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What does LS mean in Lexus?

The "LS" in Lexus refers to the "Luxury Sedan" model line, which is the flagship sedan offering from the luxury automotive brand. The Lexus LS is the company's top-of-the-line luxury sedan, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, advanced technology, and smooth, powerful performance.

Explaining the "LS" Designation in Lexus

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, uses a consistent naming convention for its model lineup. The "LS" designation stands for "Luxury Sedan," indicating that this is Lexus's premier sedan offering. The LS series has been the flagship model for Lexus since the brand's inception in 1989.

The Lexus LS is designed to compete with other high-end luxury sedans from brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. It is known for its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and smooth, powerful driving dynamics. Over the years, the LS has undergone several redesigns and model updates to keep it at the forefront of the luxury sedan market.

Key Features of the Lexus LS

Luxury Interior: The Lexus LS features a meticulously crafted interior with premium materials, including leather, wood, and metal accents. The cabin is designed for maximum comfort and refinement.

Advanced Technology: The LS is equipped with the latest in-vehicle technology, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a suite of advanced safety features.

Powerful Performance: Depending on the model, the Lexus LS is available with a range of powerful engine options, including V6 and V8 configurations, delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Refined Ride Quality: The LS is known for its exceptional ride comfort, with a suspension system that absorbs road imperfections and provides a serene, isolated driving experience.

In summary, the "LS" in Lexus refers to the brand's flagship luxury sedan model, which is designed to offer the ultimate in comfort, technology, and performance in the premium sedan segment.

What's better, GS or LS?

The "better" car depends on your priorities: the LS is a larger, more luxurious flagship sedan focused on comfort and a smoother ride, while the GS is a sportier, more driver-focused car that is generally cheaper to maintain. If you prioritize luxury, space, and a quiet ride, the LS is a better choice, but it will have higher ownership costs. If you want a more engaging driving experience and lower running costs, the GS is the better option.

Choose the LS if:

You prioritize comfort and a quiet, smooth ride.
You need more space for passengers and cargo.
You want the most luxurious and premium features.
Budget for maintenance is less of a concern, as it's a more premium and expensive car to maintain.

Choose the GS if:

You want a more sporty and agile driving experience.
You are looking for a car that is generally more affordable to maintain.
You prefer a car that is more driver-focused and less of a cruiser.
You don't need the extra space and features of the LS.

What does LX stand for in Lexus?

In Lexus, "LX" stands for "Luxury Crossover," but it is sometimes referred to by importers as "Luxury Four Wheel Drive" to emphasize its capabilities. This designation reflects that the LX is a full-size, premium SUV built with the luxury features and comfort of the Lexus brand while also having the robust performance and off-road capabilities often associated with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Luxury: The "L" in the LX name signifies the luxury aspect of the vehicle.
Crossover/Four Wheel Drive: The "X" in the name refers to its classification as a "Crossover" and also its four-wheel-drive capability.
Role in the lineup: As Lexus's flagship SUV, the LX is designed to be a no-compromise choice that combines premium luxury with rugged performance, fitting the "Luxury Crossover" or "Luxury Four Wheel Drive" name.

Which Lexus is better, LS or ES?

The main differences are that the Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan with a lower starting price, better fuel efficiency, and more interior space, while the LS is a large, flagship luxury sedan with a much higher starting price, a more powerful engine, and a more luxurious, refined interior. The choice depends on whether you prioritize fuel economy and interior volume (ES) or power, refinement, and a higher-end luxury experience (LS).

This video compares the Lexus IS, ES, and LS sedans: 59sMy Lex UpgradesYouTube · Feb 4, 2023
Lexus ES

Position: Midsize sedan
Price: Starts lower, around $43,190 MSRP
Engine: Offers a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder, 3.5L V6, or hybrid option
Performance: Base models have around 203-302 horsepower
Fuel Economy: Better, with up to 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway for some models
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available
Interior: More interior volume in the cabin, including front and rear headroom and legroom

Lexus LS

Position: Flagship, large sedan
Price: Starts much higher, around $80,685 MSRP
Engine: Offers a powerful twin-turbo V6 or a hybrid powertrain
Performance: Significantly more horsepower, with models reaching up to 416 horsepower
Fuel Economy: Lower fuel efficiency, with a maximum of 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for hybrid models
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, with AWD available
Interior: Offers a more premium and luxurious interior with a sportier, RWD-based driving experience and more cargo space

This video compares the Lexus ES and LS sedans: 55sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · May 31, 2025

What does RX stand for on Lexus?

In the context of Lexus, RX stands for Radiant Crossover. The name reflects the vehicle's original role as a crossover between a luxury sedan and an off-roader, and the word "Radiant" was meant to represent a bright new future for the brand at the time of its launch.

Radiant: This term was chosen by the automaker to signify a new, bright era for Lexus when the vehicle was introduced at the start of the millennium.
Crossover: This part of the name describes the vehicle's design as a combination of a luxury car and an SUV.
L for Larger: Some versions, like the RX 350L, include an "L" which stands for "Larger" and denotes a longer, seven-seat model.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.