Key Takeaways:
• Despite no updates on its features, the price for the 2025 Lexus LS model has been increased by $1,000 from its 2024 model.
• Lexus LS sales have seen a significant drop, with only 2,237 units sold last year.
• While it remains a high-quality luxury vehicle, LS now has tough competition from BMW and Mercedes models.
• Lexus LS continues to offer value for money with its features and build quality, even with the price increase.
Shifting Trends in the Luxury Car Market
Over the last 35 years, the Lexus LS has proven itself as a significant player in the premium car market. Notably, it was a serious contender for popular German brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. However, the landscape seems to be changing, as Lexus appears to have reduced its emphasis on this once prized vehicle.
Delving deeper, the latest 2025 LS model doesn’t offer any significant updates but brings a slightly hiked base price of $81,685. This comes in $1,000 more than the 2024 model. While this may not entirely devalue the worth of Lexus LS, it does call attention to the intensifying competition, especially from dominating German rivals.
Rich Beginnings of Lexus LS
Reflecting on the origins, the Lexus LS has always held a significant status in the Japanese premium brand’s lineup. Toyota viewed this as an opportunity to build upon its reputation for reliable vehicles and extend its expertise to the luxury car segment. The result was an impressive investment in Lexus’s first vehicle, the LS.
The debut LS model boasted a robust V8 engine, sublime ride quality, and an assortment of standard luxury features. This model, priced competitively, soon commanded the US luxury car market, outselling its German counterparts by 1991.
The LS Today: A Shift in Focus
Despite the historical success, Lexus seems to view its once top-model differently. This shift is perceptible from the declining sales of Lexus LS, and a reorientation towards promoting its SUVs, which are now seen as viable contenders against German juggernauts like BMW and Mercedes.
Highlighting this trend is the dwindling sales of LS, which saw a mere 2,237 units sold last year. With larger responsibilities on the shoulders of Lexus SUVs, the LS appears sidelined from its previous glory.
Lexus LS: Offering Continues to Impress
While the waning prominence might seem disheartening, the Lexus LS continues to deliver quality. The 2024 model, priced around $80,685, offers a 416 horsepower twin-turbo V6, tech updates, and a persistent focus on design and build quality.
Even with competition from BMW’s 7 Series and Mercedes’ S-Class, the LS offers legendary reliability and value for money. Those who aren’t keen on SUVs can still bet on this timeless car model.
The LS 500 F Sport, upscale 500h hybrid model, and even the base LS 500 offer a range of trim and feature options. Despite the subtle price increase, they continue to deliver a luxurious ride, promising quality and comfort.
Moving Ahead: A World Beyond the LS
While Lexus continues to manufacture high-quality vehicles like the LS, a new generation of luxury vehicles stands at the threshold. With declining sales and a subtle shift in focus towards SUVs, it’s clear that Lexus may need to ponder on a potential revamp or discontinuation of the LS model.
Nevertheless, even with potential changes on the horizon, the Lexus LS continues to be a symbol of luxury, reliability, and value for money, staying true to its lineage and brand promise.