Lexus IS, GS May Face Chopping Block
The entry-level Lexus IS and mid-size GS sedans may have an uncertain future after recent comments from David Christ, the luxury brand’s U.S. general manager.
Speaking with Automotive News in a Monday report, Christ indirectly commented on both sedans’ futures, and he didn’t paint the brightest picture. AN first noted the ES sedan could very well replace the GS sedan in the lineup and potentially gain all-wheel drive. On Lexus‘ car business in general, Christ said the product portfolio is far from finalized.
“Our product plan is what I would call a work in progress,” he said.
Although he would neither confirm or deny the IS and GS’s potential discontinuation, Christ said the Japanese luxury marque is taking a strategic look and “evaluating” both models. The two sedans have grown long in the tooth and Lexus has not announced plans to update either model. Neither move volumes as they once did, either.
ALSO SEE: 2019 Lexus ES 350 Review
In the meantime, Lexus is working to cash in on the crossover and SUV boom with new vehicles like the entry-level UX the three-row RX. The brand also showed the LF-1 Limitless concept at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, which may be a harbinger for another large crossover model. But, it may effectively replace the three-row RX in due time.
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And the 10 year old 570LX Flagship? when can I expect the new one??????
" The two sedans have grown long in the tooth and Lexus has not announced plans to update either model. Neither move volumes as they once did, either. " Perhaps they don't move volumes because they are now 6 and 7 year old designs? I have 2015 IS 350 F Sport and I love it. It is perfect size for me living in a inner city , sitting somewhere in between likes of Audi A3 and A4. I do not care what "reviewers" think who drive it for for few hours and then blab about it, but living with it for 3 years has been great. Comfortable, quiet, reliable and with 235Kw and sub 6 sec 0-60mph , its plenty quick for me. I was looking forward to next gen as my warranty expires in 2019 and I was planing on replacing it with another IS in 2019/20 ... but it looks like I will have to switching brands. ES/GS are simply too large for my needs , the CT is too small and I hate big rumbling SUVs . Cross overs are worst of both words, with none off road capability or space of SUV but with all the downsides of large lump of metal. Will be sad to leave Lexus, as I love the brands fanaticism to quality and their service agents and dealers are pleasure to deal with, but at this point it looks like they will have no product I want. If IS was going to be replaced then RND should be well under way and new model should have been lined up for 2019/20 the latests... and it looks that is not the case sadly. At this point the new 2019 BMW 3 series looks like a go to choice for me.