What year did Lexus stop making the GS?
The Lexus GS was discontinued after the 2020 model year.
The GS, a mainstay of Lexus' sedan lineup since its debut in 1991, served as a bridge between the brand's mainstream ES and sportier IS models. In response to shifting market demand and a broader lineup rethink, Lexus confirmed that the GS would not continue into a new model year, marking the end of an era for the brand’s mid-luxury sedan. This article explains exactly when the GS stopped production, why the decision was made, and what buyers and enthusiasts should know going forward.
When did Lexus stop making the GS?
The key milestones surrounding the discontinuation are summarized below.
- Official confirmation: Lexus announced in 2019 that the GS would be discontinued after the 2020 model year in most markets.
- Final model year: 2020, with production and dealer sales wrapping up during that year.
- Strategic shift: Lexus redirected development toward the IS, ES, and electrified/more modern models, reducing focus on large rear-drive sedans.
In short, the 2020 model year marked the end of the GS's production run in most markets.
Regional nuances in the discontinuation
While the 2020 model year was the global end in broad terms, some markets saw variations in timing or stock availability as dealers cleared remaining units. Across major regions including North America, Europe, and Asia, official end-of-production announcements aligned with 2020, reflecting a company-wide shelving of the GS.
What replaced the GS in Lexus' lineup?
There is no single direct successor to the GS. Lexus shifted its emphasis toward the IS for a compact sport sedan and the ES for a comfortable midsize sedan, while other models such as the LC and hybrid variants supplemented the brand's performance and efficiency story. The GS sales route is absorbed into the broader lineup rather than a one-to-one replacement.
Summary
The Lexus GS ended production with the 2020 model year. Introduced in 1991, the GS lingered for nearly three decades before Lexus redirected its product strategy toward smaller, more electrified, and diversified models. For today’s buyers, options that fill the GS’s niche include the IS for sportier driving dynamics and the ES for greater comfort, along with the rest of Lexus’ current lineup.
