The Lexus GS will be discontinued in 2020 with the Blackline special edition.
The Lexus GS will disappear after the 2020 model year was announced on Friday. Lexus will see off this luxury sedan with a special Blackline version that will be produced in a limited run of 200 units.
"A Lexus spokesperson told Motor Authority that "Lexus is constantly evaluating the model lineup." In the shrinking sedan segment, the GS family has seen low sales in recent years."
In 2019, the GS accounted for just 4% of Lexus passenger car sales, or 3,378 units, and 0.8% of total midsize luxury sedan sales. The vehicle's market share was down 48.8% compared to 2018.
The entire GS lineup is being discontinued, including our favorite GS F model. The GS F was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 shared with the RC F and developed 467 hp of maximum power and 389 hp of torque. The [GS, released in 1994, was a competitor to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, over the course of four generations, Lexus failed to deliver, and the GS consistently lost out on sales.
The latest Blackline special edition was based on the GS 350 F Sport. It has a gloss black exterior and a contrasting Ultra White or Caviar paint scheme. The Black Line has a two-tone interior of black and Rioja Red leather with red stitching on the dashboard. Carbon fiber and alcantara interior trim is also available.
Lexus also commissioned Zero Halliburton to design a two-piece luggage set with matching black lines. The set, emblazoned with the Lexus logo, includes a 22-inch Continental carry-on bag and a 26-inch mid-size travel suitcase.
The Blackline is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the standard GS 350, producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Lexus will offer the Blackline with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Chassis upgrades will be carried over from the existing F Sport model.
The 2020 Lexus GS Blackline is expected to arrive in dealerships this summer. Lexus will only announce pricing closer to the on-sale date. For comparison, pricing for the regular GS 350 F Sport starts at $53,785 with rear-wheel drive and $55,530 with all-wheel drive (both prices include a mandatory $1,025 destination charge).
