Meaning of Lexus car model names

Car model names are often very important to manufacturers, as they help identify the product, provide a memorable meaning and differentiate it from the myriad of models on the market. While some manufacturers use special words to name their cars, Lexus uses the initials of the product's origin as its name.

In fact, the Japanese car brand name itself has meaning, with Lexus standing for Luxury Exports to US, luxury cars for the American market.

Below are the meanings of Lexus model names, arranged in alphabetical order.

CT - Creative Touring

CT 200h model sold in the US. Photo:Lexus

According to Lexus, Creative is used because the car is equipped with a hybrid powertrain, in a segment traditionally dominated by diesel engines. Meanwhile, Touring is intended to counter the industry narrative that hybrids mean losing cargo capacity and passenger space.

ES - Executive Sedan

2022 ES 300h model. Photo:Lexus

The ES was launched alongside the LS. And the Executive Sedan meant a smaller version of the flagship LS. However, in some places, importers often explain that ES means Elegant Sedan.

GS - Grand Sedan

GS 2020 in the US. Photo:Lexus

Grand Sedan means mid-size sedan. This name also represents the position of GS in the Japanese sedan line, between IS and LS. And like ES, in some places, GS is introduced as Grand Sport.

GX - Grand Crossover

GX 460 2020. Photo:Lexus

Like the GS, the GX is positioned between the two other high-chassis products of the same house, the RX and LX. The GX was developed from the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform and is therefore considered the luxury version of the parent brand's SUV.

IS - Intelligent Sports

IS 2021. Photo:Lexus

Some people may think that the S in IS also stands for Sedan, but they are wrong. IS stands for Intelligent Sports. This model represents the brand's quality with a compact, dynamic appearance aimed at a younger audience.

LC/LC C- Luxury Coupe/Luxury Coupe Convertible

2021 LC 500 Convertible. Photo:Lexus

The name combines the luxury element with the coupe body style. The remaining C stands for convertible. This means that the LC comes in two versions, coupe and convertible, and has only been on sale since 2017.

LFA - Lexus Future Advance

LFA - supercar produced only from 2010-2012 with a quantity of 500 units. Photo:Lexus

Lexus' supercar originated from the concept of the same name, which stood for Lexus Future Advance and was later renamed Lexus F-Sports Apex when it entered commercial production. The name reflects the LFA's position as a landmark in the high-performance F series.

LS - Luxury Sedan

LS 2021 sold in the US. Photo:Lexus

The flagship model was launched in 1989, the same year Lexus was founded. That is, the LS marked the launch of Toyota's luxury brand.

LX - Luxury Crossover

New generation LX. Photo:Lexus

Like the GX and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the LX is the luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. In some places, importers call the LX Luxury Four Wheel Drive.

NX - Nimble Crossover

NX 2022. Photo:Lexus

The NX is named to represent its smaller size and more agile character, perfect for both urban and suburban driving. The NX is also Lexus' best-selling vehicle in Europe.

RC/RC F - Radical Coupe/Radical Coupe Fuji

RC 2019. Photo:Lexus

The RC is designed to challenge the notion of what self-charging is, and what a gas-electric hybrid can look like. The F stands for Lexus' performance models, and refers to the Fuji track in Japan, where the company spent hundreds of hours testing the RC F.

RX - Radiant Crossover

RX 450+ 2023. Photo:Lexus

The RX represented Lexus' vision of the future when it was launched in 1997. The RX also came in a larger, seven-seat L version.

UX - Urban Crossover

UX 300e 2021. Photo:Lexus

The UX is the smallest product in Lexus' crossover line, marking the first time the company has produced a truly compact luxury crossover. The UX embodies a free-spirited style that can appeal to modern urban explorers.