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The 10 Best Lexus Models of All-Time

Lexus LF LC

In the long list of auto makers, Lexus has managed to make giant steps in the automotive industry. Founded in 1989, as a luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, Lexus has released a number of premium cars that have dominated the luxury car segment in the auto industry.

Its operation centers are based in Belgium and California, US. Lexus has designed sedans, SUVs, convertibles and coupes which have enjoyed high sales in most countries, especially the US. Lexus also happens to be in the Top 100 Global Brands of all-time.

Here are what we consider to be the 10 best Lexus models of all-time.

10. Lexus CT 200H

Lexus CT 200H

Making its debut in 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the Lexus CT model is among the world’s best hybrid electric vehicles. It’s a sport compact hatchback that started selling in 2011. The abbreviation CT, standing for Creative Touring, offers hybrid performance being equal to that conventional 2.0 liter engine, hence the 200h.

It’s powered by electric motors that works with a 1.8 liter VVT-I four cylinder petrol engine synonymous with Toyota Auris and Prius to produce up to 134 horsepower.

It has four driving modes; Normal, Sport, EV and Eco. Its safety features include the Vehicle Proximity Notification System to alert the pedestrians of the presence of a hybrid vehicle. It also has a telematics system, vehicle stability control and eight standard airbags. Its price hovers around $31,250.

9. Lexus IS XE20

Lexus IS XE20

Being the Generation II of Lexus IS line, this four door sedan has been in the market since 2006. It comes with a V6 petrol engine that comes as a D-4S direct injection system. It also features an Electric Power Streaming, a high resolution 7 inches touchscreen that helps in navigation, Adaptive Front lighting System and a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Its stability control function can be disabled using a code once the engine is on. Other important features include leather seats, and electroluminescent display lighting among other features. Currently, it goes for $38,000.

8. Lexus HS 250H

Lexus HS 250H

Coming from Generation I of the HS line, the production of this car began in 2009. It’s a hybrid compact sedan said to be in the same ranks with Toyota's Avensis. It's powered by a 2.4 liter 2AZ-FXE inline four engine that works hand in hand with an electric generator producing 187 horsepower.

It also has an exhaust heat recovery system, which helps in cooling of the engine. The car has enjoyed plenty of sales in the US thanks to its luxurious features such as Intelligent High beam, Lane Keep Assist, pop up navigation, and infotainment system.  This car starts at $35,000.

7. Lexus GS 450h

Lexus GS 450h

The production of this mid-size luxury vehicle started in 1991, with GS standing for Grand Sedan. It comes with a six cylinder engine and rear wheel drive. The second and third generations of GS come with V8 engines.

The current fourth generation has 3.5 liter V6 direct injection petrol engine, six speed automatic transmission, and three driving modes: Eco, Sport S and Sport S+, to help the sporty transmission in the long run. It has a top quality audio system, monitor with rear view camera to help in navigation, and DVD player. This model starts at $45,000.

6. Lexus GX

Lexus GX

This luxury, mid-size SUV made its debut in 2002, coming as the GX 470. It’s fitted with a 4.7 liter V8 petrol engine synonymous with the larger SUV, LX 470. In addition, it comes with a five speed automatic transmission and a permanent four wheel drive fitted with a center locking Torsen differential. However, GX’s frontal styling is similar to that of the Toyota Prado.

It can accommodate up to 7 passengers and has safety features such as active knee and head airbags, Pre-Collision System, lane departure warning system and driver monitoring controls. Currently, the GX uses a 4.6 liter V8 petrol engine to produce a 301 horsepower.  Prices start at $62,155.

5. Lexus LS 400

Lexus LS 400

The Lexus LS has been in the market since 1989, coming as a full-size luxury sedan. The first generation came as a 4 speed automatic transmission working with a 4.0 liter engine. As of 2006, LS had an eight speed automatic transmission working with a 4.6 liter V8 engine.

Currently, LS comes with 5.0 liter V8 petrol engine and rear-wheel drive making the car a hybrid power train. As of 2007, the LS model ranked second globally in flagship sales, close to the Mercedes Benz S-Class, with over 70,000 Lexus LS cars sold globally. It starts at $74,000.

4. Lexus RX

Lexus RX

Sold since 1998, the RX model comes as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV. Generation I of RX models came with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and 4 speed automatic transmission. Later, RX upgraded to 2.4-liters. Generation II, introduced in 2003, came with a 3.3 liter ULEV certified V6 petrol engine with a CVT gearbox.

Generation III features a 3.5 liter petrol engine, with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Generation IV, introduced in 2015, uses a 3.5 V6 gasoline engine, an electric motor mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission to give a combined power of 308 horsepower. Over the years RX has enjoyed particularly strong success in the US as the best-selling luxury SUV.  It currently starts at $49,995.

3. Lexus IS 300

Lexus IS

The IS has been in the market since 1998 coming in as an entry-level sport model. Generation I, produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sport sedans of Europe marques, comes with a 2.0 liter inline V6 engine, working with a 6 speed automatic transmission.

Currently, IS comes with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with D-4S direct injection technology, 6 speed automatic transmission, and electric motors to power the front and rear wheels.   This model starts at $43,000.

2. Lexus LS XF40

Lexus LS XF40

The best car under the LS model is XF40, available in the market since 2007. It happens to be in Generation IV of the LS line, featuring a 4.6 liter V8 petrol engine and an 8 speed automatic transmission engine.

It has tempting features like the pre-cash system, driver monitoring system, and anti-lock brakes. This car has become a people's favorite because of its length, wheel arches, and arrow shaped chrome trim.   It starts at around $82,000.

1. Lexus RX Hybrid

Lexus RX Hybrid

RX Hybrid is clean and has achieved the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle certification in the US. It comes with a new Sport mode hence changing the steering effort and throttle mapping.

It comes with a 295 horsepower version of the 3.5 L V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission shifting. In this line of hybrids, the RX 400h/RX 450h model sells high, with 259,000 units sold globally as at November 2012.  It goes for around $57,000.

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Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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