Lexus has built a strong reputation for luxury, performance, and advanced technology. Whether you’re in the market for a sporty sedan, a family-friendly SUV, or a high-performance coupe, Lexus offers a diverse range of vehicles. This article provides a detailed breakdown of all Lexus vehicle variants, highlighting key features and capabilities, as well as a comparison between the new LX 600 and the older LX 570.
1. Lexus Sedans
Lexus sedans provide a perfect blend of luxury and high-end performance. Each model in this range is designed to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride, equipped with cutting-edge technology and safety features.
1.1 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sedan, designed for those who crave sporty handling without compromising on style or comfort.
- Engine Options: The IS offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing a balance of fuel efficiency and power, or a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine for increased performance.
- Horsepower: The IS 300 delivers 241 hp with the 4-cylinder engine, while the IS 350, powered by the V6, produces 311 hp.
- Driving Experience: The IS features rear-wheel drive (RWD), which enhances sporty handling, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is available for those needing better traction in adverse weather conditions.
- Key Features: The IS includes features like adaptive variable suspension (which adjusts damping for each wheel in real-time), a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, and the latest version of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (a suite of driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist and pre-collision warning).
1.2 Lexus ES
The ES is a midsize luxury sedan known for its smooth, quiet ride and ample interior space, making it ideal for comfort-oriented buyers.
- Engine Options: The ES offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine in the ES 350 model, delivering up to 302 hp, and a hybrid powertrain in the ES 300h, combining a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor.
- Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid model achieves an impressive 44 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans in its class.
- Interior: The ES boasts a high-quality cabin with materials like semi-aniline leather and Japanese “Takumi” craftsmanship (a concept of precise, handcrafted detail). Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom, ideal for long drives.
- Technology: The ES features a 12.3-inch multimedia display, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, and an optional panoramic sunroof that adds to the sense of openness inside the vehicle.
1.3 Lexus LS
The LS is Lexus’s flagship luxury sedan, offering unmatched levels of sophistication, cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance.
- Engine Options: The LS 500 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 416 hp, while the LS 500h features a hybrid powertrain combining a 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors, delivering 354 hp.
- Interior Luxuries: The LS offers options like 28-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, massage functions, and a rear-seat entertainment system with individual screens for rear passengers. The materials inside include hand-pleated door trims and Kiriko cut glass accents, highlighting the attention to detail.
- Advanced Features: The LS includes semi-autonomous driving features like Lexus Teammate, which assists in highway driving, lane changes, and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles.
2. Lexus SUVs
Lexus SUVs are engineered to offer a balance between luxurious comfort and rugged capability, making them versatile for city driving, off-roading, or long-distance travel.
2.1 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is a subcompact luxury crossover designed for urban dwellers who need a smaller vehicle without compromising on style or advanced technology.
- Engine Options: The UX 200 comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the UX 250h offers a hybrid powertrain combining the same engine with electric motors for improved fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Efficiency: The UX 250h hybrid delivers up to 41 mpg combined, making it a leader in its class for fuel economy.
- Size and Practicality: Despite its compact size, the UX offers a surprisingly roomy interior with folding rear seats for additional cargo space.
- Key Features: Standard AWD (all-wheel drive) in the hybrid model, wireless charging, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen are among the highlights.
2.2 Lexus NX
The NX is a compact luxury SUV that balances performance with practicality, and it comes with hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options for environmentally conscious buyers.
- Engine Options: The NX 250 comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the NX 350 boasts a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 275 hp. The NX 450h+ is the plug-in hybrid model, offering electric-only driving for short distances.
- Electric Range: The NX 450h+ can drive up to 37 miles on electric power alone, perfect for city commutes.
- Interior Features: The NX features a 14-inch touchscreen display, heads-up display (a projection of driving data onto the windshield), and a 360-degree camera system for parking assistance.
2.3 Lexus RX
As one of the most popular Lexus models, the RX is a midsize luxury SUV that combines performance, comfort, and style.
- Engine Options: The RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the RX 450h features a hybrid powertrain with up to 308 hp.
- Interior Space: The RX provides ample legroom and headroom, with a spacious cargo area, making it ideal for family use. It also offers an optional third-row in the RX 350L and RX 450hL models.
- Technology: The RX features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic moonroof, adaptive cruise control, and the Mark Levinson audio system.
2.4 Lexus GX
The GX is a body-on-frame midsize SUV, designed to handle off-road conditions with ease while providing a luxury experience.
- Engine Options: The GX is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque.
- Off-Road Features: The GX offers features like a full-time 4WD (four-wheel drive) system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS, which allows the suspension to adjust for better off-road performance), and Multi-Terrain Select (a system that optimizes traction depending on the terrain).
2.5 Lexus LX
The Lexus LX is the most luxurious SUV in the lineup, offering rugged off-road capability combined with high-end comfort and advanced technology. Let’s look at a detailed comparison of the new LX 600 and its predecessor, the LX 570.
3. Lexus LX 600 vs. LX 570: A Detailed Comparison
The LX 600 is the latest iteration of Lexus’s full-size luxury SUV, replacing the LX 570. Here’s how the two models compare across key aspects:
3.1 Engine and Performance
- LX 570: The LX 570 is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and has a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds.
- LX 600: The LX 600 replaces the V8 engine with a more efficient and powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, improving both acceleration and fuel efficiency. The towing capacity remains the same at 8,000 pounds.
3.2 Fuel Efficiency
- LX 570: The older LX 570, with its large V8 engine, delivers an average of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, making it less fuel-efficient.
- LX 600: The new LX 600 improves fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, a significant improvement thanks to the downsized engine and updated transmission.
3.3 Interior and Technology
- LX 570: The LX 570 features a luxurious interior with options for semi-aniline leather and real wood trim. However, the tech is somewhat dated compared to newer models, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and older-generation safety systems.
- LX 600: The LX 600 features a completely redesigned interior with a modern 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch climate control screen, and Lexus’s latest infotainment system. It also includes Lexus Teammate, an advanced driver assistance system, and a Mark Levinson 25-speaker sound system for an immersive audio experience.
3.4 Off-Road Capabilities
Both the LX 570 and LX 600 excel in off-road conditions, thanks to full-time four-wheel drive, height-adjustable suspension, and features like Multi-Terrain Select. However, the LX 600 enhances this with an updated suspension system and more responsive steering, making it better equipped for handling both rugged terrains and smooth highways.
4. Lexus Coupes
Lexus coupes offer a combination of style, performance, and luxury, appealing to drivers who enjoy spirited driving with the comfort and sophistication that the brand is known for.
4.1 Lexus RC
The Lexus RC is a compact luxury coupe that offers sharp handling, a sleek design, and various powertrain options, catering to both performance enthusiasts and those looking for a refined driving experience.
- Engine Options: The RC lineup includes the RC 300 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 241 hp, the RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 311 hp, and the high-performance RC F, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, churning out 472 hp.
- Performance: The RC F is the track-focused version, offering aggressive styling and performance enhancements like a torque-vectoring differential, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
- Interior Features: All RC models feature high-quality materials, an 8-inch or available 10.3-inch infotainment display, and a sporty, driver-focused cockpit with bolstered sport seats. The RC F offers additional performance-inspired touches, such as carbon fiber trim and performance gauges.
4.2 Lexus LC
The Lexus LC is a luxury grand tourer that combines stunning design, exhilarating performance, and cutting-edge technology. It’s available as both a coupe and a convertible, offering open-air driving experiences.
- Engine Options: The LC 500 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC 500h features a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 354 hp.
- Performance: The LC 500 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with its naturally aspirated V8 delivering a thrilling exhaust note. The hybrid LC 500h focuses more on efficiency but still delivers excellent performance, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
- Design and Features: The LC is a showcase of Lexus’s design philosophy, with a bold spindle grille, sleek body lines, and luxurious interiors featuring hand-stitched leather and Alcantara trim. It also includes a 10.3-inch multimedia display, a 12-speaker audio system (or an optional 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system), and adaptive variable suspension for a smooth yet engaging ride.
5. Lexus Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Lexus has been at the forefront of hybrid technology in the luxury vehicle segment. Offering eco-friendly models across multiple vehicle classes, Lexus hybrids deliver a perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency without sacrificing luxury.
5.1 Lexus UX 250h
The hybrid variant of the UX crossover, the UX 250h, is designed to offer the same urban-friendly size and luxury features as the regular UX, but with the added benefit of improved fuel economy.
- Powertrain: A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors produces a total of 181 hp. The UX 250h comes standard with all-wheel drive, thanks to the rear electric motor.
- Fuel Efficiency: With an EPA rating of up to 41 mpg combined, the UX 250h is one of the most fuel-efficient luxury crossovers in the market.
- Technology: The UX 250h features standard safety features such as Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, a 10.3-inch multimedia display, and available wireless charging.
5.2 Lexus NX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid)
The Lexus NX 450h+ is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid, offering both electric-only driving and hybrid operation for longer trips.
- Powertrain: The NX 450h+ features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 302 hp.
- Electric Range: With a 17.8-kWh battery, the NX 450h+ offers an estimated electric-only range of up to 37 miles, making it perfect for short daily commutes without using any gasoline.
- Charging: The NX 450h+ can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger, and regenerative braking helps recharge the battery while driving.
5.3 Lexus RX 450h
The RX 450h is the hybrid version of Lexus’s popular midsize SUV, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
- Powertrain: It combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with electric motors, producing a total of 308 hp.
- Fuel Efficiency: The RX 450h offers up to 30 mpg combined, making it a more fuel-efficient option compared to its gasoline-powered counterpart.
- Features: The RX 450h comes with an array of luxury features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and premium leather upholstery. It also includes AWD as standard, ensuring excellent performance in a variety of conditions.
6. Advanced Features Across Lexus Models
Across the entire Lexus lineup, there is a focus on advanced technology, comfort, and safety. Here are some standout features you can find in Lexus vehicles:
6.1 Lexus Safety System+
Lexus Safety System+ is a suite of driver-assist and safety features designed to enhance driving confidence and prevent accidents. This system includes:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist to keep the vehicle in its lane.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB) to improve nighttime visibility.
6.2 Lexus Enform
Lexus Enform is the brand’s connected services system, offering convenience and safety features, including:
- Enform Remote: Allows owners to remotely start, lock/unlock, and check the status of their vehicle through a smartphone app.
- Enform Safety Connect: Provides emergency assistance in case of a crash, stolen vehicle tracking, and more.
- Enform Wi-Fi: Offers in-car Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers.
6.3 Infotainment Systems
Most Lexus models come with advanced infotainment systems, offering features like:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Voice-activated navigation.
- Premium audio systems, including available Mark Levinson sound systems with up to 25 speakers for an immersive experience.
Conclusion
Lexus offers a wide range of vehicles, from compact luxury sedans to powerful full-size SUVs, ensuring there is a model to meet the needs of every driver. Whether you prioritize eco-friendly hybrid options, off-road capability, or high-performance luxury, Lexus vehicles deliver an exceptional driving experience with cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship.
The comparison between the LX 600 and LX 570 shows that Lexus continues to innovate, with the LX 600 offering improved fuel efficiency, a more powerful engine, and modern technology while retaining the off-road prowess and luxury comfort the LX series is known for.
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