3 Lexus Models With Worse Sales Than the RZ EV
The Lexus RZ is the Japanese luxury brand’s first and (so far) only battery-electric vehicle (BEV). It’s an electric compact SUV that shares architecture with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. It’s received mixed reviews, has a mediocre driving range, and generally isn’t as compelling as Toyota’s hybrid SUVs like the UX and the hybrid variants of the NX and RX, all of which have lower starting prices than the RZ.
Despite the shortcomings of the RZ, it’s outselling three other Lexus models. According to sales data, Lexus has sold 2,068 units of the RZ so far in 2023. For reference, that’s less than 3% of the sales figure for America’s favorite luxury vehicle; the Lexus RX has sold 74,086 units in the same period. So, the automaker literally sells more RX models in a week than it’s sold RZ models since January 2023.
Without further ado, here are the three Lexus models being outsold by the Lexus RZ.
3. Lexus LS – 1,575 units
The Lexus LS is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan. When the iconic LS first came out in 1990, it was a serious competitor to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. However, it’s turned into something a little different. It’s still an outstanding luxury car, but it’s become something of a budget alternative to its old German rivals.
The sales of the LS are lagging because of a declining lack of interest in sedans, in general, and doubly so for full-size sedans. The closest thing Lexus has to an SUV version of the LS is the LX, which is selling much better at 4,543 units in 2023, according to GoodCarBadCar. The sales numbers of the LS are close to its closest rival, the Genesis G90.
2. Lexus LC – 1,153 units
The Lexus LC is a gorgeous grand touring car with a starting price of just under $100k. Available as a coupe or convertible, the V8-powered LC is in a niche market of two-seater, V8-powered GT cars. It has a similar problem as the LS; it struggles to stand out against outstanding competition like the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, and Mercedes-AMG SL-Class. Even if you’re in love with the futuristic styling of the LC, its price is hard to stomach, considering you can still get a Corvette for under $70k.
The Lexus LC is a halo car, so it’s unsurprising that even an electric SUV outsells it.
1. Lexus RC – 1,145 units
We wouldn’t blame you if you forgot the Lexus RC existed. In fact, that’s probably a big reason it’s the slowest-selling Lexus model. Nobody knows it exists!
Like the other two cars on this list, the RC is in a declining segment. It’s a luxury coupe with four seats at a price point similar to the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, but the A5 and 4 Series both have convertible and four-door bodies available. The RC only comes as a two-door hardtop. Buyers are likely going with the European rivals to the RC because of stronger name recognition and greater variety in their model ranges.
The slowest-selling cars are the coolest ones
Interestingly, the three slowest-selling Lexus models are arguably the three coolest. Besides the V8-powered IS 500, the LS, LC, and RC are probably the three Lexus models that driving enthusiasts are most interested in.
However, Lexus didn’t get where it is today by catering to the enthusiast market. Lexus is a luxury brand with mass-market appeal thanks to its reputation for quality and reliability.
