Why did they stop making Lexus GS?
The GS was discontinued after the 2020 model year, driven by weak sales and a broad pivot toward SUVs and electrified vehicles. There is no direct successor in Lexus’s current lineup; buyers looking for a similar experience are steered toward the IS, ES, or larger LS, along with the brand’s expanding SUV and electric offerings.
Context: Where the GS fit in the Lexus lineup
The Lexus GS began life in the 1990s as a sportier, mid-size sedan intended to sit between the compact IS and the full-size LS. Over its four generations, it offered a V6 and, in some years, a hybrid option, appealing to buyers who wanted a more driver-focused alternative to the es tabbed luxury sedans. By the late 2010s, however, the GS had aging styling and platform underpinnings, and it faced stiffer competition from redesigned mid-size luxury sedans and a shifting consumer preference toward SUVs.
Why production ended
Several factors converged to end the GS program.
- Market demand for mid-size luxury sedans shrank as buyers migrated toward SUVs and crossovers.
- Lexus prioritized its booming SUV lineup (NX, RX, LX) and its other sedans (IS and ES) that better align with current buyer preferences and profitability.
- Electrification and next-generation platforms required significant investment; updating the GS to meet new safety standards and offer modern hybrid/electric options would have carried a high cost with uncertain return.
- The brand’s long-term electrification plan, including the RZ electric SUV and future BEVs, fit more naturally with a streamlined lineup rather than sustaining an aging mid-size sedan.
In short, the decision reflected a strategic realignment rather than a standalone product decision.
What came after: the replacement question
There is no direct GS successor in Lexus’s current catalog. The mid-size sedan segment is now primarily served by the IS (compact) and ES (larger, comfort-focused) for traditional buyers, while the LS covers the full-size space. The brand continues to push its SUV lineup and its electrified offerings, including future electric models.
Closest current offerings for a similar experience
For buyers seeking a blend of sport and luxury similar to the GS, the IS and ES are the practical options within the Lexus lineup. The IS offers a more sporty feel in a compact package, while the ES emphasizes comfort and value in the mid-size segment. For flagship luxury and refinement, the LS remains Lexus’s largest sedan; performance-minded buyers can also consider sports-oriented trims within these lines or related Lexus models like the RC for a different body style.
These alternatives represent how Lexus currently positions its sedan lineup without a direct GS replacement.
Timeline and current trajectory
The GS’s discontinuation was publicly communicated around the end of the 2020 model year, aligning with Lexus’s broader product strategy shift. Since then, the brand has continued to expand its SUV footprint and accelerate its electrification plans, signaling a future where sedans play a smaller role than in the GS era.
Summary
The Lexus GS ended due to a combination of weak demand for mid-size sedans and a strategic pivot toward SUVs and electrified vehicles. There is no direct successor, and Lexus now directs customers to the IS and ES for sedan prospects and to NX, RX, and LS for broader luxury options, while investing in EVs like the RZ and future models. The move reflects a broader industry trend toward sport-utility vehicles and battery-electric powertrains rather than mid-size luxury sedans.
Does Lexus still make a GS model?
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.
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.
Why did Lexus stop making the GS?
Lexus stopped making the GS because of declining sales, shifting market demands away from sedans and toward SUVs, and strong internal competition from other Lexus models like the ES and RX. The company decided to discontinue the lineup after the 2020 model year to focus on its higher-volume and more popular vehicles.
Reasons for discontinuation
- Low sales and shifting market: The GS sedan's sales had been steadily declining, particularly as consumer preference shifted heavily towards SUVs and crossovers.
- Internal competition: The popular and more affordable Lexus ES outsold the GS by a significant margin, fulfilling the needs of many buyers who wanted a comfortable luxury sedan from the brand. The RX SUV also cannibalized sales by being a top-selling model in a different segment.
- Focus on higher-volume models: Lexus chose to allocate resources to models that sold better. Discontinuing the GS allowed the brand to focus on expanding its SUV and crossover lineup.
- External competition: In a competitive luxury market, the GS struggled to compete with German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which were often preferred by buyers for brand cachet.
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.
