Not long after Ford decided to scrap most of its passenger car line-up, a report emerged that Lexus was planning to ax the IS and GS luxury sedans. Over a year later, a company spokesperson has confirmed to CarsDirect that the unloved Lexus GS 300 is being discontinued for the 2020 model year. Other GS models will still be available for the 2020 model year, but the future isn't looking bright for the GS range.

Starting at $46,860, the GS 300 is the most affordable model in the midsize luxury sedan line-up, but after it gets discontinued there will only be two GS models available: the $50,915-GS 350 and track-focused GS F, which starts at $84,350. The demise of the Lexus GS 300 was inevitable when you look at the dismal sales figures, however.

When asked why the GS 300 is being axed, a Lexus spokesperson admitted that the midsize luxury sedan "represented a small percentage of GS sales in 2018," adding "we are constantly evaluating model mixes throughout our lineup." They added that the GS will "remain available for midsize sport sedan buyers who are looking for exciting performance, sumptuous luxury and world-class quality."

According to CarsDirect, dealers rarely even stock the model, which makes it difficult to find. Last month, Lexus only shipped 305 GS cars in July compared to over 4,900 ES sedans, making it the brand's slowest-selling car after the $93,000 LC coupe.

Powering the GS 300 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The more powerful GS 350, on the other hand, packs a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 hp. The demise of the GS 300 also means the GS range will have a higher base price. For 2020, the GS 350 will start at $52,420, while the GS F will set you back $86,035.