How is Lexus doing?
#33
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Have you driven a new MKZ? I recently reviewed one (and the Ford Fusion), and didn't find the MKZ very impressive. To me, the Fusion was a nicer car...at a lower price.
One good thing, though, about both the Fusion and MKZ is that the Hybrid versions of both cars have the same base price as some of the regular gas versions.![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Agreed on the too-large Audi grilles. But it's hard to argue, though, wth Audi paint jobs, quality interior materials, and fit/finish....they are one of the industry standards.
One good thing, though, about both the Fusion and MKZ is that the Hybrid versions of both cars have the same base price as some of the regular gas versions.
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
I think all Audis look horrible IMO
#34
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
True, they adapted to what some of the new customers (like you) wanted. But at the same time, especially with some of their sedans, they forgot a number of their traditional customers....those for whom the Lexus "Pursuit of Pefection" is not the "Pursuit of Sportiness".
#35
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
True, they adapted to what some of the new customers (like you) wanted. But at the same time, especially with some of their sedans, they forgot a number of their traditional customers....those for whom the Lexus "Pursuit of Pefection" is not the "Pursuit of Sportiness".
BTW, I'm not new to lexus, it's just that my wants changed.
#37
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Talking](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
True, they adapted to what some of the new customers (like you) wanted. But at the same time, especially with some of their sedans, they forgot a number of their traditional customers....those for whom the Lexus "Pursuit of Pefection" is not the "Pursuit of Sportiness".
Years ago Lexus stated they knew they had to go sportier without alienating their loyal fans. Thus far the strategy has worked. Of course some people left the brand.
It's getting a little old and tiring hearing the same complaints about Lexus from people without a new Lexus and with no intentions of buying one. You dont like it, that's fine. Obviously this place is filled with ACTUAL OWNERS that are HAPPY with their direction.
#38
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i have no idea why you are comparing IS350 to A7. talk about apples and oranges
Lexus is doing fine. I think GS is the weakest link. it's been the weakest link for a while IMO. fix GS and lexus will be fine.
Lexus is doing fine. I think GS is the weakest link. it's been the weakest link for a while IMO. fix GS and lexus will be fine.
#39
Pole Position
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My thinking about Lexus is the complete polar opposite to yours (yowsp3) : the all the recent changes to Lexus couldn't come fast enough-- the huge upgrades to driving feel/enjoyement/handling--trumping the Germans I have to say, the exciting distinct design langauge, more full fledged F-models etc.
If anything, I hope Lexus pushes harder,further and faster down the current path that they're taking.
The fact that they are losing you as a customer who valued their old ethos shows that Lexus' new plan of appealing to a different mind-set of customers is succeeding.
#40
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I might be in the minority here, but I am not a fan of the so-called "beauty" of Audi's. Sure, they are amazing inside (my brother-in-law has a '09 TT) but I think they are overrated. As to Lexus changing their game up, there will always be people who complain about what direction they are headed in. I personally think this new direction they are headed in seems great. Not everyone will be a fan, but as a fan since day 1, I think they are evolving nicely. Hate the spindle grill or not, but I think giving character and an identity is what Lexus needed. Can't please everyone, so tough.
#41
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't think they've gone wrong. I dislike the choices when it comes to interior cost cutting, but seeing the course correction in that department at Toyota I'm sure its not far behind at Lexus. Styling changes I like, dynamic changes I like.
As you can see from my sig, I've been around Lexus for 16 years. My first experience with the brand came with the model that was the quintessential Lexus of the 90s, the LS. We had the two most comfortable, quiet, well made Lexus sedans probably ever made. Are they different from the GS I have now? Sure. Would I trade my GS to have the 98 or 04 LS back? No.
I think my GS rides great, while being incredibly fun to drive. It doesn't ride hard or loud at all, it glides down the highway and everybody who rides in it comments on how nicely it rides. The LS was certainly softer...but it was softer handling too.
The LS is still very soft, refined, and detached from the road...that option is there for people. The ES is still a ride oriented car, that option is there. As someone who prefers a great riding car, I love the way the GS rides.
Sales are doing great, something close to up 15% from 2012...how can anyone say they've gone wrong?
If you like the Audi better...buy the Audi. I drove the A7 and A6 before I got the GS, I liked them both. Personally I would buy the A6 over the A7, I found the A7 a little rough around the edges and I don't like the hatch. The A6 is a great car, but its nowhere near as interesting a car as the GS, nor as nice inside. The A7 is more stylish, but its basically the same car just $10k more.
As you can see from my sig, I've been around Lexus for 16 years. My first experience with the brand came with the model that was the quintessential Lexus of the 90s, the LS. We had the two most comfortable, quiet, well made Lexus sedans probably ever made. Are they different from the GS I have now? Sure. Would I trade my GS to have the 98 or 04 LS back? No.
I think my GS rides great, while being incredibly fun to drive. It doesn't ride hard or loud at all, it glides down the highway and everybody who rides in it comments on how nicely it rides. The LS was certainly softer...but it was softer handling too.
The LS is still very soft, refined, and detached from the road...that option is there for people. The ES is still a ride oriented car, that option is there. As someone who prefers a great riding car, I love the way the GS rides.
Sales are doing great, something close to up 15% from 2012...how can anyone say they've gone wrong?
If you like the Audi better...buy the Audi. I drove the A7 and A6 before I got the GS, I liked them both. Personally I would buy the A6 over the A7, I found the A7 a little rough around the edges and I don't like the hatch. The A6 is a great car, but its nowhere near as interesting a car as the GS, nor as nice inside. The A7 is more stylish, but its basically the same car just $10k more.
Last edited by SW17LS; 01-03-14 at 09:51 PM.
#42
Pole Position
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Really - what luxury automakers rushed to make hybrids????
MB / Audi / BMW / Cadillac - please tell me a hybrid model they offer currently.![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
Luxury hybrids dont sell PERIOD.
We will see how BMW does with their new i brand of plug-in electrics - i have my doubts.
LaFerrari, 918Spyder and Mclaren are not hybrids in the true sense of using it for being fuel efficient. BTW they only cost $1MM+.![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
MB / Audi / BMW / Cadillac - please tell me a hybrid model they offer currently.
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
Luxury hybrids dont sell PERIOD.
We will see how BMW does with their new i brand of plug-in electrics - i have my doubts.
LaFerrari, 918Spyder and Mclaren are not hybrids in the true sense of using it for being fuel efficient. BTW they only cost $1MM+.
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
MB does too.
Audi are introducing hybrids.
Cadillac are a non-player outside of the US.
Porsche have hybrid Panameras and Cayennes, and no doubt the Macan will probably have a hybrid variant too.
#43
Pole Position
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
And to the OP (yow); as a fellow Aussie, why would you compare the latest gen A7, to your previous gen IS. Not only is the BASE A7 with zero options ticked retails for $137k AUD (compared with $65k AUD for the current gen IS350), but even a more apt comparison would be with the GS450h which in top spec form (every option taken), which sells for $125k AUD. It's like apples and oranges.
And let's not even get into the Audi reliability issues...
And let's not even get into the Audi reliability issues...
#44
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
None of those available hybrid trims are significant and have made ZERO impact on overall sales.
That was my whole point. - Nobody cares about Luxury Hybrids thus far!
#45
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
With IS300h/GS300h/NX300h, Lexus hybrid sales will probably grow to 50% of their worlwide sales in 2014/2015..