Lexus CT, Lexus IS and Lexus RC axed over ADR changes

For Lexus buyers, there’s good news this week… and there’s bad news.

Lexus Australia CEO Scott Thompson confirmed during a presentation of the new Lexus NX in Melbourne that Lexus will be culling three models from its range from November 2021.

With a new Australian Design Rules requirement regarding side pole impacts (number 85/01) coming into play in November, Lexus will no longer offer its CT, RS, or near-new IS models – none of which would be certified in time.

With the current-generation IS sedan having only arrived in 2020, this further confirms the midsized model's architecture is closely related to that of its predecessor.

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The new Lexus NX is coming Down Under in December

The current RC coupe and CT hatch have been around for several years each – indeed, the CT dates back to 2011 – and neither car is the strongest seller in the Lexus range.

With a vast majority (around three quarters) of Lexus’s sales coming from its SUVs, the loss of these models won’t be devastating to the brand. The ES, LS, and LC remain on the ledger for the foreseeable future, with the refreshed ES due here by October.

The ES will herald a string of four launches from the brand, one per month starting with the electrified Lexus UX300e in November.

The small electric SUV will share the same 150kW and 300Nm battery-electric drivetrain as found around the rest of the world, though further local details are yet to be confirmed.

Next, expected in December, is the new-generation Lexus NX, revealed only weeks ago.

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The Lexus IS, which only arrived late last year, will be culled

The NX will arrive in Australia in NX 350h, NX 350 and NX 250 guises, with an NX 450h+ PHEV still not confirmed for Australia. Lexus Australia is strongly considering it, however, with at least one in the country for evaluation.

Lexus wouldn’t confirm the January and February 2022 launches, though one is certain to be the new LandCruiser twin, Lexus’s LX. This will closely follow the reveal of Toyota’s new 300 Series flagship off-roader.

When Wheels queried Thompson about the likelihood of the semiconductor shortage affecting the rollout of these models, particularly the ever-popular NX, he admitted there would be some balancing needed with supply and demand.

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The Lexus LS is still planned to come to Australia

“The semiconductor shortage doesn’t appear to be affecting us as much as some other brands at the moment…but we do believe supply and demand will be challenging for us to balance.

“NX is our most popular vehicle…it’s a big focus for us and will probably be a balancing act for the first 12 months after launch.”

Stay tuned for more information on Lexus’s upcoming Australian launches, including details of the fourth when they emerge.