Lexus Model Nomenclature: Explained

 A Guide to Lexus' Model Nomenclature

Lexus CT

CT stands for Creative Touring. The car is Creative in the sense that it dared to debut a full hybrid powertrain in a segment dominated by diesels, while Touring can be interpreted as dispelling the myth that the batteries used to power the electric motor compromise passenger and luggage space.

Lexus UX

The arrival of the UX marks the first time Lexus has produced a truly compact luxury crossover. During development, Lexus 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.

Lexus IS

Since the arrival of the IS 200 in 1999, the Lexus IS range has always combined traditional Lexus qualities in a smaller, more mechanically dynamic package aimed at younger customers. Fittingly, IS stands for Intelligent Sports.

Lexus RC

The Lexus RC was designed to challenge perceptions about what a self-charging, petrol-electric hybrid should look like. As the first Lexus hybrid packaged in a premium two-door coupe shell, this Radical Coupe not only delivers impressive design, Lexus luxury and craftsmanship, but a refined and engaging driving experience, too. the F in RC F stands for Fuji

Lexus HS

The Lexus HS Sedan was designed to be a dedicated hybrid vehicle, without a petrol engine counterpart. According to Lexus, the Lexus HS Sedan stands for Harmonious Sedan.

Lexus NX

Like its bigger brother, the Nimble Crossover NX marks the point at which a luxury mid-size saloon meets a 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.

Lexus RZ

The RZ is Lexus' first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV). It is built on the e-TNGA platform. the RZ stands for Radiant Zero or Radical Zero.

Lexus RX

The RX model name stands for Radiant Crossover, although this term is seldom mentioned in literature related to RX. The word Radiant can be interpreted as representing the bright new future that Lexus envisioned at the car’s launch at the start of the Millennium. The model was Lexus' first sports utility vehicle, marking a Crossover point between a luxury saloon and an off-roader.

Lexus GX

The Lexus GX or Grand Crossover is a full-size luxury SUV sold in North American and Eurasian markets 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.

Lexus GS

The mid-size 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 ES

Originally launched alongside LS back in 1989, the mid-size Lexus Executive Sedan 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 SC

The SC was the sole coupé in the Lexus lineup until the arrival of the IS C. According to Lexus, the SC stands for Sport Coupe.

Lexus LC

Imagine a vehicle that combines the luxuries of a flagship saloon with the seductive, sporting aesthetic of a grand touring coupe. That vehicle is the Lexus LC, or Luxury Coupe, a flagship two-plus-two that is engineered in every dimension to deliver a very special and rewarding driving experience.

Lexus LFA

The LFA carried the same designation as the concepts, LFA, but without the hyphen. The production designation reportedly stood for Lexus Fuji Apex, another claim dismissed by Chief Engineer Tanahashi. The LFA was shown as the final vehicle of the press conference, following the LF-Ch hybrid concept.

Lexus LS

LS stands for Luxury Sedan. 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. It was billed as the finest luxury car in the world by parent company Toyota as well as the motoring press. The Sedan part of the name refers to the model’s traditional four-door, two-box shape.

Lexus LX

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

Lexus LM

The LM, which stands for Luxury Mover, exhibits the best of takumi craftsmanship. The van’s sophisticated interior design is inspired by omotenashi, the Japanese art of remarkable experiences and hospitality.