Celebrating Luxury: A Look at Lexus’ 35-Year Legacy

Like leather, wine and cheese, Lexus is one of those things that just gets better with time. Since its 1989 debut, the automaker has evolved into a global luxury lifestyle brand.

With imaginative technology, pioneering performance and dynamic styling, the company has cemented its place in automotive history. From the Lexus LS 400 to the all-new 2024 TX 350, Lexus continues to epitomize luxury, blending eye-catching design with exhilarating handling. With sedans, SUVs, sports cars and hybrid vehicles in its lineup, Lexus models run the gamut — all with a human-centered approach in mind

For more than three decades, Lexus customers have come to appreciate and expect an unforgettable and elevated experience that’s become synonymous with the brand. It’s been a remarkable journey with countless milestones along the way.

Look back at Lexus’ 35-year history and celebrate the brand that helped redefine and revolutionize the luxury vehicle market.

Lexus LS 400

The Lexus LS 400 was the first Lexus vehicle to launch the brand in 1989. Introduced in Detroit, the flagship sedan was well received and praised by automotive and consumer media outlets.

Lexus ES 250

The Lexus ES series was launched as a luxury sedan in 1989. The first model, the ES 250, featured a 2.5-liter V6 engine and was based on the Toyota Camry platform, emphasizing comfort and reliability.

Lexus SC 300

The Lexus SC 300 went on sale in September 1991. The luxury sport coupe, known for its reliability and smooth performance, was equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six engine with 225 hp. The plush, maple-trimmed interior offered plenty of comfort and convenience features, including available premium six-speaker sound system.

That same year, Lexus became “the best-selling luxury import brand in the U.S.”

Lexus LX 450

With plans to enter the sport utility market in early 1996, the Lexus LX 450 was revealed in New York a year prior, in 1995. This was the brand’s first foray into the SUV market. It served as the perfect platform for Lexus to showcase the vehicle’s blend of luxury with SUV handling.

Lexus GX 470

The midsize Lexus GX 470 was powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 engine exclusively paired with all-wheel drive. Starting with 235 horsepower during its debut in 2002, it was upgraded to 270 horsepower a couple of years later. During the middle of 2004, the first-generation GX 470 was also enhanced with side-curtain airbags and new, optional Lexus Kinetic Dynamic Suspension.

Lexus RX 400h

The Lexus RX 400h was revealed in Detroit in January 2004 as the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV. It went on sale in the U.S. the following year as a 2006 model year vehicle and transformed the sport utility vehicle market.

Lexus IS F

The Lexus 2008 IS F was revealed in Detroit, spotlighting a new high-performance focus for the brand. The IS F went on sale in January 2008.

Lexus LFA

The first Lexus LFA production vehicle arrived in the U.S. in January 2011. The final Lexus LFA was built on December 14, 2012, ending the 500-unit global run of the supercar.

Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC 500 luxury coupe made its world premiere in 2016. It was named Best Production Car and Interior Design in the annual EyesOn Design Awards for Design Excellence at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Lexus RZ 450e

As Lexus’ first global battery electric vehicle (BEV) model was announced in December 2021, the all-new RZ marked Lexus’ transition into a BEV-centered brand, and it embodied the unique Lexus vehicle design and driving experience made available through advanced, electrified technology. The utilization of a BEV-specific platform (e-TNGA), as well as a lightweight and highly rigid body, enhanced the fundamental performance of the vehicle by achieving optimal weight distribution through ideal placement of the battery and motor.

Lexus TX 350

The first-ever 2024 Lexus TX ushers in a new era of three-row luxury and is offered in three powertrain options: a 2.4L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder on the TX350, a 2.4L turbocharged hybrid on the TX500h, and - a Lexus-first - a 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid on the TX550h+.