Did the Lexus ES replace the GS?

The ES did not replace the GS. The Lexus GS was discontinued after the 2020 model year, and there is no direct successor in Lexus’ lineup. Since then, Lexus has leaned into SUVs and crossovers while keeping the ES as its mainstream near-luxury sedan.

Background: ES and GS in the Lexus lineup

To understand the question, it helps to know how the ES and GS were positioned in Lexus’ range before the change in strategy. Both were midsize luxury sedans, but they targeted different buyer preferences—one prioritizing comfort and reliability, the other aiming for sport-luxury performance.

Here are the core differences between the ES and the GS:

• Drivetrain and chassis: The ES is primarily front-wheel-drive (with available all-wheel drive in some markets), while the GS has traditionally offered rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive for a sportier, more dynamic feel.


• Market positioning: The ES is the more mainstream, comfort-oriented sedan in the Lexus lineup, designed for smooth daily driving and efficiency. The GS was marketed as a sport-luxury model with sharper handling and a focus on driving dynamics.


• Powertrains: The ES has ranged from hybrid and conventional V6 setups to efficiency-focused options, whereas the GS offered higher-performance V6 engines and, in the GS F variant, a high-performance V8 for enthusiasts.


• Interior and features: Both offer premium interiors, but the GS typically included more driver-oriented features and sport-tuned options aimed at a sportier feel.


• Pricing and segment: The GS sat higher on the sport-luxury spectrum, generally carrying a premium over the ES depending on trim and market.

In summary, while the ES and GS shared a brand and some design language, they served different customer needs, with the GS emphasizing performance and driver engagement and the ES prioritizing comfort and practicality.

Was the GS replaced by the ES?

Not exactly. Lexus did not announce or implement a direct one-to-one replacement for the GS in the sense of a single model filling the same niche. The GS was discontinued after the 2020 model year, and since then Lexus has not introduced a new model to specifically fill the exact sport-luxury midsize sedan slot.

Here are the key takeaways about the discontinuation and the lineup shift:

• The GS production ended after the 2020 model year, with no successor model named or positioned as a direct replacement.


• The ES continues as the brand’s main mid-size, front-wheel-drive sedan, often serving as the practical family-and-daily-driver option in its class.


• Lexus’ product strategy has increasingly prioritized SUVs and crossovers (such as RX and NX), along with flagship sedans like the LS, rather than expanding a dedicated sport-luxury midsize sedan.

For buyers who valued the GS’s sportier character, this shift means evaluating alternatives within Lexus’ current lineup, or looking at the used-market GS offerings from prior years if the sport-luxury feel is a priority.

What to consider today if you’re comparing these models

If you’re weighing an ES versus a GS or alternatives that capture a similar vibe, use these considerations to guide your decision:

• Driving goals: If you want comfortable daily driving with strong reliability, the ES is a solid choice. If you crave sportier handling and a more dynamic drive, you’ll need to look at alternatives such as a used GS (from prior years) or other brands’ sport-luxury sedans.


• Budget and resale: The ES typically offers strong value and lower maintenance costs, while older GS models may require more maintenance or have higher running costs due to performance parts and specialized service needs.


• Powertrain preferences: ES variants emphasize efficiency and comfort (including hybrid options), whereas the GS family included higher-performance engines and a range-topping F model for enthusiasts.


• New-car options: There is no direct ES-derived replacement for GS; consider other Lexus models (IS for compact sport-luxury, LS for full-size luxury, or RX/NX for SUVs) depending on priorities.

Summary

In short, the Lexus ES did not replace the GS. The GS was retired after the 2020 model year, and Lexus has not introduced a new model that directly fills the same sport-luxury midsize sedan niche. The ES remains a core part of the lineup for comfort and practicality, while the brand continues to emphasize SUVs and flagship sedans. Buyers today should consider alternative Lexus models or the used GS if the sport-luxury character remains important.

What replaced the Lexus GS?

The Lexus ES is the primary successor to the Lexus GS sedan, taking over its position as the midsize luxury sedan in the lineup. Due to declining sales and the industry-wide shift to SUVs, Lexus discontinued the GS in 2020 and refocused on the more popular ES, which is now positioned to fill a similar, albeit slightly different, market segment. The Lexus IS serves as the smaller, more performance-oriented sedan, while the flagship LS is the brand's top luxury sedan.
 

• Lexus ES: The ES is the most direct replacement for the GS in terms of market position, though it is a front-wheel-drive vehicle and more comfort-focused, unlike the rear-wheel-drive GS which had a sportier option.
• Lexus IS: This is the compact luxury sport sedan and appeals to buyers who prioritize performance, similar to how some buyers chose the GS.
• Lexus LS: The LS remains the brand's flagship sedan, offering the highest level of luxury, technology, and prestige.

Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?

No, the Lexus ES is not a Camry, but they share the same platform and some mechanical components because Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. The ES is a more premium version, featuring a more luxurious interior, better materials, a quieter ride, and a more powerful standard engine.
 

• Platform and powertrain: The ES and Camry have historically shared the same platform, and many modern versions use a similar platform and powertrains. For example, the Lexus ES 350 and many Toyota Camry models use a similar 3.5L V6 engine. 
• Luxury and features: The ES is designed to be a luxury sedan, with a more premium and quiet interior, higher-quality materials, and a softer ride compared to the sportier or more mainstream focus of the Camry. 
• Positioning: The Camry is a mass-market sedan, while the ES is a luxury vehicle. This means the ES comes standard with more luxury features and has a higher price point to reflect its premium positioning. 

Why did Lexus get rid of the GS?

Lexus discontinued the GS sedan due to low sales, which were a result of several factors, including a market shift towards SUVs and crossovers. Declining sales were also driven by increasing competition from rivals and strong internal competition from the more popular and less expensive Lexus ES. Lexus opted to focus its resources on higher-volume models instead of continuing to produce the GS, which had become an economically unviable model.
 

• Weak sales: The most significant reason was the GS's consistently weak sales figures, particularly compared to other models like the ES and RX crossovers. By 2019, Lexus sold just over 3,300 GS units compared to more than 50,000 ES models. 
• Market shift to SUVs: The auto industry, including the luxury segment, has seen a major consumer preference shift towards SUVs and crossovers, leading to a decline in demand for sedans like the GS. 
• Internal competition: The Lexus ES was a major competitor, as it offered a more affordable and comfortable alternative that appealed to many buyers who would otherwise consider the GS. Some buyers also found the two models looked too similar, making the ES the more logical choice. 
• External competition: The GS struggled to compete with rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which were perceived as offering a more prestigious brand and sometimes better technology and performance on paper, even if more expensive. 
• Economic and resource allocation: With sales in such a slump, it was no longer economically sensible for Lexus to continue producing the GS. The company chose to allocate its resources to developing and promoting its more popular and profitable models, especially its successful lineup of SUVs and crossovers. 

Did they discontinue Lexus GS?

Yes, the Lexus GS was discontinued after the 2020 model year. Production ended in August 2020 due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, a shift in the market towards SUVs, and strong competition from both its Japanese rivals (like the Lexus ES) and German luxury sedans. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the history and discontinuation of the Lexus GS: 58sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Mar 4, 2020

• Market shift: The automotive market saw a significant decline in demand for sedans as consumer preference shifted to SUVs and crossovers. 
• Declining sales: The GS struggled with declining sales, and even more affordable and popular models within its own lineup, like the ES and RX, sold far better. 
• Internal competition: The Lexus ES was a direct competitor, being similar in size but generally more popular and affordable. 
• External competition: The GS also faced intense competition from rivals like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which often outsold it in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. 
• Lexus's focus: Lexus opted to focus resources on its more popular SUV lineup and other sedans, such as the ES and the redesigned IS. 

This video provides a review of the final Lexus GS model: 1mOut MotorsportsYouTube · Nov 13, 2020