luxury buyers' minds. The Germans made a lot of luxury buyers in the US biased against anything that wasn't German/European.

My dad bought his ES with a huge discount, and there's no way the other Lexus cars would continue to sell without incentives too at this time.
I
A stylish GS 4 door coupe / a better CLS would be a nice (and brave) move for Lexus. Do it please.

joepac
I've driven the new ES as a loaner when I got the 60K service on my IS. It really drives like your on ambien. I would rather drive my Prius LOL. I also had the opportunity to drive the NX 200t which was much more lively and felt more sporty than the ES.
100% agree (except part about Prius) lol. And I'm a gray haired guy, not young.
I
A stylish GS 4 door coupe / a better CLS would be a nice (and brave) move for Lexus. Do it please.

joepac
I've driven the new ES as a loaner when I got the 60K service on my IS. It really drives like your on ambien. I would rather drive my Prius LOL. I also had the opportunity to drive the NX 200t which was much more lively and felt more sporty than the ES.
100% agree (except part about Prius) lol. And I'm a gray haired guy, not young.
I
A stylish GS 4 door coupe / a better CLS would be a nice (and brave) move for Lexus. Do it please.

joepac
I've driven the new ES as a loaner when I got the 60K service on my IS. It really drives like your on ambien. I would rather drive my Prius LOL. I also had the opportunity to drive the NX 200t which was much more lively and felt more sporty than the ES.
100% agree (except part about Prius) lol. And I'm a gray haired guy, not young.
zeusus
The GS going 4door coupe was necessary around the time the 4GS was released in 2012 so it is a very welcome change if this is true even though they would be 6-7 years late.
zeusus
The GS going 4door coupe was necessary around the time the 4GS was released in 2012 so it is a very welcome change if this is true even though they would be 6-7 years late.
zeusus
The GS going 4door coupe was necessary around the time the 4GS was released in 2012 so it is a very welcome change if this is true even though they would be 6-7 years late.
krew
zeusus
The GS going 4door coupe was necessary around the time the 4GS was released in 2012 so it is a very welcome change if this is true even though they would be 6-7 years late.
I have to figure the 4GS was Lexus' attempt to go head-to-head with the 5-series and E-Class, and it failed. Lexus realized their best hope in midsize was the ES, and moving the GS into CLS/A7 territory is about the only thing that can save the model.

I remember being excited about the 4GS despite its half-formed spindle grille -- wish it could have performed better in the market.

Edited for clarity.
krew
zeusus
The GS going 4door coupe was necessary around the time the 4GS was released in 2012 so it is a very welcome change if this is true even though they would be 6-7 years late.
I have to figure the 4GS was Lexus' attempt to go head-to-head with the 5-series and E-Class, and it failed. Lexus realized their best hope in midsize was the ES, and moving the GS into CLS/A7 territory is about the only thing that can save the model.

I remember being excited about the 4GS despite its half-formed spindle grille -- wish it could have performed better in the market.

Edited for clarity.
krew
zeusus
The GS going 4door coupe was necessary around the time the 4GS was released in 2012 so it is a very welcome change if this is true even though they would be 6-7 years late.
I have to figure the 4GS was Lexus' attempt to go head-to-head with the 5-series and E-Class, and it failed. Lexus realized their best hope in midsize was the ES, and moving the GS into CLS/A7 territory is about the only thing that can save the model.

I remember being excited about the 4GS despite its half-formed spindle grille -- wish it could have performed better in the market.

Edited for clarity.
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • August 23, 2017
The 4GS is a great car for many reasons. Sadly, I feel that personally they messed up the mid-cycle refresh styling-wise. Even so, pre-refresh it sold ok but not in big numbers. I also feel Toyota never put enough effort at the dealer level to push the GS over the ES. The ES basically sells itself. Toyota has a unique situation with the ES and GS, so that's why I feel for it to sell well, regardless of how the model looks or is engineered, heavy pressure and effort by Toyota must be placed upon dealers to specifically push the GS.
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • August 23, 2017
The 4GS is a great car for many reasons. Sadly, I feel that personally they messed up the mid-cycle refresh styling-wise. Even so, pre-refresh it sold ok but not in big numbers. I also feel Toyota never put enough effort at the dealer level to push the GS over the ES. The ES basically sells itself. Toyota has a unique situation with the ES and GS, so that's why I feel for it to sell well, regardless of how the model looks or is engineered, heavy pressure and effort by Toyota must be placed upon dealers to specifically push the GS.
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • August 23, 2017
The 4GS is a great car for many reasons. Sadly, I feel that personally they messed up the mid-cycle refresh styling-wise. Even so, pre-refresh it sold ok but not in big numbers. I also feel Toyota never put enough effort at the dealer level to push the GS over the ES. The ES basically sells itself. Toyota has a unique situation with the ES and GS, so that's why I feel for it to sell well, regardless of how the model looks or is engineered, heavy pressure and effort by Toyota must be placed upon dealers to specifically push the GS.
Tragic Bronson
krew
I remember being excited about the 4GS despite its half-formed spindle grille -- wish it could have performed better in the market.
Was the grill holding the car back from more appeal in the marketplace? When the pictures of the car was released, you just couldn't get away from seeing this on any forum thread:
Tragic Bronson
krew
I remember being excited about the 4GS despite its half-formed spindle grille -- wish it could have performed better in the market.
Was the grill holding the car back from more appeal in the marketplace? When the pictures of the car was released, you just couldn't get away from seeing this on any forum thread:
Tragic Bronson
krew
I remember being excited about the 4GS despite its half-formed spindle grille -- wish it could have performed better in the market.
Was the grill holding the car back from more appeal in the marketplace? When the pictures of the car was released, you just couldn't get away from seeing this on any forum thread:
james_m300
i don't understand why people care so much about the ES becoming the sports sedan of the segment now, look at how much the new camry evolved, 'ES' is just a nameplate, yes it has been the boring granny car for years but look how the RX has transformed for its 4th generation. it seems clear that the ES will be taking the GS's usual 4 door sedan role by looking at the spy shots alongside the Audi A6 & Mercedes E Class, the GS's competitors now. what is going to suck is that if the ES does not have the F-Sport option or the TTV6 for the ES350 with power, lexus will not be able to keep the loyal GS buyers and possibly move the people with german cars over. i also believe they should make a 4 door coupe version of the RC with the power from the TTV6 and maybe an F version, but hey that's just my opinion
james_m300
i don't understand why people care so much about the ES becoming the sports sedan of the segment now, look at how much the new camry evolved, 'ES' is just a nameplate, yes it has been the boring granny car for years but look how the RX has transformed for its 4th generation. it seems clear that the ES will be taking the GS's usual 4 door sedan role by looking at the spy shots alongside the Audi A6 & Mercedes E Class, the GS's competitors now. what is going to suck is that if the ES does not have the F-Sport option or the TTV6 for the ES350 with power, lexus will not be able to keep the loyal GS buyers and possibly move the people with german cars over. i also believe they should make a 4 door coupe version of the RC with the power from the TTV6 and maybe an F version, but hey that's just my opinion
james_m300
i don't understand why people care so much about the ES becoming the sports sedan of the segment now, look at how much the new camry evolved, 'ES' is just a nameplate, yes it has been the boring granny car for years but look how the RX has transformed for its 4th generation. it seems clear that the ES will be taking the GS's usual 4 door sedan role by looking at the spy shots alongside the Audi A6 & Mercedes E Class, the GS's competitors now. what is going to suck is that if the ES does not have the F-Sport option or the TTV6 for the ES350 with power, lexus will not be able to keep the loyal GS buyers and possibly move the people with german cars over. i also believe they should make a 4 door coupe version of the RC with the power from the TTV6 and maybe an F version, but hey that's just my opinion
mikeavelli
joepac
http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/lexus/lexus-gs/

2017 was abysmal. 2014 to 2016 were not that great (not that well?) lol

Compare to one of its competitors the BMW 5 series

http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/bmw/bmw-5-series/

Outsold the GS by 2-3x as much units sold. And continues to sell strong.

I mean it doesn't mean much to us Lexus folk but Lexus is a business and it can't waste money in R&D on a new chassis, powertrain etc. just to sell 1300 units per month and remain profitable.

The ES is still going to be FWD. Look at that profile pic in the article about the ES in camo. The front overhang and the back of the front fender give it away. They will not make the ES a RWD car... Maybe pull an Acura/Audi and make it FWD based AWD but still with a horizontally opposed engine and FWD dimensions-No thanks.

I hope the GS does become more like a A7, 6 Series level car but the ES based GS (if that really happens) may sell well among the AARP crowd but it will be no enthusiast car. The IS and GS are what Lexus has left for sports sedans. Hopefully the new Dynamic Force engines and new designs by 2019/2020 will truly put them on top beyond reliability and practicality.
What confuses me is the GS did meet sales goals here and according to Lexus is the best selling worldwide. I guess that still wasn't enough.
mikeavelli
joepac
http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/lexus/lexus-gs/

2017 was abysmal. 2014 to 2016 were not that great (not that well?) lol

Compare to one of its competitors the BMW 5 series

http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/bmw/bmw-5-series/

Outsold the GS by 2-3x as much units sold. And continues to sell strong.

I mean it doesn't mean much to us Lexus folk but Lexus is a business and it can't waste money in R&D on a new chassis, powertrain etc. just to sell 1300 units per month and remain profitable.

The ES is still going to be FWD. Look at that profile pic in the article about the ES in camo. The front overhang and the back of the front fender give it away. They will not make the ES a RWD car... Maybe pull an Acura/Audi and make it FWD based AWD but still with a horizontally opposed engine and FWD dimensions-No thanks.

I hope the GS does become more like a A7, 6 Series level car but the ES based GS (if that really happens) may sell well among the AARP crowd but it will be no enthusiast car. The IS and GS are what Lexus has left for sports sedans. Hopefully the new Dynamic Force engines and new designs by 2019/2020 will truly put them on top beyond reliability and practicality.
What confuses me is the GS did meet sales goals here and according to Lexus is the best selling worldwide. I guess that still wasn't enough.
mikeavelli
joepac
http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/lexus/lexus-gs/

2017 was abysmal. 2014 to 2016 were not that great (not that well?) lol

Compare to one of its competitors the BMW 5 series

http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/bmw/bmw-5-series/

Outsold the GS by 2-3x as much units sold. And continues to sell strong.

I mean it doesn't mean much to us Lexus folk but Lexus is a business and it can't waste money in R&D on a new chassis, powertrain etc. just to sell 1300 units per month and remain profitable.

The ES is still going to be FWD. Look at that profile pic in the article about the ES in camo. The front overhang and the back of the front fender give it away. They will not make the ES a RWD car... Maybe pull an Acura/Audi and make it FWD based AWD but still with a horizontally opposed engine and FWD dimensions-No thanks.

I hope the GS does become more like a A7, 6 Series level car but the ES based GS (if that really happens) may sell well among the AARP crowd but it will be no enthusiast car. The IS and GS are what Lexus has left for sports sedans. Hopefully the new Dynamic Force engines and new designs by 2019/2020 will truly put them on top beyond reliability and practicality.
What confuses me is the GS did meet sales goals here and according to Lexus is the best selling worldwide. I guess that still wasn't enough.
mikeavelli
Wanted to start this post for a separate thought. Now the IS/ES strategy has been very successful. It allowed Lexus to fully make the IS sporty and the ES lean strongly toward a totally different market more concerned with comfort.

By getting rid of this, the IS might have to move more to the middle to appease everyone and then the ES moves more to the middle to appease everyone.

M