Many people are just aware that Lexus is a Car manufacturer, but don’t know or have any idea that it’s the luxury Version of Toyota, Yes, our highly cherished Toyota. It is also worthy to note that it is the highest selling make of premium cars out of Japan.
The first Lexus was Produced in 1989 with the LS400 being the first model built after 6 years the idea was conceived. They are majorly built in Japan prior to 2003 when they started manufacturing the Rx330 in Canada.
It is also worthy to note that all of their vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota marque and an equivalent model name, for example, the Es300 and Es330 were sold as Toyota Windom, The Rx300 and Rx330 as Toyota Harrier.
To the meaning of Lexus, there has been many Speculations about what the word Lexus really means, but according to Wapcar this is what Lexus means and I quote ” Some say that Lexus is short for “Luxury Export USA” while others insist that it’s a combination of the word ‘Luxury’ and ‘Elegance.’
In truth, there is no deep zen-like meaning behind the Lexus name. When Toyota needed a name for its luxury division, New York-based marketing consultant Lippincott & Margulies was hired to come up with 10 proposed names. Five were shortlisted: Alexis, Calibre, Chaparel, Vectre, and Verone.
Alexis had the highest votes but clearly it had to be tweaked because Alexis was also the character of the then ‘80s hit TV series Dynasty.
Project manager Jim French sketched on his notepad, changing Alexis to Lexis, and then Lexus. The name was well-received and that was it.”
1989 LS400
Haven taken note of the above, we now look into the different models under the Lexus brand.
Every model can be identified by a two-letter acronym which definitely has a meaning before the numbers that in most cases shows their respective Engine capacities.
For the Sedan models, we have:
This is the biggest Sedan and also first ever Lexus model produced in 1989, this features a perfect combination of top-notch premium luxury and track-tuned performance, the Lexus LS is a fan favorite that is available in Three trim levels – LS 500, LS 500 F Sport and LS Inspiration Series. Lexus LS Hybrid variants will deliver unreal power and fuel economy at every turn.
The GS series is the Lexus mid-size sedan, that comes immediately after the LS which is the top-most sedan in the Saloon model line-up. this comes as a more refined and more luxurious midsize luxury sedan than the Lexus ES counterpart, this Lexus model represents automotive nirvana in a sleek, athletic and power-packed package. this model comes available in two premium grades – GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport, for the 350 variants, there’s also the GS300, and GS400h.
This is my personal best Lexus Sedan.
EXTRA: The numbers after the alphabets; ES300, represents the Engine Capacities of the different models, in simpler terms, ES330 means Executive sedan with engine capacity of 3.3litre V6. Also, for the sedans, Apart from the LS series, which is a V8, from GS to the IS, are all V6 engines.
N/B: The GS F and IS F are Equipped with Powerful V8 Engines.
This is unarguably Lexus’s most Popular sedan, not only here in Nigeria, but around the World. this is a Lexus-brand entry in the midsize luxury sedan class, the Lexus ES is a premier competitor that is available in Four trim levels – ES 350, ES 350 F Sport, ES 350 Luxury and ES 350 Ultra Luxury. The Lexus ES gives a very soothing and awesome drive. This Car is worth the hype as it has a very high Second-hand value.
This is one of the finest Lexus cars out there, with a very Sporty feel as the name implies, a delight to drive. This was introduced into the market in 1999 with IS200, which since has gone to win the hearts of many youths and Sport driving Enthusiasts.
This Lexus IS range has always combined traditional Lexus qualities in a smaller, more mechanically dynamic package, aimed at younger customers.
The IS model is an affordable fan favorite, that comes available in different trim levels – Standard IS, IS F Sport, IS AWD, IS F Sport AWD. For this model, you have various Engine capacities available ranging from the first generation IS200, IS 250, IS300, IS 350 and the V8 IS F variant. Lexus IS models make room for five passengers in a luxury-infused cabin.
NOTE: The AWD here means All-Wheel Drive. for the trims without AWD, they’re all RWD which is Rear Wheel Drive.
This car is Creative in the sense that it dared to debut a full hybrid powertrain in a segment dominated by diesels, while Touring, which can also be interpreted as dispelling the perceived myth that the batteries used to power the electric motor compromise passenger and luggage space.
This RC Model was designed to challenge Known perceptions about what a self-charging, petrol-electric hybrid Car should look like. This is the first Lexus hybrid car packaged in a top-tier premium two-door coupe shell, this Radical Coupe not only delivers impressive Lexus design, luxury and craftsmanship, but a much more refined and engaging driving experience is assured.
This is a vehicle that combines the luxuries of a flagship saloon with the very best of seductive, Sporting aesthetics of a Grand Touring coupe. Lexus went all out in this V8 powered coupe to deliver an overwhelmingly Excellent Ride.
The LC will make your automotive dreams come true with an opulent interior and its Powerful V8 engine. This Model has two Trims or grades which includes the LC-500 and LC-500 Inspiration Series with a Lexus LC 500h Hybrid variant.
EXTRA: Coupe according to KIA, is defined as a closed roof, 2-door passenger car with a three-box body for the engine and the passenger compartment. Most importantly, a coupe is a vehicle with interior space that is under 33 cubic feet.
EXTRA: SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. Here in the SUV line up, we have UX, NX, RX, GX and the top most LX.
Hence, it is worthy to note that the X stands for Crossover.
The UX model marks the first time Lexus has produced a truly Subcompact luxury crossover. During development, They aimed to embody a free-spirited style that would appeal to modern urban explorers – people who seek fresh, dynamic takes on luxury lifestyle. Hence the name UX stands for Urban Crossover.
The Lexus UX is the luxury brand’s entry in the subcompact crossover class with three standard trim levels – UX 200, UX 200 F Sport and UX 200 Luxury.
This model When compared to its bigger brother RX, the Nimble Crossover NX thus marks the point at which a luxury mid-size saloon meets a very capable off-road vehicle. Its smaller, more wieldy size endows it with a nimble nature that makes it a perfect tool for urban and country routes alike for Families in search of a compact luxury crossover will definitely love what the Lexus NX brings to the table. it comes Available in three luxury grades/trims – NX 300, NX 300 F Sport and NX 300 Luxury.
This is the best selling and most popular Lexus SUV, this is a very desirable, smooth, sleek and fantastic Ride to own and drive. . The word Radiant here, can be interpreted as representing the bright new future that Lexus envisioned at the car’s launch at the start of the Millennium. This model was the first sports utility vehicle, made by Lexus, marking a Crossover point between a luxury saloon and an off-roader.
This Lexus RX midsize luxury crossover is available in five and seven-passenger variants with three trim levels to choose from – RX 350, RX 350 F Sport and RX 350L. The Lexus RX Hybrid adds ultra-efficient fuel economy to an already stellar spec sheet. This is a close rival to its Parent Company’s Highlander.
The Grand Crossover promises to deliver Top notch quality, Great interior, Excellent Drive-train and Top-tier feel. This Rugged and ready for adventure model, pairs premium luxury with a trail-rated design that will make room for seven passengers in three trims –which includes GX460, GX460 Premium and GX460 luxury, powered by a 4.6litre V8, the GX delivers plenty of fun.
This is a twin to the Toyota Land-cruiser Prado, or it is based on the Land Cruiser Prado as a Luxurious Version.
This is the top-most Model in the SUV lineup. This can be said to be the Luxurious Version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. A full-size luxury family hauler, the Lexus LX is available in two grades – LX 570 Two-Row and Lexus 570 Three-Row – that make room for five and eight passengers respectively. Armed with a 383-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8, for models before 2022, and a Stronger and more Powerful V6 Twin-turbo for the 2022 model and upward years known as the LX600. The luxurious Lexus LX will tow up to 7,000 pounds of cargo.
This is a Top-Tier Luxurious Vehicle.
Lexus is a premium Car to own, knowing these different Models and Trims will go a long way in helping you make the right choice when you need to Acquire one.
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Thanks.
This is new knowledge.
I take away the fact that Lexus was launched 6years after the idea was birthed.
My favourite Lexus?
It’s the IS! I saw the matte black and loved it
Nice one sir, The IS is a great vehicle, go for the IS350 AWD or the IS F, which is a V8 and enjoy a more sportier feel.
Wowww a great article and really educative too. I never knew a lot about this till now. Nice following autotrendinfo keep up the good work
