We cannot stress enough on the fact that sedans are on their way to extinction. After Ford and Chevrolet, the trend seems to be making its way into the premium automakers’ category as well. This time, it’s Lexus with the IS and the GS sedans. Is this a smart move by a company whose sales figures are controlled by loyalists?
Crossovers Are Taking Over The Automotive Industry By Storm
It seems like Lexus is moving towards crossovers, rather than spending its resources on sedans. With their present crossover, the NX, doing well in the market, Lexus plans to focus more on this segment. In fact, Lexus’ rival trio from Germany is throwing crossovers in the market like pancakes, and unsurprisingly, all of them are doing well. Lexus Vice President and General Manager, David Christ, said that the automaker is “more focused on maximizing the opportunities we have than comparing ourselves” in an interview with Automotive News.
What Is Next In Line For Lexus?
Despite being just five years and seven years old respectively, the IS and GS sedans could make way for what customers prefer; rather, what they demand. “We can't do it all at once, but we're certainly evaluating both vehicles," Christ said. Since the focus is on the crossovers and the new ES, the company is planning to bring the smaller UX crossover this year as a 2019 model. The addition of the two compact crossovers, plus a three-row RXL will increase the company’s number of crossover offerings to six, without including the hybrid versions. This should be good enough to cater to every customer’s whims and fancies.
There are rumors that the ES could receive an all-wheel-drive setup, which would essentially be the replacement for the larger GS. The addition of an F-Sport model for the ES will certainly help it reach its target market. This 2019 ES would be priced around $40,000. Not a bad price to attract the younger, male audience that would have possibly opted for the smaller IS sedan.
The UX, on the other hand, will replace the slow-selling CT Hybrid hatchback as Lexus' primary entry vehicle. This is the car that will bring in numbers for Lexus, since the competitors are doing the same with their entry-level offerings, and should be priced in the low $30,000s. Christ said Lexus hasn't set a sales target yet for the UX. It's also still working on a subscription model for the vehicle, a first for the brand. Well, Lexus seems to have finally found direction!
Our Take
It is only fair to say that crossovers have thrown out the sedans. No matter who you are, or what your USP and heritage are, these crossovers will cannibalize into your sales. Crossovers are any day more practical than sedans; be it the comfort, driving dynamics, or even looks to a certain extent. With six crossovers in its lineup soon, Lexus might finally be a worthy competitor to Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. Let’s wait and watch who will cross-over whom and reach the zenith! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Further reading
Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus GS.
Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus GS F.
Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus IS.
Read more Lexus news.