Loading

What does the LS in Lexus stand for?

The "LS" in Lexus stands for "Luxury Sedan." Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota, and the LS model has been the flagship sedan of the Lexus lineup since the brand's inception in 1989.


The Origins of the Lexus LS


When Toyota decided to launch a luxury brand to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Cadillac, they wanted to create a flagship sedan that would showcase the brand's commitment to quality, refinement, and attention to detail. The result was the Lexus LS, which debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model.


The "LS" designation was chosen to represent the vehicle's positioning as a "Luxury Sedan." This was in contrast to the "ES" (Executive Sedan) and "GS" (Grand Sedan) models that would later join the Lexus lineup. The LS was designed to be Lexus' premier offering, a vehicle that would challenge the established luxury sedans from Germany and the United States.


The Evolution of the Lexus LS


Over the years, the Lexus LS has undergone several redesigns and model updates, but the "LS" designation has remained consistent. Each new generation of the LS has built upon the previous model, incorporating the latest in technology, safety, and luxury features.



  • The original Lexus LS400, introduced in 1989, was praised for its exceptional build quality, smooth V8 engine, and quiet, comfortable ride.

  • The second-generation LS300, introduced in 1994, featured a more powerful V8 engine and a more refined interior.

  • The third-generation LS430, introduced in 2000, boasted a more luxurious cabin, advanced safety features, and improved performance.

  • The fourth-generation LS460, introduced in 2006, introduced a new V8 engine, a more spacious interior, and a host of high-tech features.

  • The current fifth-generation LS500, introduced in 2017, features a twin-turbo V6 engine, a more modern design, and the latest in Lexus' advanced safety and infotainment technologies.


Throughout its evolution, the Lexus LS has remained the brand's flagship sedan, embodying the company's commitment to luxury, performance, and innovation.

What does ES on Lexus mean?


Executive Sedan
The ES name stands for "Executive Sedan". However, some Lexus importers use the name, "Elegant Sedan".



What does the F stand for in Lexus?


The Lexus F and F-Sport marque is the high-performance division of cars produced by Lexus. The F is short for flagship and Fuji Speedway, the chief test site of Lexus performance vehicle development in Oyama, Suntō District, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.



What does LX stand for in Lexus?


Luxury Crossover
The Lexus LX model stands for our “Luxury Crossover”, our flagship SUV can tackle remote, rugged terrains in luxury, while refined touches and in-built entertainment ensure the LX stands out as the no-compromise choice for the modern adventurer.



What does le se xle stand for?


Meaning behind common Toyota trim level names
The end result is the LE means Luxury Edition, XLE means Executive Luxury Edition, and SE means Sport Edition. XE bucks the normal trend and actually stands for Extreme Sport Edition. Other common trims include the SR or Sport Rally and the SR5 or Sport Rally 5-speed.



What does GS in Lexus stand for?


Grand Sedan
The GS name stands for Grand Sedan. However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, Grand Sport. The first generation Lexus GS began sales in the United States, Europe and selected Asian markets in 1993.



What does ES in Lexus stand for?


Executive Sedan
The ES name stands for "Executive Sedan". However, some Lexus importers use the name, "Elegant Sedan".



What does the RX stand for in Lexus?


Radiant Crossover
Lexus RX. The RX model name stands for Radiant Crossover. The word Radiant represents the bright new future Lexus envisioned at the car's launch at the start of the Millennium. The model was the first sports utility vehicle that marked a Crossover point between a luxury saloon and an off-roader.



What does BMW stand for in English?


Bavarian Motor Works
What does BMW mean? It's a German acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works in English.



What does es in Lexus stand for?


Executive Sedan
The ES name stands for "Executive Sedan". However, some Lexus importers use the name, "Elegant Sedan".



What does l mean in Lexus LS?


Luxury
Each first letter has a specific meaning. For example, the L in LX stands for Luxury. This is why you also see it in the LS and LC, the other top-tier models from Lexus. The LX is the Luxury SUV, the LS is the Luxury Sedan, and the LC is the Luxury Coupe.


Kevin's Auto

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.