fiatlux

The ES is in a whole different class from the A4 and TLX in terms of size and space. In fact, it's larger and has more space than an A6, and almost as much space as an RLX. Keep in mind that it's built on the full size Avalon, whereas the A4 historically has been the analog to the compact Jetta and the TLX is built on the midsize Accord.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Lexus has a winning formula in the ES while the IS is suffering a painful death....2021 is another MMC and this gen came out in 2014 IIRC.

2019 sales figures paint the whole picture:
ES 51,336 +5.9%
IS 14,920 -34.9%

I believe Lexus is already killing the GS. I wonder if the IS will be next.

Edward'TLS

It seems that Lexus is not really serious about refreshing its product lines these days. Just compare the latest IS revamp with the TLX revamp.

In comparison, BMW and MB continue to come out with new products and significant model revamps. Maybe Toyota has given up on the stagnant Lexus brand.

pyrodan007

In all fairness, it did take Acura 6 years to come up with a new TLX. Even the refreshes were not groundbreaking (paint, new seats, removed feedback from infotainment for speed gain, tweaks here and there, exterior). I really hope they speed up the refresh cycle on the new TLX. Hell, they should light-speed it up on the unrelesed Type-S based on dissatisfaction so far. At least for options, not asking for a new engine (would be nice to bump power too ...). The 360 camera should be standard to at least park it without scratching it.

KeithL

Lexus killed the GS after a slow death and I suspect the same for IS with them just having the ES and LS and then SUVs.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

I think 6 years is about right nowadays between FMC. The IS though came out as a 2014 model and 2021 is its 8th model year of the same generation, and it's only a MMC, meaning it will solder on for at least another 2 years, if not 3. It might mean the current generation IS will last for one full decade by the time it's replaced or killed.

The Type S IMO should be a relatively easy fix. All they need is to have two trims for it. A tech trim that slots under $50k, and an advance trim with all the features for under $55k. I'm not sure why they didn't start with this setup right from the get go. It satisfies people that just want the V6 turbo without going over $50k, and also people that want everything and the extra power.

Yea that seems to be the case.

Speed Guy

If they don't do two trims off the bat, they have the opportunity to pick up buyers who want the v6 and are forced to pay for whatever trim Acura deems fit. It also allows them to add another trim to the model next year.

pyrodan007

Or they risk losing loyal fans to other brands and not making them come back until lease is over, if ever if they are happy with model and service

Speed Guy

Well that's just too logical now...

djhtsx

iTrader: (2)

These wheels are a must on the type s

a35tl

I agree and so are fog lights. Wish they were standard but at least they're available as a dealer option.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Yea that's my concern. I'm not in a market for a sedan but if there's a RDX Type S, I'd be considering it. But if I have to give up the features in the advance trims, I'd need to think twice. Luckily I'm in Canada and the Type S is better equipped. Still, I'd want HUD....

Tesla1856

1. Yeah, sure ... rub it in hoser.
2. It's one of those things where you are finally buying a nice new expensive car. It's not vital to driving, but you want it (especially if it's also missing on the other older cars you own).

Legend2TL

I feel the IS and ES are in their own created markets, the IS is fairly sporty and the ES is mostly tailored for comfort and features.
There's a ES F-sport model but there's also a LS F-Sport as well, seems like Lexus is trying to project that sporty image across the line (like the German sport M/AMG/S models)
I see the ES in the same light as the 3 series in that they've mostly defined their respective market space and sell very well in them respectively.

The IS seems like it was trying to capture the RWD sporty euro market. The 1G was kinda edgy (anyone remember the chrome ball shifter?).
Pretty fun small car to toss around from I remember driving s IS300 at a Lexus event.
Unlike the ES, the IS hasn't been a big seller for Toyota/Lexus. That's a tough market to break into.