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The thing with the ES and IS is that while both of them start at the same price point, they are geared toward different segments.
IS is shorter more sporty and "fun to drive" while the ES is larger, more comfy and "luxurious". The ES is size is closer to the E class than the C class but on price is it the C class instead of the E class.
I think it's got a good poisoning and people will certainly appreciate having a larger car without getting into E class price point.
They way I look at it its that oftentimes I think about the IS as a sort of 4 Series Gran Coupe A5 sportback instead of an actual A4 or 3 Series.
The IS is exactly the same size as the A4 and 3 series and comparatively cheaper. It's not a hatch either. It's also the sportiest of the cars you mentioned. If the ES gets a bump in price, I fear the IS will also get a bump in the next gen.
Lexus should either reposition the GS as some sort Mercedes CLS, Audi A7 or really step up the game like they did in 2012 with a more comfy and "premium looking card". The GS pretty much won all the handling and fun to drive awards but that didn't actually translate into great sales after the first two years. Perhaps thinking on the GS as not the competition of the E class but CLS would make more sense?
Small point of clarification here. The current GS sales went UP after the first 2 years, then down on the 5th year.
From the looks it may be a BIG car. I don't see it as competing with c class or a4 at all. It won't fit in european parking spots easily for one thing.
it may end up being the poor man's or executive wannabe's limo in some parts of the world.
From the looks it may be a BIG car. I don't see it as competing with c class or a4 at all. It won't fit in european parking spots easily for one thing.
it may end up being the poor man's or executive wannabe's limo in some parts of the world.
Only from a pricing standpoint does it compete, since technically the ES is an entry level vehicle. Other wise agreed, they are completely different.
people dont buy cars by buying "compact sport sedan". They are buying based on their $$$.
What world do you live in? Of course they shop for "compact sport sedans". Otherwise a Toyota Highlander would be cross-shopped with a Jeep Wrangler Sport because they cost about the same $$$$.
You know as well as anyone that a direct competitor to a Wrangler is a 4Runner.
On the topic of the ES, it looks really good on the outside. Looking forward to seeing how the interior shapes up.
A baby LS for half the price has big potential to attract buyers looking for traditional luxury, aka C-class, E-class and maybe A4.
This is not new space for the ES. Not everybody wants the LS, or a Baby LS. AN LS and an A4, C Class, etc are very different cars from an LS. No ES before has taken a chunk of those cars sales and this ES won't either.
Theoretically, what you are describing should be the IS and GS (same sausage different lengths).
Perhaps, now that the LS has more of a focus in driving dynamics. But, previously the GS and IS were canted more in the direction of sport, and the LS in comfort. I think that's where the "baby LS" comes from in the ES.
What world do you live in? Of course they shop for "compact sport sedans". Otherwise a Toyota Highlander would be cross-shopped with a Jeep Wrangler Sport because they cost about the same $$$$.
You know as well as anyone that a direct competitor to a Wrangler is a 4Runner.
On the topic of the ES, it looks really good on the outside. Looking forward to seeing how the interior shapes up.
Thats pretty extreme example though.
Let me explain it better - a lot of the buyers getting A4, would also consider A6 if it is similar price, correct? Well those same buyers will also consider ES.
This is why ES has always been one of the best selling vehicles in its class.
This is not new space for the ES. Not everybody wants the LS, or a Baby LS. AN LS and an A4, C Class, etc are very different cars from an LS. No ES before has taken a chunk of those cars sales and this ES won't either.
he meant that ES looking really luxurious will drive in buyers who cant afford $80k vehicle, not that it will draw actual buyers of LS that are looking to spend $80k-$100k on the car.
It is very similar to what Mercedes is doing with their own styling of C, E and S, so I am not sure what is so surprising there? I bet C/E looking like S has brought many new buyers to the C/E, and sales show it.