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Why was Lexus gs350 discontinued?

The Lexus GS350, a mid-size luxury sedan, was discontinued by Toyota's premium brand Lexus in 2020 after a nearly two-decade run. The discontinuation of the GS350 was part of a broader shift in Lexus' product lineup as the brand focused more on SUVs and crossovers to meet changing consumer preferences.


Reasons for the Discontinuation of the Lexus GS350


There are several key reasons why Lexus decided to discontinue the GS350:



  • Declining Sedan Sales: The overall sedan market, including luxury sedans, has been declining in recent years as consumers have shifted their preferences towards SUVs and crossover vehicles.

  • Overlap with Other Lexus Models: The GS350 was positioned between the smaller Lexus ES and the larger Lexus LS in Lexus' sedan lineup. This created some overlap and cannibalization between the models.

  • Focus on SUVs and Crossovers: Lexus, like many other automakers, has been placing a greater emphasis on developing and marketing its SUV and crossover models, which have been selling better than sedans.li>
  • Aging Platform: The Lexus GS350 was based on an aging platform that had not received a major redesign in several years, making it less competitive against newer models from rival luxury brands.


Ultimately, the combination of declining sedan sales, overlap with other Lexus models, and the brand's strategic shift towards SUVs and crossovers led to the discontinuation of the Lexus GS350 after the 2020 model year.


Impact of the Discontinuation


The discontinuation of the Lexus GS350 has had several impacts:



  • Reduced Sedan Offerings: With the GS350 gone, Lexus' sedan lineup is now limited to the ES, IS, and LS models, making the brand's sedan offerings less diverse.

  • Potential Resale Value Increase: The discontinuation of the GS350 may lead to an increase in resale values for used models, as they become more scarce on the market.

  • Shift in Consumer Expectations: The discontinuation of the GS350 reflects the broader industry trend towards SUVs and crossovers, which may shape consumer expectations and preferences going forward.


Overall, the discontinuation of the Lexus GS350 was a strategic decision by the brand to align its product lineup with changing consumer preferences and market trends, even if it meant reducing its sedan offerings.

What is the biggest problem with Lexus?


  • Transmission Problems. Lexus drivers have reported car transmission issues, particularly in older models.
  • Dashboard Melting.
  • Suspension Wear.
  • Brake Issues.
  • Oil Leaks.
  • Air Conditioning Problems.
  • Check Engine Light.



What does GS stand for on Lexus?


What does GS stand for? GS= Grand Sedan. What does LS stand for? LS= Luxury Sedan.



Why was the Lexus is discontinued?


Australian design rule changes to blame
Lexus Australia said the IS' demise is due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) – ADR 85/00 – for side impact protection.



What replaced the Lexus GS 350?


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.



What year Lexus is to stay away from?


Lexus IS250 (2007-2012)
First up on the list is the second-generation IS250, which has earned a reputation as the Lexus model to absolutely avoid. The release of the IS250 saw a transition from a multi-point fuel injection system in the engine to a direct injection system instead.



Why did Lexus discontinue the GS 350?


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's the difference between a Lexus GS 350 and ES 350?


The Lexus ES350 has front-wheel drive, while the GS350 comes with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Lexus ES350 has an engine with 268 horsepower. The Lexus GS350 has a higher-output engine with 311 horsepower.



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.



What replaced the Lexus GS350?


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.



How long will a Lexus GS 350 last?


The Lexus GS 350 has an average lifespan of 172,682 miles or about 16 years.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.