I don't think the ES has to be eliminated just to fill people's ideas of what is a traditional lineup. This is no longer a world with just the 3/5/7, C/E/S, and A4/A6/A8. We have all sorts of new entry level FWD German cars now, all sorts of even 4 door coupes and coupe SUVs.
Any company would kill to have a product as successful as the ES. It is quite frankly a legendary car and nameplate at this point. Over 25 years of success year after year. While my FWD days might be done, I completely understand why its such a success and amazing product!
I don't like this post. I LOVE this post. It's insane to have to make excuses for the ES series. Were it not for an ES330 in 2006, Lexus would most likely not have become the household car du jour it has become in my family.
If you know
anything about me, I am brand loyal to a fault. I drove nothing by two door GM sports cars until the Lexus. Then...2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2015. That's eight cars in nine years. Until Lexus does something so insanely stupid to lose my business, I have no reason to look elsewhere. And after visiting the auto show on Saturday night, I have a new goal for the future: GS. Matador Red Mica, of course. But I love the ES series, and have absolutely no embarassment putting the keys down to my IS F Sport on Friday night and driving the ES all weekend. It's what I like and more importantly, what I can afford and still remain a Lexus customer. Money no object, I'd have a GS and an RC. But I play within my budget and that ES allows more people to enjoy the Lexus experience at a price affoardable to all.
Let's be realistic here. If you knew what my lease payment has been on my past two ES350's (2013, 2015), you'd spit out your drink. Cadillac and Buick couldn't come close in a heads up comparison price-wise, and there IS no comparison in heads up features between the three. I just don't like or ever consider the German brands and don't care at all for Infiniti. So, Lexus it is. I 100% agree with Mike (and he's been around Lexus more than twice as long as I have). The ES is essential to Lexus's day to day viability as a company.