Source | YuanAuto

Since 2000, Mark Levinson has been Lexus' exclusive bespoke audio brand, and its presence has been limited to Lexus models only. In simpler terms, if you want to experience this in-car audio system, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, your only option is to purchase a Lexus. Typically, this system has been reserved for models priced at 350,000 yuan or higher.

The rarer something is, the more it piques people's interest. For many diehard Lexus enthusiasts or in-car audio aficionados, Mark Levinson holds a special allure. Some have even capitalized on the attractive prices of used cars in recent years to snap up an older Lexus model, solely for its audio system.

However, the market landscape has recently undergone a transformation.

"The Mark Levinson® audio upgrade package offers a purer listening experience within the familiar confines of the ES cabin." On July 31st, Lexus China's official social media account announced that it would offer an original factory audio upgrade package for ES 260/300h models produced from August 2022 to December 2025, as well as ES 200 models produced from August 2022 to the present, for a fee of 18,000 yuan.

Most long-time Lexus owners who commented on the audio upgrade package offered by Lexus China expressed enthusiasm. Meanwhile, as of August 5th, the "ES Mark Levinson Audio Package" product link on Lexus' official APP store had already sold out. Although the official store is no longer accepting orders, several Lexus owners informed YuanAuto that they could still go directly to dealer 4S stores to pay for the upgrade.

"Lexus has never officially offered anything like this before. To upgrade to Mark Levinson, the most common approach was to purchase dismantled parts. Even 4S stores didn't seem particularly keen on profiting from this, claiming it wasn't possible and advising against upgrades," a Lexus ES 200 owner in Guangzhou told YuanAuto.

It's worth noting that while both are Mark Levinson in-car audio systems, the 18,000 yuan upgrade package offered by Lexus this time differs from the previously equipped original system. Public information reveals that the 2022 Lexus ES models originally equipped with Mark Levinson audio boasted 17 speakers, whereas the package offered by Lexus China this time features 13.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to fulfill the dream of owning a Mark Levinson system at a relatively reasonable price has sparked eagerness among many long-time Lexus ES owners. Owners get their wish, the brand enhances its reputation, and dealers earn some extra profit. Lexus China's move can be seen as a win-win-win situation.

Especially for dealers, don't underestimate the potential of this 18,000 yuan upgrade project; its profit margin may surpass that of selling a new car worth hundreds of thousands of yuan.

For reference, YuanAuto discovered that some Lexus dealers have already introduced limited-time tiered discounts to stimulate audio upgrade orders, with discounts of up to 2,700 yuan. From this perspective, if dealers can sell the audio upgrade package at the original price of 18,000 yuan, the expected profit margin could exceed 1,000 yuan.

Furthermore, the currently available new-generation Lexus 300h offers the Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system as an original factory option for 30,000 yuan. However, this price also encompasses several high-value features, such as a 14-inch co-driver entertainment screen, a co-driver Ottoman seat with leg support, Dolby Atmos, and rear side window sunshades.

It must be acknowledged that Lexus China's official approval of the new 18,000 yuan audio upgrade package business is like a "timely rain" for dealers, especially in light of recent plans by some dealers to close shop.

"After careful consideration, we have decided: Due to operational adjustments, Wuhan Alj Lexus Automobile Sales and Service Co., Ltd. will cease operations and terminate store activities on October 8, 2026." On August 3rd, a Lexus dealer in Wuhan announced in its certified official account's "Store Closure Notice" that its over-10-year Lexus sales journey had come to an end.

Of course, the closure of Wuhan Alj Lexus is more likely attributable to poor management by the Alj Group behind it. However, the fluctuations in Lexus' new car sales this year cannot be overlooked. According to new car terminal sales data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the China Passenger Car Association, Lexus' cumulative sales in the Chinese mainland market in the first half of this year ranged between 70,000 and 71,000 units, representing a decline of over 20% compared to the same period in 2025.

With declining new car sales, dealers' revenues are naturally impacted. For Lexus, which has relatively rarely faced tough times, this presents a new challenge. However, compared to traditional luxury brand competitors, Lexus and its mainland Chinese dealers are among the more optimistic, as they can anticipate a double boost in brand and new car popularity once the Shanghai factory commences production.

According to previous plans, Lexus' wholly-owned factory in Jinshan, Shanghai, is expected to be completed in August 2026 and achieve mass production of electric vehicles by 2027, with an initial annual capacity of 100,000 units. The new Lexus models produced by this factory will be sold not only in the Chinese mainland market but also exported to overseas markets.

Counting the days, we should witness "live" domestically produced Lexus models by this time next year.

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