Lexus outsells Mercedes in U.S. luxury market; BMW sales decline

If you see what the future 5 series look like, I don't think BMW's numbers would look any better when the new 5 series goes production!

whoever designs the new BMW interiors must not drive one. They are total BS. Whats with the door handles that bother the shit out of your left leg. They need to start over. They had the wrap around dash with the big leather seats back in the 80's and it was great. What happened?

I couldn't wait to get rid if my Lexus and back to a German car. It was SO boring and just didn't feel good, drive good or excite me. I don't get Americas love of Lexus, I will NEVER make that mistake again.

Lexus do give good incentives. Like on IS models, $0 down and a low monthly lease while to get an Audi/Merc or BMW... you have to put around $3000 to get the same monthly payment. BMW IMO, really need to scrap the current 5-Series design and somehow modify the former version... which was a lot better.

The thing I find most interesting is that Audi has had continuous growth without having any incentives to speak of well over a year. To me that is far more impressive because it means their growth is product driven not incentive driven. Any company can throw money and incentives at product to move it but why not just build a great product and price it right to begin with.

I agree with cmathenal. Good products sell themselves.

And I will tell you Why? Because Lexus just doesn't build a great engine and transmission but they go for quality material and products. I have had two Lexsus and they E and a S both were 10 yrs old and everything worked (inside and out) minor maintenance. I bought a 2003 C Class, 1 yr old, and the seats stop working, the chrome, the door locks are sticking, chrom is pealing from interior emblems, cup holder broken, new alternator, new axles on both sides, and new engine mounts, and let us not forget new oil pan...and I'm SINGLE WITH NO KIDS AND FEW PASSENGERS!!!!! I'll never buy a MB again.

Can't wait to receive my 550i :).

I have a couple of MB.one is eleven years old next month and the only serious problem I have had was the top wouldnt come back up after it was retracted into the trunk, which was fixed for free by my dealer almost 6years after the warranty expired. Lexus is so bland and boring.

Americans are stupid (yes, i am one...) I will NEVER understand why they buy rebadged Toyota Camrys and Land Cruisers over Mercs and BMWs. Not to mention how BORING Lexi are. and im sorry, but I find it hard to believe Mercs are bad cars. my family has owned 7 Mercedes. 1983 380SE, 1987 260E, 1997 E420, 2002 C240, 2003 E320, 2006 C230 and a 2009 C300 and have had 0 problems with any of them except the car phone always being broken in the E320. So I think it's a bunch of bull... I mean, no ones perfect, but we've never had a lemon Benz after 27 years of driving them. We still have the 260E, drive it almost everyday. and if all else fails, at least my Benz will STOP and not randomly accelerate...

If you'd lived in Arabia you'd buy a Lexus just for the climate control, not to mention reliability. Trust me, it's no fun being stuck on the roadside in 47 degree dry and scorching Arabian weather. Plus, I hear the current GS and IS are actually fun to drive.

I can't believe that people are still stupid enough to think that every German car is going to break down on the side of the road. Someone buys a used car and then has problems with it and the brand is now unworthy? You bought a used car! WOW. Some really brainless comments here. M

Its just USA. Lexus is rinky dink compared to the germans in the world picture. Imitation can never be better than the originator. The shadow can never act before the item which casts it

as much as i dislike the bangle's 7er and current 7, there just seem to be more MB and BMW than Lexus LS around. was it some sales incentive they got for the Lexus for the past couple of months?

i own a 2008 is300 and i'm 21 and the only thing i can complain about is the fuel economy excellent car to own and drive. also compared to the other cars in its class very good looking. btw najdier it is fun to drive

The BMW 5 is selling well in Europe and will in the US. I drove one last week and immediately ordered one for European Delivery. Imagine 300 bhp, 4000 lb, and 29 mpg.

Why do 'Lexi' sell so well and appeal to so many people? I'll tell you why. I call it "The Chinese takeaway test". Scenario: [Your at home and it is between 8.00pm and 9.30pm in the evening. Your family (guests sic!) are hungry. You pick-up the phone and dial that excellent Chinese restaurant that you know. You place your order and are given a "pick-up" time. Just before the appointed time, you take your car keys and get into your Lexus. You start up that engine and "noiselessly" insinuate the car into the night traffic, all the while listening to the Mark Levinson/Nakamichi stereo. There is the usual "stop-start" traffic and traffic lights! In a German luxury car you are always aware that you are driving. It has something to do with those instrument controls and switches. They are 'Germanic'. Rifle-bolt precise. Yes, but nonetheless they still 'assault you' on a certain level. Car psycologists say that it contributes to keeping you alert. The Lexus engineers, wily folks, see it differently. They give you 'soft-rounded' controls/switches and softly lit dials that "do not offend". The auto gearbox smoothly gliding you along. You get to the restaurant, park and pick up the "takeaway". And head the same way for home. A Lexus is that 'calming' which is why so many people buy them and the JD Power surveys. This car passes the test! Enough said. isaacu

Yeah, but...how many of those were the awful looking new GX and the way overpriced LX?