When did Lexus stop making the GS 350?
The short answer: Lexus ended production of the GS 350 with the 2020 model year, marking the end of the GS line in 2020.
Beyond that simple fact, the GS sedan line had a long run across four generations, but Lexus shifted its focus to SUVs, crossovers, and electrified models. The 2020 model year stands as the final chapter for the GS 350 in markets where the model was offered.
Context and timeline
The GS family began as Lexus’s mid-size luxury sedan offering in the 1990s and evolved through multiple generations, performance variants, and updates before being retired. The decisive move came as Lexus announced the GS would be discontinued after the 2020 model year, and production for the GS 350 ceased in 2020.
The following milestones outline the broad arc of the GS model line and its culmination:
- The GS was introduced in the 1990s as a mid-size luxury sedan to compete with European rivals in its class.
- Across generations, the GS 350 became a common variant featuring a 3.5-liter V6 and rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
- In 2019–2020, Lexus confirmed that the GS would be discontinued after the 2020 model year, and no 2021 GS models were produced.
- Production and sales of the GS 350 effectively ended in 2020, with the model lineup retired as part of Lexus’s broader shift toward SUVs and electrified vehicles.
In summary, the last GS 350 rolled off the line in 2020, and there was no direct successor within Lexus’s sedan lineup as the brand pivoted to other segments.
Why the GS was discontinued
Market dynamics and a strategic brand shift played the central roles. A long-running decline in traditional sedan demand, coupled with Lexus’s emphasis on SUVs, crossovers, and electrified models, made the GS less sustainable as a core product. The GS 350, along with its siblings in the GS family, was retired to streamline the lineup and focus resources on higher-demand segments.
Market shifts and strategic focus
Industry trends toward larger, more versatile crossovers and the push toward electrified powertrains prompted Lexus to reallocate development and production toward SUVs and hybrid/EV options. The GS line’s sales performance relative to Lexus’s more popular models contributed to the decision to end its production after the 2020 model year.
Impact and alternatives for buyers and owners
For current GS 350 owners, maintenance, recalls, and warranty work remain available through Lexus dealerships under standard terms, though continued parts supply eventually aligns with the model’s discontinuation. For prospective buyers seeking a similar driving experience, options include other Lexus models that emphasize comfort and performance, such as the IS, ES, or RC, along with the brand’s SUV lineup for those prioritizing space and modern features.
Summary
Lexus formally ended GS 350 production after the 2020 model year, closing the GS lineup after roughly three decades. The decision reflected broader market trends and a strategic shift toward SUVs and electrified vehicles, with no direct successor in Lexus’s sedan range. The final GS 350 model year is 2020, and the model now exists in the used-car market and in legacy records rather than as a current production option.
Does Lexus still make the GS series?
No, Lexus discontinued the GS sedan after the 2020 model year due to declining sales and a market shift toward SUVs. Production of the midsize luxury sedan ended in August 2020.
- The GS struggled against rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
- The discontinuation was also influenced by Lexus's focus on expanding its SUV and crossover lineup.
- The ES sedan is positioned as Lexus's main offering in the sedan market, which is both cheaper and larger than the GS was, making it more popular for Lexus customers, say forum users.
What is the most reliable year of the Lexus GS?
The 2013 Lexus GS is certainly one of the most reliable and often considered the best year Lexus GS when it comes to interior comfort for those long Johns Creek drives. The most significant changes were the 2016 model having a revamped design and being equipped with a new engine option.
What is the most common problem with Lexus GS 350?
Top Lexus GS350 Problems
- Brief Rattle or Knocking Noise on Initial Start Up.
- The Inside Rear View Mirror May Become Discolored.
- Software Upgrade for Navigation & Heater Control Displays.
- Lexus GS350 sputtering issue with check engine light and traction control warning.
Will there be a 2025 Lexus GS?
And traffic sign recognition. The GS also features a 360°. Camera system front and rear parking sensors. And an advanced headsup display to help keep your eyes on the road.
