Why The Lexus LS Line is Failing

Let me know in the comment section what you think about the Lexus LS line. What can Lexus do to salvage the LS and bring it back to its former glory, like when the LS400 first came out. What do you think about an all-electric LS? I would like to hear your thoughts as if you were the Lexus CEO for a day.

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[STdevinrpg]

This is the most real car review I’ve ever had the honour of viewing on YouTube. You literally call out the problems and the honest truth and reality of the culture mechanical/design problems with the LS while still respecting the unique market it occupies. You even compliment its positive qualities with your genuine opinions which only reinforces the idea of your fairness and straight forward thinking.

[AsAxBoSs]

I have been proudly owning LS500 for the past 3 years, everyday I appreciate my decision to go with it rather than any other car on the market.

[mrcamelfrags]

In my opinion, I think the Main reason the LS has lost market share is the change to V6 engines. The LS has always been known for its amazing V8 engine, so when you change an iconic trait of the car you lose buyers who can get a V8 from BMW or Mercedes.

[philipbaio]

I have a 2003 LS 430 I bought it Brand new ..i now have 12800miles and never had a problem. Best car ever

[billbrimmer]

Will look at the 2021 in 2024. Bought my GS 350 when it was 3 years old and it’s a fabulous car. Many people like reliability.

[tingokuman]

Lexus is failing because they don't market the thought process and japanese level craftsmanship that goes into each car. Lexus needs to bring back the wine glasses on the hood commercials.

[robertprisco]

I own a 2018 Lexus LS and have to say that your assessment is spot on. Nothing touches the Mercedes S Class in this class of vehicles but the LS' price point gives it a slight advantage (personally fit my budget better). Lexus is at a crossroad when it comes to the LS. It's still their flagship vehicle and must cost them a pretty penny to continue development on a car that is not selling well. Although it was their first car ever made and there are probably some sentimental reasons to continue its development, the bean counters at Lexus may have a different opinion. For my 2018, everything already said is absolutely true. Pros: Beautiful exterior and interior (the spindle grill remains polarizing); extremely quiet inside; mostly a luxurious ride (I have the air suspension option, interior upgrade option and the Mark Levinson stereo option); extremely comfortable seats and decent handling for a land yacht. Cons: Large road bumps are transferred to the vehicle too harshly (2018-2020), infotainment interface is cumbersome, even after owning it for a while; infotainment display no longer looks integrated (2021-present); personally would have preferred a V-8 to the TT 6. Given all of this, I truly love this car and look forward to driving it each and every time. Have driven the new ES 350 many times and it doesn't compare to the LS. I'm hoping that Lexus continues to evolve the LS, this latest generation has the most Lexus influence of all the LS generations.

[Milkinporsche]

The only disappointment about the LS, to me, is the no V8 option.

[RossEnzo]

The ES is pretty much as nice as of a car as the LS now a days. There’s really no reason to spend double the money ever sense they did away with that awesome NA V8.

[hemmarket]

I've had my 2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport AWD since March of this year (the only one in the Country when I bought it) and I agree that there is just something missing here - a loud exhaust note perhaps ? But on a Lexus LS ?. I'd say, you can't argue its power, the incredible handling with run flats (other owners have told me you can absolutely improve the ride by switching out for hi performance summer rubber), and the incredible interior. You would suggest that, just like with the Genesis, that the great features of the car don't equal the whole of the car. That reputation is king. But I am a rich person by today's standards, and I switched my Porsche for this car. And yes, the Porsche was fun to drive and growled nicely, but reliability was a huge issue. Two transfer cases in 12 months at $6, 000 each. $695 Dealership oil changes. $2200 for brakes, and $1, 850 for a blown thermostat. German cars as just as unreliable as I imagined, and even when they aren't, their high performance parts are astronomically expensive and wear out much faster. Also, the Porsche Macan S spent an inordinate amount of time in the shop. My neighbors have 2 Audis and a Porsche, and they too have lots of shop time repairing and maintaining these beasts. Yes, idiots buy expensive things that cost a lot to fix, but that doesn't make it right. And people believe in the folly of chasing emblems.
In 8 months of Lexus ownership, I changed the oil once for $88.. In 18 months of owning my Porsche, $18, 000 was spent to keep it on the road, and 2 of those months were in the garage. My Lexus is faster, quicker, handles better, has a full size backseat and trunk, and I've received more raves from friends about it than I did the Porsche, amazingly enough. AND greater piece of mind ! Porsche also vomited up half its retail value the first year owning it ! So add another $25K to the bill. That doesn't happen with a Lexus. I could still sell my Lexus for what I paid for it, and both cars were used when I purchased them.. Your review, btw, was quite refreshing. I didn't love the premise, but unlike most videos it wasn't entirely one-sided. So, Well done ! To add context, I did own a 2006 LS 430, the last year before the 460, and I'd say that was the best car ever made. I generally own cars for 2-4 yrs, and I had that for 9. Than I got stupid, went for the hi line Porsche Macan S to get my feet wet, and came out with a light wallet and anxiety about what was going to break next when I drove it. The problem with German cars will always be world class design and the cheapest, shit parts that break and wear out. That's how they make profits off the original purchase, and than they have you addicted to maintenance and repairs to keep the money flowing in their direction. Lexus is failing because the cars keep running : )

[SpaceZeee]

I can't wait for them to deprecate more and buy one used lol

[willieboon]

It s a no brainer ; the prices kept getting higher to the level people reconsider worth buying BMW and Merc.

[cjitty]

As an owner that had two LS460s and a LS600...I cannot believe the new 500 has the same rear legroom as the new ES despite the new LS500 being longer than my LS460L. I'm kind of getting over the non V8 situation but the turbo lag is pretty noticeable. The LS500 is growing on me but I'll most likely hold on to my 460L and maybe add the LC down the road.

[TheShakir]

Good vid Kev, I agree with most of your points. People who buy S class will probably never leave that car and come to buy LS. Unless Lexus creates a new generation buyer market for LS, it will sadly start to end up like Infiniti’s. I do own a Lexus and I love it but I also know that in this age of “brandwhoring” especially in North America, people will not ditch those Germans big bodies to get this. It’s actually sad to see this happening to Lexus as my whole family loves Toyota/Lexus

[socalguy]

Great video. Loved it. Most of what you said is true to me. It seems like in the last 20 years, Lexus got comfortable with where they were and stopped trying so hard. I’m a Lexus owner. I still view it as a prestigious brand, but 90’s Lexus was definitely a different experience from today’s Lexus. I’m not going to say bring back the V8 because I definitely don’t need one. I’m not going to say bring back the reliability because Lexus reliability hasn’t disappointed in three decades. But, I will say this...I’m not mega rich, but I’m certainly very financially comfortable. I’m not a common person because I chose Lexus. And I do care about reliability. I’ve owned three BMWs and I grew painfully weary of the service and the upkeep even while under warranty. And no one even comes close to Lexus for the customer service and dealership experience—those alone are prestigious. I’d say reliability matters (or it doesn’t) regardless of income bracket. I have no interest at all in owning a high-riding SUV. I never cared for them and I know few if any enthusiasts who do. But in general, the sedan is just failing because it’s failing. It’s time has, unfortunately, passed and people (apparently) love what an SUV can do for them. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[derekrobinson]

If Mercedes, Genesis, and BMW can keep a v8 in their flagship vehicles so can Lexus honestly

[kathyv]

I've got so many cars but the one that never sees a shop is the lexus. If you worked hard like my uncle who came from Italy and now has a masarati maybe lexus isn't for you. If you're worth millions but hate your lambo or audi being in the shop, like me, then maybe you try lexus. Lexus reliability sells the car. Mercedes and bmw are never going to try to be as reliable as lexus because they'll lose. Lexus is never going to try to be a "drivers car" like a bmw because they'll lose. These brands are sticking to what they're known for. As far as "what rich people want", rich people are as diverse as any other group of people and some want a reliable car. Side note, men don't seem to care if the cars in the shop as long as the works covered and they get a loaner, but as a woman I can tell you I want my car to run not be at the shop.

[roomiji]

LS has a very unique buyer. I am in my 40's and this car fits all my needs. I don't need/want a 911 or S-Class, something understated yet ultimate in reliability and luxury. Happy with my 2021 LS F-Sport AWD in USB

[richard_]

I leased an LS for about 3 months, but it was simply missing some key features I expected at a car of this price, such as a smoother infotainment system. I test drove the the new Porsche Taycan and Panamera and was pleasantly surprised. I have been able to switch my lease over to a Panamera and am very happy.

[iowanforjustice]

I actually listen to your entire review. I am a person who has owned 2-S CLASSES and 2-E classes my last E class was a 2018 E400 coupe’. I traded it in for a 2020 inspiration series LEXUS LS 500 AWD. I could drone on and on but I won’t. Everything and I mean everything you said in your review was 100% spot on so there is nothing for me to add. I turned heads with that $93k E400 but my Lexus not so much. Never mind the fact I saw my Mercedes’ service advisor more than my wife. The opulence in the Lexus IS on par with Rolls-Royce. I also owned a Genesis G80. The genesis is nice but as soon as you take it off the lot it’s worth $17.33. German cars are for flash not reliability. I honestly got tired of being stopped at the store with “Hey Buddy NICE CAR!” The Lexus is for old money like me. Lol. Thank you for the review.