Why did Lexus discontinue the GS?
The Lexus GS, a beloved luxury sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and reliability, was officially discontinued in 2020. This decision left many car enthusiasts and loyal Lexus customers wondering why such a well-regarded model was removed from the lineup. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons behind Lexus’s decision to discontinue the GS and what it means for the brand moving forward.
Declining Sales in the Sedan Market
One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Lexus GS was the declining popularity of sedans in the automotive market. Over the past decade, consumer preferences have shifted significantly toward SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles offer more space, higher seating positions, and greater versatility, making them more appealing to a broad range of buyers. As a result, sedans like the GS struggled to maintain strong sales numbers.
In fact, the luxury sedan segment, in particular, has faced stiff competition from both within and outside the Lexus brand. Models like the Lexus RX and NX SUVs have become top sellers, overshadowing the GS in terms of demand.
Internal Competition Within Lexus
Another factor contributing to the GS’s demise was internal competition within the Lexus lineup. The Lexus ES, a more affordable and front-wheel-drive-based luxury sedan, has consistently outsold the GS. With its lower price point and broader appeal, the ES became the go-to choice for many Lexus sedan buyers.
Additionally, the Lexus LS, the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, continued to attract buyers looking for a more premium experience. This left the GS in an awkward middle ground, struggling to carve out a distinct identity between the ES and LS.
Focus on Electrification and Future Models
Lexus, like many other automakers, is shifting its focus toward electrification and future-forward technologies. The discontinuation of the GS allows the brand to allocate resources toward developing hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. This strategic pivot aligns with Lexus’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
By streamlining its lineup, Lexus can better position itself to compete in the evolving market and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles.
What Does This Mean for Lexus Fans?
While the discontinuation of the GS may be disappointing for its loyal fans, it’s important to note that Lexus remains committed to delivering high-quality vehicles that meet the needs of its customers. The brand’s focus on SUVs, crossovers, and electrified models ensures that it stays competitive in a rapidly changing market.
For those who loved the GS’s performance-oriented nature, Lexus continues to offer sporty options like the RC coupe and the F Sport trims across its lineup. Additionally, the brand’s upcoming electric vehicles promise to deliver exciting new driving experiences.
Conclusion
The decision to discontinue the Lexus GS was driven by a combination of market trends, internal competition, and a strategic shift toward electrification. While it marks the end of an era for this iconic sedan, it also signals a new chapter for Lexus as the brand adapts to the future of mobility. For fans of the GS, its legacy lives on in the memories of its exceptional performance and luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did they stop making Lexus GS?
The declining sales, coupled with the increasing competition from rival luxury brands, made it difficult for Lexus to justify continued GS production. Furthermore, Lexus has been focusing on expanding and updating its SUV and crossover lineup to meet the growing demand in those segments.
What replaced the Lexus GS?
In 2018, Lexus discontinued the GS for European markets and replaced it with the front-wheel drive ES already sold in North America and some Asian countries.
Do Lexus GS hold their value?
Based on current trends and expert predictions, the 2025 Lexus GS is expected to retain approximately 60-70% of its original value after three years. This range can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier, but Lexus vehicles generally hold their value well compared to other brands.
What year Lexus GS is most reliable?
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.
Is Lexus GS better than ES?
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus ES 350 is 8.7 out of 10 while the Lexus GS 350's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lexus GS 350 being ranked 7 out of 29.
What does GS stand for on Lexus?
Check your knowledge on these Popular Lexus Models…
What does GS stand for? GS= Grand Sedan. What does LS stand for? LS= Luxury Sedan.
Is the Toyota Crown the same as the Lexus GS?
The Crown has also been partially succeeded in export markets by its closely related sibling, the Lexus GS, which since its debut in 1991 as the Toyota Aristo has always shared the Crown's platform and powertrain options.
What does the GX stand for in Lexus?
As for the name, "GX" actually stands for Grand Crossover, which makes a good amount of sense given the car's design.
What is the life expectancy of a Lexus GS 350?
Lexus GS 350:190,000 - 208,000 miles.
What does GS in Lexus stand for?
What does GS stand for? GS= Grand Sedan. What does LS stand for? LS= Luxury Sedan.
