Is Lexus killing (discontinuing) the GS Line ? (Merged threads)
12-11-18, 10:26 AM
#391
Driver School Candidate
I'd be sad to see the GS go because I love mine, but the showroom/first impression 'wow' factor doesn't compare to the European rivals. The E class, 5 series and A6 all have more advanced tech and give off the impression of greater luxury, and the GS' strengths lie in its reliability and construction (also more engaging to drive but a lot of people don't care about that). When leasing, as a lot of consumers in this midsize luxury segment tend to do, the reliability doesn't really come into play that much, so you're left with a funnier looking car that doesn't appeal to the emotions as much. This is not to mention the ES which does essentially the same thing as the GS for 90% of buyers at a significantly lower cost. I'm hoping that the reputation for quality will eventually outweigh the prestige of the European brands, but that's hard to overcome.
12-11-18, 10:37 AM
#392
I'd say if the new ES offered a AWD version it will no doubt kill off the GS as we know it. I personally wouldn't spend $50K+ on a FWD "luxury 4 door sedan" but the ES is one of the biggest sellers for Lexus in its sedan lineup segment but think the major driving force is the typical buyer/demo it targets is a much older crowd that can care less if its FWD. I think the GS if it were to survive, they should address all the current weaknesses and allot has to do with the old looking interior and atrocious infotainment system and perhaps converted into a sportback. My 2 cents.
12-11-18, 11:20 AM
#393
I'd say if the new ES offered a AWD version it will no doubt kill off the GS as we know it. I personally wouldn't spend $50K+ on a FWD "luxury 4 door sedan" but the ES is by far the biggest seller for Lexus in its sedan lineup segment but think the major driving force is the typical buyer/demo it targets is a much older crowd that can care less if its FWD. I think the GS if it were to survive, they should address all the current weaknesses and allot has to do with the old looking interior and atrocious infotainment system and perhaps converted into a sportback. My 2 cents.
Lou
12-11-18, 11:52 AM
#395
12-11-18, 12:06 PM
#396
Lexus Champion
I'd buy the larger trunk position for the GS vs under the RX cargo cover, but the RX has massive additional capability that a GS never will. When I had our RX, I could carry a twin mattress in it, I once had a large chest of drawers, I transported a patio table with 4 chairs, etc.
12-13-18, 12:57 AM
#397
I'd buy the larger trunk position for the GS vs under the RX cargo cover, but the RX has massive additional capability that a GS never will. When I had our RX, I could carry a twin mattress in it, I once had a large chest of drawers, I transported a patio table with 4 chairs, etc.
GS trunk easy 50% bigger than RX. I was very surprised what I could fit in there. On our first road trip (wife, me , todler, baby) I told my wife we would have to take the Prado given the pile of stuff she placed for me to take.. (All luggage for a week, cot, mattress, extra baby seats x 2, bulky toys, bicycle for toddler, etc..) I packed it in the GS trunk with some space to spare... GS trunk rules. Period. Sure you can fit more if you pack to RX to the roof... but that is not comparing apples with apples...
12-13-18, 08:59 AM
#398
Lexus Fanatic
yes fair enough. not arguing that. But I have a Prado for that function. I am saying 4 people in the car with luggage. Not hauling cargo... GS trunk easy 50% bigger than RX. I was very surprised what I could fit in there. On our first road trip (wife, me , todler, baby) I told my wife we would have to take the Prado given the pile of stuff she placed for me to take.. (All luggage for a week, cot, mattress, extra baby seats x 2, bulky toys, bicycle for toddler, etc..) I packed it in the GS trunk with some space to spare... GS trunk rules. Period. Sure you can fit more if you pack to RX to the roof... but that is not comparing apples with apples...
GS trunk easy 50% bigger than RX. I was very surprised what I could fit in there. On our first road trip (wife, me , todler, baby) I told my wife we would have to take the Prado given the pile of stuff she placed for me to take.. (All luggage for a week, cot, mattress, extra baby seats x 2, bulky toys, bicycle for toddler, etc..) I packed it in the GS trunk with some space to spare... GS trunk rules. Period. Sure you can fit more if you pack to RX to the roof... but that is not comparing apples with apples...
12-13-18, 10:22 AM
#399
Lexus Test Driver
I can fit an adult bicycle in my RC trunk. With the back seat folded. 
The main disadvantage of the GS is the back seat doesn't fold and I can't carry long items.
The main disadvantage of the GS is the back seat doesn't fold and I can't carry long items.
12-16-18, 08:22 AM
#400
Lead Lap
18.4 cubic feet in both. RX can go up to 56.3 with the seats down. Add to that the much larger opening. Let’s not be obtuse here. JFC.
12-29-18, 06:47 PM
#402
do you mean front page or you noticed they changed it cause they changed to 2019 for a while and d/c the hybrid version. Somewhere I read they only d/c engine options before an update so probably the last year but you would think we would have seen test cars by now if its being replaced. also, random but where in NC are you?
12-29-18, 06:57 PM
#403
Prediction:
2019 last year of GS ( burn off remaining inventory)
2020 last year of RX. ( burn off remaining inventory)
2021 new series — Lexus sells cars they can consistently be profitable AND a healthy sales volume. No more dying sales spiral of 2 more years at the end of 7th year of a model generation. You are either relevant to the car buyers or their business will go elsewhere.
12-29-18, 09:11 PM
#404
yep, it is my theory that the remaining parts inventory of a 125k-130k 7-9 year GS production run is to be sold off. To Lexus, this inventory is already paid for and has a greater return on $$ than first or second year of a new model generation. I simply do not think they can pursue another 8-9 model year generation at only 7,000 to 9,000 units per year and incremental revisions of safety and tech. Gen 1 of the Kia stinger has the GS flatfooted. To stay relevant, 100k+ units needs to be achieved in 4-5 years or it’s not worth doing. SUV’s easily get that number in 1-2 years!! It’s time to see the GS morph into a luxury crossover better than the RX.
Prediction:
2019 last year of GS ( burn off remaining inventory)
2020 last year of RX. ( burn off remaining inventory)
2021 new series — Lexus sells cars they can consistently be profitable AND a healthy sales volume. No more dying sales spiral of 2 more years at the end of 7th year of a model generation. You are either relevant to the car buyers or their business will go elsewhere.
customers that buy the 4GS’s won’t buy a sporty crossover.
cusotmers that have been buying RX’s for years won’t buy more expensive sporty crossover from Lexus.
If your theory is true RX owners will go to MDX’s and Infiniti QX50.
And 4GS owners will go Genesis G80 and BMW 5 series.
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AJLex19 (12-29-18)
12-29-18, 09:30 PM
#405
Lead Lap
Q
yep, it is my theory that the remaining parts inventory of a 125k-130k 7-9 year GS production run is to be sold off. To Lexus, this inventory is already paid for and has a greater return on $$ than first or second year of a new model generation. I simply do not think they can pursue another 8-9 model year generation at only 7,000 to 9,000 units per year and incremental revisions of safety and tech. Gen 1 of the Kia stinger has the GS flatfooted. To stay relevant, 100k+ units needs to be achieved in 4-5 years or it’s not worth doing. SUV’s easily get that number in 1-2 years!! It’s time to see the GS morph into a luxury crossover better than the RX.
Prediction:
2019 last year of GS ( burn off remaining inventory)
2020 last year of RX. ( burn off remaining inventory)
2021 new series — Lexus sells cars they can consistently be profitable AND a healthy sales volume. No more dying sales spiral of 2 more years at the end of 7th year of a model generation. You are either relevant to the car buyers or their business will go elsewhere.
If the GS turned into an SUV, then its gotta be a reliable Range Rover Sport. I've driven a bunch of different SUVs in the last few years: Jaguar F Pace, Range Rover Sport, Caddy XT5, RX350, Audi Q7. Out of all of them, the Rover Sport is my personal favorite (sporty, spacious, good looking and comfortable) followed by the XT5 which is basically an American version of the RX with a few features missing from the RX like a touchscreen interface and Apple/Android Auto.
I agree that the GS stands a very good chance of getting chopped - especially if the ES gets AWD. If they announce an ES with AWD, then its unlikely the GS will survive. I hate to say crazy things, but because everyone is on an SUV high, the UX could actually already be the "replacement" for the GS. But MAN OH MAN, if they built a GS-SUV that really went after the Rover Sport, it would be fun!
