Is Lexus considered a sports car?
Not as a stand-alone sports-car maker, but Lexus does offer sports-oriented models such as the RC F and LC 500 that critics often describe as sports cars or luxury performance coupes. The brand’s core identity remains luxury-focused, with selective high-performance variants in its lineup.
Defining a sports car
Definitions vary, but many observers link a sports car to attributes like agile handling, strong power-to-weight ratio, and a driver-focused experience, often in a two-seat or 2+2 layout. In practice, automakers blend luxury, comfort, and performance, so the line between a pure sports car and a high-performance luxury coupe can be blurred.
A quick note on categories
Some critics reserve the term "sports car" for lighter, more driver-centric machines, while others apply it to high-performance luxury coupes. Lexus navigates this spectrum with its performance-focused "F" models and grand-tourer styling, creating vehicles that sit at the intersection of luxury and speed.
Lexus performance models
Two-door, high-performance variants from Lexus that are commonly described as sports cars or luxury sport coupes are highlighted here. This section focuses on the models most often cited in auto media for their driving dynamics.
- RC F — A two-door performance coupe with a potent V8 and chassis tuning aimed at spirited driving; widely described as a sports car by critics.
- LC 500 — A two-door grand tourer with a flagship V8 and strong emphasis on driving dynamics and luxury; frequently labeled as a luxury sports coupe or high-performance grand tourer.
- LC 500h — The hybrid counterpart to the LC 500, offering performance-oriented characteristics within a luxury framework; regarded as a high-performance grand tourer in many reviews.
Conclusion: These are the primary Lexus models critics reference when discussing Lexus as offering sports-car–style products. Other Lexus models tend to emphasize luxury, practicality, or family transport rather than track-ready performance.
Lexus lineup outside the sports-car category
Beyond the RC F and LC, Lexus centers its range on luxury sedans, crossovers, and SUVs. Performance variants exist (notably F Sport), but they are generally framed as luxury performance rather than dedicated sports cars.
- IS 500 F Sport and the IS lineup — A rear- or all-wheel-drive sedan/coupe with a performance focus; some outlets call it a sports sedan, but it is not a dedicated sports car.
- ES, RX, NX, UX — Mainstream luxury sedans and crossovers; F Sport or performance packages add sportier handling and styling, yet these are not typically categorized as sports cars.
Conclusion: For most buyers and critics, Lexus’s identity remains anchored in luxury with performance-enhanced variants, rather than a standalone sports-car marque.
The F brand and branding
Since its debut in 2007, the Lexus F performance sub-brand has signaled higher-performance variants across the range, including the halo LFA and later RC F and LC 500. The "F" designation indicates enhanced chassis tuning, power, and handling, while still balancing comfort and refinement for daily driving.
Where Lexus fits among the sports-car landscape
Compared with specialized sports-car makers such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, Lexus occupies a luxury-performance niche. Critics generally describe Lexus’s sport offerings as compelling and well-crafted, but still within a luxury framework rather than a pure sports-car brand identity.
Summary
In summary, Lexus is not a dedicated sports-car manufacturer, but it does offer notable sports-oriented models that critics often classify as sports cars or luxury performance coupes—especially the RC F and LC 500. The broader Lexus lineup emphasizes luxury and reliability, with performance variants that add excitement without redefining the brand as a pure sports-car marque. Whether you call them sports cars depends on how you weigh driving dynamics, weight, and brand positioning.
What IS the average income of a Lexus owner?
The Lexus owner base is younger, too, with a median age of 53 (vs. 58). Their median household income is $193,750 (vs. $198,923).
What qualifies a car as a sports car?
A sports car is a low-profile, high-performance automobile designed for speed, handling, and spirited driving. They feature powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and a sleek, aerodynamic design that prioritizes agility and a thrilling driving experience over practicality.
Performance and handling
- Speed: Sports cars are built for rapid acceleration and high top speeds.
- Handling: They are engineered for exceptional cornering and responsiveness, with features like a low center of gravity and precise steering.
- Power: They can be equipped with a variety of powerful engines, including four-cylinder, V6, and V8 options.
Design and features
- Seating: Many are two-seaters, though some larger models may accommodate rear passengers.
- Aerodynamics: The design is often sleek and aerodynamic to improve performance at high speeds.
- Cargo: They typically have limited trunk space compared to standard vehicles.
Examples and variations
- Muscle cars: A subcategory of sports cars that excels in straight-line speed, such as the Dodge Challenger or Ford Mustang.
- Supercars: A more exclusive class of sports cars that are even faster and more extreme, often with exotic styling and higher price tags.
- Sports sedans: Some cars blur the line between sports car and sedan, like a BMW M3, which is more practical but less of a pure sports car because it has a rear seat.
What type of car IS a Lexus?
A Lexus is a type of luxury vehicle, with its lineup including a variety of models such as sedans, SUVs, coupes, and convertibles. These cars are known for their focus on comfort, performance, and advanced technology, and are the luxury vehicle division of the Toyota Motor Corporation.
- Sedans: These include luxury sedans like the LS, ES, and IS, with hybrid and performance options available.
- SUVs: The SUV range features models like the LX, GX, TX, RX, NX, and UX, and offers options from compact to three-row, with hybrid and electric powertrains.
- Coupes: Lexus produces luxury and performance coupes such as the RC and the flagship LC.
- Performance: Lexus has a dedicated performance division (F marque) that produces high-performance versions of their vehicles, such as the IS 500 F SPORT Performance and the RC F.
- Electric and Hybrid: Many models are available as hybrids or plug-in hybrids, and the brand also offers fully electric vehicles like the RZ.
Does Lexus make a sports car?
Yes, Lexus makes sports cars, including the coupe and convertible models like the LC and RC, as well as the performance-oriented sedans in its IS 500 F SPORT Performance line. These models are available in various trims, such as the high-performance RC F and can be found in the F SPORT and F SPORT Performance lineups.
Key Lexus sports car models
- Lexus LC: A luxury coupe or convertible known for its style and a 471-horsepower V8 engine.
- Lexus RC: Available in different trims like the standard RC 350 F SPORT and the higher-performance RC F. The RC F offers a 472-horsepower V8 engine and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds.
- Lexus IS: The IS 500 F SPORT Performance is a sports sedan that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
- F SPORT and F SPORT Performance: These are performance-oriented trim levels that can be found on various Lexus models, offering enhanced features and a more thrilling driving experience compared to standard models.
