Lexus reveals the real meanings behind the names it gives to each of its models — there are a few surprises, but the scheme is mainly logical.
Naming cars is always a rather intricate ritual, with automakers usually packing a load of deeper meanings and references. For years, Lexus has always opted for a simple naming strategy. Two alphabets make up the naming for most Lexus models, but the company also uses three characters on some more unique models. Regardless, they are easy to remember and similar to what other premium automakers do with their models.
But those alphabets are acronyms with a deeper meaning, and Toyota’s luxury division has finally uncovered them all. Here is what each abbreviation means:
Lexus CT
The CT is a five-door hybrid hatchback that Lexus launched as an answer to the BMW 1-Series, Mercedes A-Class, and Audi A3. Lexus says its name refers to “Creative Touring,” referencing two aspects of the hatchback. Creative signals to the automaker’s effort to introduce a hybrid powertrain in a segment that was famous for being ICE-only. As for the Touring, it is aimed at speculations that say hybrids don’t leave much space for passengers or luggage.
Lexus IS
Lexus’ compact sedan, the IS, was launched to lure younger buyers to the brand. The “Intelligent Sports” carries a bolder design than other vehicles with the “L” badge and sits on an RWD platform tuned for better driving dynamics. According to numerous sources, the automaker will continue using the same name for an all-electric sports sedan with a sleek design and hi-tech features for the next generation.
Lexus ES
The ES is one of the brand’s most popular vehicles, mainly because it offers an outstandingly comfortable and quiet ride at a lower price than other executive sedans. This also includes the company’s GS model, which sat on an RWD platform for better driving dynamics, but was more expensive. Still, the Lexus ES got the name from the category where it competes, referring to “Executive Sedan.”
Lexus GS
Lexus sadly killed the GS a few years ago due to poor sales and decided to only compete with the cheaper and less complicated ES. We still have fond memories of the excellent GS-F and the quick GS 450h hybrid variants, but let’s hope the automaker brings it back as an EV-only model. For now, the name “Grand Sedan” only remains in Lexus’ history books.
Lexus LS
The LS is the vehicle that started it all for Lexus and introduced the brand to the American market. Always understated but supremely luxurious, the “Luxury Sedan” has been the vehicle of choice among people that wanted the quietest and most serene driving experience. Still, the latest model had a sizeable slump in sales, with the German competitors retaking the luxury crown and Genesis experiencing great sales with its excellent G90. Let’s hope Lexus has an ace up its sleeve with its next-gen LS, which might arrive as an EV-only model.
Lexus RC
Designed to revolutionize, the “Radical Coupe” was about questioning norms on what a gas-electric hybrid should look like. It has a polarizing design and a ballistic RC-F model, contributing to solid sales. Still, its rivals, like the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5, sell even better.
Lexus SC
The “Sports Coupe” was the automaker’s first foray into sporty coupes, and later a sporty convertible. Sales were good, but the second-gen SC had a notorious reputation for being among the worst cars Jeremy Clarkson has ever driven. Regardless, finding a mint used still requires you to pay north of $25,000.
Lexus LC
The “Luxury Coupe” replaced the SC in Lexus’ lineup in 2017 and still enjoys excellent sales today. Available in coupe and convertible form, the LC is an enthusiast darling thanks to the eye-catching design, gorgeous interior, and a sonorous 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. Buy it until you can — that’s all we can say!
Lexus LFA
The same Jeremy Clarkson that loathed the SC once said that the “Lexus Future Advance” is the best car he has ever driven. This statement pushed the already exotic LFA to the stratosphere, with used models commanding more than $1 million!
But that’s hardly a surprise — the LFA is an over-engineered supercar with exceptional attention to detail, and its naturally-aspirated V10 is widely regarded as the best-sounding engine of all time.
Considering future EVs will never produce such a bristling noise, prices of this fantastic supercar will continue to rise in the future. That’s very interesting because Lexus didn’t even manage to sell each of the 500 units it produced, despite losing money on each car. Today, Lexus says the name means “Lexus F-Sports Apex,” clearly a nod to its F lineup of sports cars.
Lexus UX
The “Urban Crossover” is Lexus’s smallest SUV/crossover, so it has a fitting name. It’s the only model in the brand’s lineup available as an ICE, hybrid, and EV. However, sales are stagnant, and Lexus will probably replace it with a bolder EV-only model soon.
Lexus NX
Based on the world’s best-selling SUV, the RAV4, the “Nimble Crossover,” competes directly with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Although it has “nimble” in its name, the Lexus NX is designed to offer the most serene driving experience in the category while offering the company’s legendary reliability.
Lexus RX
Lexus chose the name “Radiant Crossover” for its first SUV in 1998 and saw immediate success. Today, the RX is the best-selling luxury crossover in North America, with the latest model continuing to dominate sales.
Like its smaller brother, the RX prides itself on maximum comfort and refinement, things you’d expect in a luxury vehicle. It’s also the most reliable vehicle in its category, but that’s only expected from a Lexus.
Lexus GX
The “Grand Crossover” is a more luxurious version of the Land Cruiser Prado that sells in other markets and is currently the oldest model in the company’s lineup.
But that doesn’t stop buyers from emptying the stocks as soon as it arrives on the lot. Thanks to the rising popularity of camping and overlanding, the GX sells like hotcakes today. Not surprising considering its bullet-proof reliability and proven off-road ability.
Lexus LX
Like its smaller brother, the GX, the LX is based on the larger Toyota Land Cruiser. Thus, it carries the same qualities you’d associate with the famous nameplate, like exceptional reliability and off-road ability, albeit in an even more luxurious package. Lexus says the model’s name stands for “Luxury Crossover,” despite being a full-fledged SUV.
