The meaning of the names of Lexus car models
From the CT hatchback to the UX crossover, there's a real meaning behind the initials.
The names of car models are often very important to manufacturers, as they help identify the product, evoke memories, and differentiate it from the countless 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 very names of Japanese car brands have meaning, with Lexus standing for Luxury Exports to US, meaning luxury cars for the American market.
Below are the meanings of the Lexus model names, listed in alphabetical order.
CT - Creative Touring
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The CT 200h model is sold in the US. Photo:Lexus |
According to Lexus, "Creative" is used because the car is equipped with a hybrid powertrain, in a segment dominated by diesel engines. Meanwhile, "Touring" is meant to counter the often-discussed notion in the industry that hybrid vehicles mean a loss of cargo capacity and passenger space.
ES - Executive Sedan
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2022 ES 300h model. Photo:Lexus |
The ES was launched alongside the LS model. And Executive Sedan means a smaller version of the flagship LS model. However, in some places, importers often explain that ES stands for Elegant Sedan.
GS - Grand Sedan
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2020 GS model in the US. Photo:Lexus |
Grand Sedan means mid-size sedan. This name also represents the GS's position in the Japanese manufacturer's sedan lineup, situated between the IS and LS. And, like the ES, in some places the GS is also introduced as Grand Sport.
GX - Grand Crossover
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2020 GX 460. Photo:Lexus |
Similar to the GS, the GX is positioned between two other SUV models from the same manufacturer, the RX and LX. The GX is developed from the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform and is therefore considered the luxury version of the SUV from its parent brand.
IS - Intelligent Sports
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IS model year 2021. Photo:Lexus |
Some might think that the "S" in IS also means Sedan, but they're wrong. IS stands for Intelligent Sports. This model represents the brand's quality with a compact, dynamic appearance, targeting a younger customer base.
LC/LC C- Luxury Coupe/Luxury Coupe Convertible
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2021 LC 500 Convertible. Photo:Lexus |
The name of the car combines the meaning of luxury with a coupe-style body. 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
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The LFA is a supercar that was produced only between 2010 and 2012, with a limited run of 500 units. (Photo:)Lexus |
The Lexus supercar originated from a concept car of the same name, short for Lexus Future Advance, and was later renamed Lexus F-Sports Apex when it went into commercial production. The name reflects the LFA's status as a milestone in the high-performance F series.
LS - Luxury Sedan
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LS 2021 sold in the US. Photo:Lexus |
The flagship model was launched in 1989, the same year Lexus was founded. This means the LS marked the debut of the luxury brand owned by Toyota.
LX - Luxury Crossover
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The 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
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NX 2022. Photo:Lexus |
The NX is named to reflect its smaller size and more agile characteristics, perfect for both city and suburban roads. The NX is also Lexus's best-selling model in Europe.
RC/RC F - Radical Coupe/Radical Coupe Fuji
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RC 2019. Photo:Lexus |
The RC was designed to challenge understandings of what self-charging is and what a gasoline-electric hybrid might look like. The letter F typically represents Lexus's high-performance models and refers to the Fuji Track in Japan, where the company spent hundreds of hours testing the RC F.
RX - Radiant Crossover
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RX 450+ 2023. Photo:Lexus |
The RX represented Lexus's vision for the future when it launched in 1997. The RX also has an L version – a larger model with 7 seats.
UX - Urban Crossover
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UX 300e 2021. Photo:Lexus |
The UX is the smallest product in Lexus's crossover lineup, marking the first time the brand has produced a truly compact luxury crossover. The UX embodies a free-spirited style that can appeal to those who enjoy exploring modern urban spaces.
