Lexus Model Name Meanings Explained, From LX And GX To ES And RX

Lexus model name meanings explained by Toyota luxury division, from LX and GX SUVs to GS and ES sedans.

The first-ever Lexus TX ‘Touring Crossover’ SUV finally made its debut in June 2023, joining Toyota luxury brand’s growing SUV lineup that already includes the bigger flagship LX and the smaller GX and RX models.

Like the other members of the Lexus family, the TX carries two-letter acronym – a model name that carries a meaning that is descriptive of the model upon which it appears.

Lexus LS

The LS in the ‘Lexus LS’ stands for Luxury Sedan. Billed as the finest luxury car in the world by parent company Toyota as well as the motoring press, the full-size luxury sedan serves as the flagship model of Lexus.

The original LS 400 – the car that launched Lexus back in 1989 – was the work of 60 designers, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians and over 200 support workers.

Lexus GS

The Lexus GS is an executive car sold by Lexus since 1991. The GS followed in the footsteps of LS by adopting Sedan as a suffix.

The prefix stood for Grand, which symbolised the model’s middle position within the Lexus saloon model line-up during its production.

Lexus LX

The Lexus LX is a full-size luxury SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota since January 1996. The “L” in LX stands for “Luxury” while the X stands for “Crossover”

Four generations of the LX have been produced, the latest-generation which made its debut on October 13, 2021. All LX have been based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs.

Lexus TX

The Lexus TX is a full-size luxury crossover SUV specifically made for the North American market (United States of America and Canada).

The “T” in TX stands for “Touring” while the X stands for “Crossover” – like in the case of the LX, GX and RX. The “Touring Crossover” is available will be offered in four grades : Standard, Premium, Luxury and F SPORT Performance.

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is a series of mid-size executive cars marketed since 1989 by Lexus. The ES stands for Executive Sedan, though some Lexus importers use the name ‘Elegant Sedan’.

It is recognised as the brand’s most popular saloon – a fact that has contributed to the seven-generation model’s availability in Europe from 2019 onwards.

Lexus IS

Aimed at younger customers, the Lexus IS, originally sold under the Toyota Altezza is a compact executive car sold since 1999. The IS stands for Intelligent Sports.

Since the arrival of the IS 200 twenty-seven years ago, the Lexus IS range has always combined traditional Lexus qualities in a smaller, more mechanically dynamic package.

Lexus GX

The Lexus GX (or Grand Crossover) is a full-size luxury SUV sold in North American and Eurasian markets. GX is built on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform.

Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. As of 2024, the GX is positioned between the larger LX or TX and the smaller RX.

Lexus CT

The Lexus CT 200h is a hybrid electric car produced by Lexus as a premium compact hatchback. The CT is based on the Toyota Prius drivetrain and Toyota MC platform chassis. CT in the name stands for Creative Touring.

Lexus RC

The Lexus RC is a compact executive two-door coupé version of the Lexus IS (XE30). The RC according to Lexus stands for “Radical Coupe”.

The Lexus RC was designed to challenge perceptions about what a self-charging, petrol-electric hybrid should look like.

The Lexus LC is a grand Tourer based on the 2012 LF-LC Concept. LC, or Luxury Coupe, combines the luxuries of a flagship saloon with the seductive, sporting aesthetic of a grand touring coupe.

Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold since 1998 by Lexus. RX model name stands for Radiant Crossover, although this term is seldom mentioned in literature related to RX.

The model was Lexus first sports utility vehicle, marking a Crossover point between a luxury saloon and an off-roader.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover SUV introduced in late 2014. The “NX” in the name stands for “Nimble Crossover” while the “H” in some models name stands for hybrid version.

Lexus NX marks the point at which a luxury mid-size saloon meets a capable off-road vehicle.

Lexus UX

The Lexus UX is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV introduced at the March 2018 Geneva Motor Show as the smallest crossover model in Lexus’ lineup.

The arrival of the UX marks the first time Lexus has produced a truly compact luxury crossover. The name UX stands for Urban Crossover.

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