Lexus Promises To Dispense Buick's LaCrosse With Next Gen ES

so easy really? the ES sales have been flat and the lacrosse has been a huge success for buick. at least lexus is now playing in the appropriate field.

Wait a second. Wikipedia is a 'credible' source now these days?

Did you edit those "facts"...

What you were told and reality might be different. The bulk of Lexus sales are in the Buick playground. They are feeling the heat.

doesn't the CT start under 30k?

Angryinch1... please don't use price as being considered in the same playground...

LS460 starts at an average range of 67K-74K
S550 starts about 94K
750i starts between 84K-89K

Prices are somewhat arbitrary, so Buick can price there cars higher, and likewise, Lexus can price their cars lower.

Yeah and the 740 is still faster (0-60 in 5.5 sec vs 5.8 seconds according to edmunds.com) and much more engaging to drive.

Call it what u want, but the mere fact that Lexus is even taking note of the LaX is proof that Buick has really turn up the heat on Lexus. And this is just the beginning.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

I know everyone loves the flame baiting of Lexus being somehow scared of Buick. But fact is, Lexus makes cars that compete with several luxury makes at different levels, from Buick to Ferrari. The ES competes with the Lacrosee, as well as the TL, S60 and MKZ. The RX also competes with the Enclave. This is no big aha moment. But that's the near BOTTOM of Lexus (except the CT) competing with the TOP of Buick. Buick will never compete with the IS, GS, LS, SC (if it comes back), LX, or hello??!! LF-A. Buick as a full line will never compete against Lexus as a full line. Sorry to burst your bubbles.

"Buick competes with Hyundai, Mitsubushi, Suzuki, and all the other rental lot queens."

- And Lexus. I would imagine that ES300's and Buicks are cross-shopped all the time. Any reason why not?

the "bottom" of lexus is where all their volume is. ES350 and IS250 make up the majority of sedans they sell.

enthusiast, thats not the point. bulk of Audis are A4, bulk of BMWs are 3er. Point is, from a competition point of view, Buick's best can only go after the ES and RX.

Could be worse, Buick's middle car, the Regal, targets the A4.

Buick accomplished what it set out to do...compete with the ES and the comments from Lexus proves it. The fact that they even mentioned the LaCrosse says it all. And just for the record, I used to sell Lexus cars and I marketed and sold a ton of ES sedans. The ES really IS just a luxury Camry...not a thing more! Torque steer, body roll in turns, and nose dive stops. Lexus already has the catching up to do, but we ALL know the next LaCrosse is already under development. Lexus, you've already been served...how does it taste?

@wcbrown

The general audience for the Lexus ES could care less about sporty handling and cornering dynamics. Furthermore, the only reason Buick's current iteration LaCrosse competes (barely) with the ES now is because Buick/GM based it's design philosophy on Lexus's ES/GS blueprint which was already successfully established.

Also if you had thoroughly read the article presented, the author/writer clearly stated that said comments made by the automobile industry executive was not a employee of either GM or Toyota/Lexus.

What, are you 12? If you think Lexus is getting served here then WOW! Yes Lexus has a lot of work to do but to suggest that Buick is some sort of threat to Lexus is just silly by a long shot. Buick is like a little fly over on the far wall that Lexus will deal with later... LOL

How dare he portray Lexus as anything other than sheer perfection?!?!?

Lexus is the only brand that you can put in the same sentence with buick, and in another sentence with Ferrari.

How about in one sentence. Lexus makes a car that is competitive with Buick and a supercar that is competitive with Ferrari. Kills some people, but it is what it is.

The new ES will be killer......

Will the next gen ES be based off the "Brand New" Camry that was just released? I can’t see anything based off of that appliance (The Camry) being “killer”. You Toyota fans are beyond delusional. LOL!!

angry1InchPenis,

So bringing up another sucky car is supposed to make the Lexus ES seem better? LOL!!! Is that all you got?

"suckboy, look up at the tread title"

- Exactly!! They belong together and they both suck. It doesn't matter which one is better because they both suck.

The fact that a Lexus is being compared against a Buick must really upset you? But reality can be cruel at times. Thanks for playing

I got to drive the ES on a small trip a few years back, it was a 2008 model if I remember. the overall sentiment I got from it was a 'Rich man's Camry ' The engine was insanely torquey which was nice but the interior had a but too many 'Texas Instrument style Green LED lights'

If the ES is to stay relevant it's going to have to move away from ' easy quality' and refine itself a fair bit

Not brands but certain models. No?

No one said that Buick competes with Lexus AS A BRAND. Lexus has a full line of automobiles. Buick has about four. We are talking two models here. ES and it's direct competition, Lacrosse. From a "non biased" stand point (yes, we dont need your partial to foreign half ass opinion unless we want to be mildly entertained here), I will say that Buick better bring what it brought with the current version of the Lacrosse to the table again x10. Then again, if you look at the new Camry compared to its previous generation, (and if thats any indication of the next ES compared to the current one) then Buick just might not have to try that hard at all to keep its foot in the game.

"The next-gen ES will offer Hybrid Synergy Drive full-hybrid technology and achieve fuel economy in the high 40s on the highway and even better in the city."

If that will be the case, that would be super impressive(BMW definitely would like Toyota to share that power train) and would put Lexus ES back on top. Hope it looks more like new GS and less like new Camry. Also Buick is not a competitor of Lexus.

I don't get how you buy that the next generation ES will have fuel economy that high when the Camry doesn't accomplish that. Don't you think with it's higher feature content, sound deadening, and other luxury features that add weight would mean that the Lexus would have slighty LOWER fuel economy numbers than it's Camry platform mate?

Since we're talking current/ next gen Es/ LaX, I can reassure you that the next generation LaX will most certainly put Lexus, as well the other competition, on notice. The LaX is Buick's flagship sedan currently, but that will soon change.

@Monopoly

Just because the writer/author stated that this "auto executive" wasn't an employee of GM or Toyota/Lexus, I"m supposed to believe that? How would anyone, except someone familiar with the development of the next ES, have any basis for that statement? Just saying:-).

Anyway, I respect your opinion. The proof will be in the pudding I guess...

The Buick has Technology like Onstar that the ES cannot even dream about.Like save you by calling for help if you pass out in an accident,open your doors from outer space and diagnose problems too.In fact the Onstar turn by turn directions that download to your radio is just kick ass.I just came back from LA yesterday and it made my trip too easy.In the Lexus you will have to park and fiddle with the NAV.

Oh if it is so good why dont they back the powertrain with a 100k warranty like the Lacrosse.Manufacturers only warranty their products as long as they think they will last.Lexus and Toyota will be out of business if they did due to engine problems.