What does it take to be a flagship vehicle? For starters, it has to be impressive. Really impressive. It has to define a brand’s look, tout the latest technology, and provide a driving experience that rivals any and all challengers. That’s a tall order, but Lexus is looking to fill it – not with a new two- or four-door, but with an SUV.
Currently leading the marque is the full-size luxury LS sedan. Originally offered in 1989, the LS is expected to see the introduction of its fifth generation for the 2017 model year, complete with all the cutting-edge goodies that Lexus can muster. However, Jeff Bracken, Lexus’ division general manager, spoke to Reuters early in August, saying Lexus might add another flagship model alongside the LS, and that “it doesn’t have to be a sedan.”
The move isn’t all that surprising when considering just how much the premium SUV segment has grown recently. According to Truecar, sales for SUVs priced at $75,000 and above is 44 percent higher this year compared to last, far exceeding the 13.2 percent growth for cars in the same price range.
In the same Reuters interview, Bracken mentioned Land Rover, the Cadillac Escalade and offerings from the major German luxury automakers as examples of the premium SUV done right. Other makes are capitalizing on the demand as well, with Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Maserati all getting in on the SUV game for the first time.
So what will Lexus bring to the table? Bracken said details on the new complementary flagship will be revealed in January, but until then, read on for our predictions.
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