Lexus Outsold Mercedes-Benz And BMW In July - Does That Mean A Come Back Is In The Making?

For the first time in a couple of years, Lexus’ sales exceeded those of Mercedes-Benz and BMW in July.

Though Lexus once led the luxury segment in sales, Mercedes and BMW have mostly fought for the lead in recent years.

But in July, Lexus slipped by the Germans, recording 27,333 sales to Mercedes’ 27,192 sales and BMW’s 26,409 sales.

However, Lexus will need to put together some additional strong months because it still trails Mercedes-Benz and BMW in year-to-date sales.

TheSteve - 8/8/2014 3:27:08 PM

+3 Boost

I think GM also outsold Mercedes-Benz and BMW in July. Should I be reading anything into that? That's not a slam against Lexus. It's just showing you that unit sales by themselves don't necessarily make a good comparison to other brands.

Car4Life - 8/8/2014 4:34:12 PM

+3 Boost

I agree, and I believe the true test of luxury brands will be how well their High End models sell.

Take Mercedes which has dominated the big luxury sedan contest for years, its a testament to their brand image.

As more luxury marques rush down market to pay the bills and increase market share, they become less exclusive and seem more premium than luxury.

The only way to counter that is success at the high end.

Maulvader - 8/8/2014 6:06:27 PM

+3 Boost

No offense but that analogy makes little sense. Is GM a competitor of Mercedes or BMW in the luxury car segment like Lexus is? Unit sales is not a measure of quality but is definitely an objective measure of success in the marketplace.

This news story doesn't surprise me at all. Its not my favorite brand but Toyota has proven to be the slow-and-steady tortoise in the race way too many times for me to ever bet against them.

Benzes1 - 8/8/2014 3:58:03 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus is back. With the NX and RC they're going to be in contention for the 2015 sales crown. Mercedes will still win this year though, increased CLA inventory, new C and GLA are going to post big number for Benz this year. BMW will likely come in 2nd with Lexus not too far behind. 2015 is going to be the sales race to end all sales races. Mercedes, Lexus, and Audi all have a lot of new product coming. BMW too, but not as much.

MattDarringer - 8/8/2014 9:32:04 PM

-2 Boost

We have a believer

Dr550 - 8/8/2014 5:24:56 PM

+1 Boost

Will depend if NX steals sales from the RX or finds a different market niche. Also, the ES buyer age demographic will also play a factor in the future. Average age ES driver I have seen is about 65 to 70.

MattDarringer - 8/8/2014 9:32:57 PM

-1 Boost

Like the Macan nuking Cayenne sales, the NX will reduce RX sales

enthusiastx11 - 8/8/2014 5:56:44 PM

+1 Boost

grasping at straws for story here. lexus sales exceeded mercedes sales by 150 cars in one month in one country. so yes, a global trend.

post a headline like this when lexus has 3 consecutive months of exceeding just one german maker on a global level. THAT would be headline worthy.

cidflekken - 8/8/2014 6:38:46 PM

+2 Boost

well, to be truthful, I think they were #1 in February or March as well. Not great, but better than the past few years where they couldn't gain the top in any month.

cidflekken - 8/8/2014 6:37:59 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, Lexus is having a good few months, but that's what happens when you offer leases that are very appealing and much more affordable than most of their luxury counterparts.

Keep in mind the new C comes out in September as well as the GLA. I think Mercedes will gain considerable ground with those releases through the end of the year. And the S-Class coupe will add, but nominally.

RobertPaulson - 8/8/2014 7:36:36 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus will be back at #1 in the U.S. before you know it. The NX will add another 40-50,000 units and the RC will add 15.

benzforlife - 8/9/2014 4:18:08 AM

0 Boost

Fuck Lexus and its USA sales results. Germans have always fucked this ugly Lexus in sales globally. USA is only less than 5% of the world's population, not everything should be calculated by USA #s. plus wait til the end of the year, with GLA and new C-class Benz will be really fucking Lexus brutally without vaseline. Lexus once again will be crying like a bitch

knowitall1985 - 8/9/2014 11:23:43 AM

+1 Boost

You are right and Toyota outsells benz world wide so what is your point.......Mercedes is a german toyota....