DRIVEN: With One Foot In The Grave, How Long Will Lexus Hang On To Their Flagship LS Sedan?

It seems so long ago now. But once upon a time, the Lexus LS revolutionized luxury cars; establishing a blue-chip brand, shaking Mercedes-Benz to its core, and becoming, almost overnight, the best-selling flagship sedan in America. By kneecapping the Mercedes S-Class on price, the LS400 captured not only sales, but the public’s imagination. The name “Lexus” became synonymous with unparalleled quality and dealership service that made German showrooms seem as welcoming as a DMV office.
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PUGPROUD - 3/19/2018 11:07:52 AM

-1 Boost

I don't think Lexus will drop the mark that put them on the map but latest version a big disappointment and panned by all major automotive reviewers. Expected more.

jameswisrik - 3/21/2018 8:49:04 AM

-1 Boost

Speaking of boring....C,E,S Class of Benz is like a paper cup at Mcdonalds. Looks the same just different sizes. What a freaking bore and so unreliable for a POS w/ German trash DNA for over $120k. LMAO. Only a insecure fool needs to pay for badge to hide his small winnie. The LS exterior/interior is sooo much more outstanding than the S-class. I would still buy it if they charged double the S! We all KNOW no body buys a benz, they lease it for 3yrs. But, people BUY leases to own for decades.

Deutschland - 3/19/2018 11:50:16 AM

+3 Boost

This is the first LS exterior design I have liked. They finally abandoned copying the Germans and went with a unique aesthetic.

I like the squaring of the rear of the car and the coupe like proportions around the c-pillar.

cidflekken - 3/19/2018 1:05:20 PM

+1 Boost

I saw a new LS on the road recently and it was really underwhelming. Its proportions were a bit awkward and the design was just busy.

I agree with this writer regarding the interior as well. It's just very tacky while being kind of dull at the same time. Lexus is really trying way too hard to be something special, style-wise, and it just backfires.

jameswisrik - 3/21/2018 8:49:36 AM

-1 Boost

wilfred - 3/19/2018 2:29:08 PM

+2 Boost

I am sure the new LS is a very nice car, but it’s not a Mercedes. It sold very well in the 90s because it was priced like a E class but wannabe a S class. Anyone that has driven a S class knows it’s got a special feel to it that no other cars in the price range has...

carsnyc - 3/19/2018 3:22:35 PM

+3 Boost

While not an S-Class, which will be very difficult to ever dethrone based on pedigree alone, the LS will easily find its sweet second spot right behind the S, right in front of the A8 and 7-series. With the new A8 also just out, the current Bimmer just can’t stand a chance against either 3.

jameswisrik - 3/21/2018 8:49:56 AM

-2 Boost

MrEE - 3/19/2018 7:18:25 PM

+1 Boost

Given the significant issues with the latest S-Class, the LS has room to win over customers from MB. They also could gain market share as others (Lincoln, Cadillac) exit the sedan market.

MDarringer - 3/19/2018 8:00:07 PM

0 Boost

As nice as the new LS is, it is also too timid. Granted it looks better than the 7 Series or the dismal A8, but it's just too tame when all is said and done.

TomM - 3/21/2018 6:24:46 AM

-5 Boost

Lexus is a tier two luxury market seller - its top sedan seller is a Cimmaron like ES 350 - which is basically the Avalon underneath. Their Largest selling Crossover is also a rebadge.

WHen the LS was significantly cheaper than its alternatives - it sold well - but it does not when the prices are closer.