DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already?
2010 Lexus HS250h – Click above for high-res image gallery
With a median buyer age of 56 years old and its reputation for longevity, today's Lexus ES350 may be the very last car many of the brand's buyers purchase. It's not like Lexus hasn't tried to attract younger buyers – those who may actually buy another car before being planted. Since its inception, the IS sedan has been a calculated shot at capturing the fancy of BMW buyers, especially the high performing IS-F. Youthful, eco-minded buyers will soon find the hybrid HS250h, but the marque's biggest seller is the RX350 crossover, something of an acknowledged yuppie mommy mobile.
An entry-level crossover slotting under the RX would give Lexus something to lob at the GLK, X3, and Q5, but that's not yet in the pipeline, says Mark Phelan of The Detroit Free Press. There's nothing wrong with selling cars to people who care most about reputation, quietude, and comfort instead of the car person's holy trinity of acceleration, handling, and styling. Lexus cars are fussed-over and the brand's buyers care about quality, so Lexus has that angle sewn up, but attracting younger buyers seems to be an increasingly important item on the punch list. Perhaps a leather-lined Sienna variant with a Mark Levinson entertainment system to grab the parent dollar?
Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250h
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Kumail 4:01PM (9/01/2009)
It already is, the only thing that keeps people buying them is "because its reliable."
Side note:
Am I the only that sees Hyundai/Jag/Audi as the new Lexus/Merc/BMW?
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Luis 4:04PM (9/01/2009)
yes you are.
Erik 4:06PM (9/01/2009)
Yup, you're the only one.
Danimal 4:07PM (9/01/2009)
I completely agree, but I would add that if Cadillac's new batch (XTS, ATS, CTS coupe, etc maybe evenually the Converj) is anything like the CTS, they are going to be quite a force in that segment as well.
Paul 4:11PM (9/01/2009)
Lexus is "Camry with money." Or "I couldn't care less about what I drive but I want the neighbors to know I'm doing alright." Or "My soul is dead and I need a car to match my khakis."
But Hyundai as the new Lexus? Uh, no dude. Not even.
Sal Collaziano 4:45PM (9/01/2009)
No, you're not alone.. Hyundai is on it's way into Lexus territory with the Equus - which is much nicer in appearance than the LS460 - and quite capable. Jaguar? I'm not sure - but it's newest designs are so nice - you could have something there. The new XJ is certainly a LOT more attractive than the S550. And Audi is REALLY up and coming - especially with younger people around here in South Florida (and I know for sure in California as well). Audi's latest designs are really very nice.. So you never know...
Otherwise.. Buick may be chasing after Lexus - but it's not there yet. I spent some time in a 2010 LaCrosse over the weekend - and while it's very, very nice (much nicer than the ES350), there are problems with the comfort of the interior. Design-wise, again, it wins hands down - but that's where it all ends, unfortunately.
Believe it - or not. :p
Sal Collaziano
http://www.buickforums.com
futurama 5:03PM (9/01/2009)
While Hyundai has played a nice catch-up game lately, and accelerating its pace with what looks to be an impressive Tucson and Sonata, one shouldn't confuse Lexus with Hyundai just yet.
Chris 5:26PM (9/01/2009)
"My soul is dead and I need a car to match my khakis."
EFFING AWESOME! Haha, love it.
Tyler 10:45PM (9/01/2009)
Yes you are, and Lexus is already Toyota's Buick but most people don't know yet. Most people I see driving Lexus's are older people like Lincoln/Buick buyers. Hell my parents have a 2006 GX 470 and a 2006 blue RX 350, I have driven them and they drive just like a Toyota Camry. They're not slow, it's just that there's nothing fun to them they're so predictable. But I do give Lexus props for reliability, there's been nothing wrong with either vehicle when they purchased both back in 2005, both having over 100,000 miles.
merlot066 4:01PM (9/01/2009)
Awwww.... Brian, that's a shame.
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Jacob 4:02PM (9/01/2009)
isn't Buick GM's Lexus?
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daleam 7:11PM (9/01/2009)
Perhaps. But the LaCrosse and the Enclave are far more interesting and better looking than their Lexus counterparts.
Venom 4:02PM (9/01/2009)
It is looking that way.
Lexus has absolutely no cars that interest me.
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lex 4:47PM (9/01/2009)
then why do you even bother commenting?
Venom 4:57PM (9/01/2009)
I bothered commenting you dolt because it is a blog that is set up for comments and opinions on the posts.
That is why they have a comment section.
Obviously reading comprehension was not your strong suit in school.
Chris 5:25PM (9/01/2009)
Agreed. Lexus sucks.
zamafir 5:34PM (9/01/2009)
... that and I'm sure Buick has no models that interest you either, which adds to autoblog's conflation of the two.
Leclerc 5:42PM (9/01/2009)
@ Chris. Another brilliant post... Lexus sucks. Just another mindless comment by a complete tool.
Venom 5:41PM (9/01/2009)
Actually Zamafir that is not true.
I like the Buick Enclave.
My aunt has one and it is very nice.
Luis 4:03PM (9/01/2009)
An insult to Lexus, that is Autoblog. Lexus reliability, quality, dealer service meets or exceeds anything offered by all other volume luxury manufacturers, namely M-B, BMW, Audi, Jaguar. Buick is not in the same league. It's fair to compare Avalons to Buicks, but definitely not Lexuses. The ES350 is their entry car (along with the IS, but it caters to a different market).
AB is aiming for another high-comment thread - stick to posting pics and facts about the Accord Crosstour. This is a lame attempt at boosting ad revenue.
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