If you're looking for a powerful car that defines luxury, you can never go wrong with Lexus. Established in 1989 as the luxury division of Toyota, the brand immediately took on the challenges of the established luxury vehicles already in the market during that time. Toyota's plan to expand into luxury cars was kept a secret until they finally unveiled their debut luxury vehicle, the LS 400
Who Owns Lexus Now?
Lexus is owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation. As stated earlier, it was established as the luxury vehicle division of Toyota in 1989 and it is still fully owned by Toyota. Toyota is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Japan.
Lexus LS 400 - The First
The very first Luxury car from Toyota was the LS 400 and it was an immediate head turner inside and out. Powered by the 4.0L V8 engine with 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque, this particular vehicle could reach the top speed of up to 155 mph with 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.5 seconds. Size-wise, the Lexus LS 400 measured 196.7 inches long and 71.7 inches wide.
Aside from the engine and speed, the Lexus LS 400 also came with luxury features to ensure smooth and safe riding. SRS airbags, adjustable steering wheel (automatic tilt and telescoping), leather trim and power adjustable seats are only some of the features that makes this five-seater a joy to ride.
It should be noted as well that while the Lexus LS 400 may be considered as a Luxury vehicle, it was also competitively priced compared to other luxury vehicles. Combining these factors made the initial offering a hit to car buyers, quickly achieving cult status and selling more than 165,000 units.
Lexus SC 300/400 - Power and Luxury
While the LS 400 was gaining momentum with impressive sales, Lexus soon followed with its next luxury offerings: the Lexus SC 300 and SC 400. The SC 300 and SC 400 are sleek, high-performance grand tourers that offer a perfect blend of luxury, power, and speed.
Speed is inherent in these vehicles because the SC 300 uses the same engine as the Toyota Supra - the 3.0L I6 with 225 horsepower. The SC 400 has even more power with a 4.0L V8 engine producing 250 horsepower. These vehicles came with top speed of 149 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in just 6.6 seconds. These vehicles measured 191.3 inches long and 70.5 inches - relatively smaller than the LS 400.
The Lexus SC 300/400 vehicles also boasted advanced technology for their time. Leather seats, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a CD player (a luxury in 1992), cruise control, power seats and windows are some of the incredible features included in these vehicles.
Lexus RX - Leader in Luxury SUV
While Lexus prides itself as a luxury vehicle brand with a wide array of options, the brand has carved out a niche in the Luxury SUV market through Lexus RX. A true crossover vehicle as it took advantage of the mobility of a sedan and the versatility of an SUV. The model has become a choice for those looking for quality, style and even fuel efficiency.
Through the years it has produced some of the best luxury SUVs to date:
Lexus RX 300
The very first luxury SUV from Lexus was released in 1998 and it features some of the best tech and engine at the time for the SUV. Powered by a 3.0L V6 engine with 220 horsepower and 222 lb-ft torque, the RX 300 can reach up to 300 mph. Measuring 180.1 inches in length and 71.5 inches in width, it features impressive tech for its time such as 6-CD changer, climate control and adjustable leather seats.
Lexus RX 350
Introduced in 2007, the RX 350 solidified Lexus' position as a leading luxury SUV brand. Powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, this vehicle could reach up to 130-135 mph. The RX 350 measured 192.5 inches in length and 74.6 inches in width, featuring upgrades like an infotainment system, power-adjustable seats with memory settings, and a panoramic view monitor.
Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance
The latest, the fastest and the most powerful SUV from Lexus to date. Introduced in 2023, this vehicle comes with 2.4L Turbocharged I4 engine with hybrid system. The hybrid and powerful engine combo results in a fast vehicle with up to 130 mph as top speed. It didn't see any massive changes in size (192.5 inches/75.6 inches) but the beauty is in its tech upgrades. The SUV features Mark Levinson audio system, a 14-inch touch screen infotainment system, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.
While the Lexus RX continues to evolve, the brand is also making strides in other areas to deal with the changes in car technology. They are also pushing for EV SUVs with the upcoming Lexus RZ 450e - their fully electric SUV. With their current impressive luxury features, an EV type of Lexus SUV could only mean additional upgrades and comfort for drivers and passengers.
Conclusion
Lexus has evolved significantly in size and design since its debut with the LS 400. From the compact RX 300 to the sleek SC 300/400 and the spacious RX series, Lexus has catered to diverse preferences while maintaining its luxury standards. The future for Lexus is focused on innovation, sustainability, and luxury.
