Lexus Trim Levels: Which One Suits You Best?

Driver Guides 

A car’s trim is a term for the collection of features that make a particular car and model unique. A bit like hair being straight, curly or wavy and different eye colours or heights make each of us unique, the Lexus vehicle models are equipped with different elements that make them more appealing to the owner and these are what trim levels are referring to.

Whether you’re looking for a refined daily ride, a high-performance sporty saloon or a techy SUV, Lexus trim levels cater to every preference and budget. Let’s dive into the differences and how to choose the best one for your requirements.

What are Lexus trim levels?

Lexus trim levels represent different versions of the same model – meaning variations in performance, features and design that can range from standard trims with premium essentials to high-end, luxury or performance options.

Common trims include Standard or Model level, F Sport and Takumi but with other grades and packs available depending on the model: Premium, Premium Plus, Premium Sports Edition and so on.

How Lexus trim levels work

Lexus’s models are named after their vehicle configurations, using letters for the model class and then another for the body style:

Vehicle class

• L – Luxury
• E – Executive
• N – Nimble
• R – Radical or Radiant
• U – Urban

Body style or performance

• S – Saloon
• X – Crossover or SUV
• C – Coupé
• F – High-performance
• H – Hybrid

Each of the models includes high-quality, standard features, not normally available on similarly priced vehicles from other manufacturers, such as alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, the latest infotainment system and a digital driver display.

The Premium, Sport, Takumi and Luxury trims add enhanced comfort, technology and design elements. ‘Takumi’, meaning craftsman in Japanese, indicates an even further elevated level of trim, with an increased price tag for the higher trim levels.

Lexus trim levels by popular models

Lexus offers a range of trims across different models, each tailored to specific driving experiences. Below is a breakdown of the trim levels for some of Lexus' most popular vehicles.

Lexus ES trim levels

This is a mid-sized, luxury saloon which is popular for its comfort and advanced features even in the base models. European Lexus ES trims include:

• ES 300h – Hybrid variant focusing on fuel efficiency with similar luxury features

Lexus RX trim levels

The RX is a mid-sized, luxury crossover which is perfect for families, offering a winning blend of comfort, style and performance. Trims available in Europe include:

• RX 350h – Premium, Premium Plus, Takumi
• RX 450h+ - Premium, Premium Plus, F Sport, F Sport Design, Takumi
• RX 500h – F Sport, Takumi

Lexus NX trim levels

With nimble handling and stylish design, the NX is a compact luxury crossover designed for urban driving and the available European trims include:

• NX 350h – Urban, Premium, Premium Plus, Takumi, F Sport, F Sport Takumi
• NX 450h+ - Premium, Premium Plus, F Sport, Takumi, F Sport Takumi

5 Key differences between Lexus trim levels

1. Performance and engine options

The basic Lexus trim level is much greater than many competitor models of the same price levels, but higher trims often come with more powerful engine options, enhanced suspension systems and increased horsepower and torque for sportier handling. Hybrid trims focus on fuel efficiency and also deliver a smoother and quieter ride.

2. Interior features and comfort

Luxury trims enhance comfort with premium materials, heated or ventilated seats and additional cabin refinements. Higher trims offer leather-style upholstery, real wood accents, ambient lighting and panoramic sunroofs for an upgraded feel. The top-tier trims offer additional luxury in four-zone climate control, massage seats and acoustic glass.

3. Technology and infotainment

Entry-level trims come with Lexus’ standard infotainment system, while higher trims include larger touchscreens, premium Mark Levinson audio systems and advanced connectivity options like wireless charging and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Some of the highest Lexus trim levels offer voice-controlled navigation including AI-driven assistant and remote connectivity.

4. Safety and driver assistance features

All Lexus models come with Lexus Safety System+, which includes essential safety features such as pre-collision warning, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control. However, higher trims add enhanced safety features such as a head-up display, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, road sign recognition and automatic emergency braking.

5. Exterior styling and design

Even the base Lexus trim levels offer alloy wheels, but higher trims feature enhanced styling elements such as larger wheels, sportier front grilles and exclusive colour options. F Sport trims, in particular, stand out with aggressive design cues such as mesh inserts, larger fins on the bumpers and low-profile tyres.

Which Lexus trim level is right for you?

Selecting the right Lexus trim level will depend on your tastes, priorities and budgetary constraints. If you’re looking for affordability with a level of luxury, you’ll find the basic model standard trims are great value for any budget. For greater comfort and more updated abilities and features, a luxury or premium trim level offers additional features. Performance enthusiasts will likely prefer an F Sport trim, while those who are more eco-conscious may like to consider a hybrid trim.

Leasing a Lexus offers the flexibility to upgrade to the latest model with advanced features over time without the stress of depreciation or large upfront and monthly payments. To select the right Lexus trim level, you need to account for your budget, driving style and feature preferences to find the right model.

Explore Lexus car leasing at Gateway2Lease

Choosing to lease a car, especially a Lexus, will allow you to enjoy the latest luxury and technology without long-term commitments. With our competitive leasing deals on a wide range of Lexus trim levels as well as many other brand vehicles, our expert team can help you find the ideal model to match your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you’d like to get behind the wheel of a high-performance F Sport or an efficient hybrid to reduce your carbon footprint, our leasing options make driving a Lexus achievable. Contact us to discuss your leasing requirements and find the perfect lease deal for your needs.

Lexus trim levels FAQs

What is the difference between Lexus Standard and Luxury trims?

Luxury trims include upgraded materials, greater levels of safety features, driver assistance, enhanced technology and additional comfort features compared to standard trims. These trims may also offer premium, heated, ventilated and even massaging seating, ambient lighting and exclusive styling options.

The Luxury trims are ideal for those who prioritise superior comfort and the latest technology or a more performance-level driving experience, however, they do come at a higher monthly cost.

Does the Lexus F Sport trim improve performance?

Yes, F Sport trims enhance performance with a sport-tuned suspension, improved handling with upgraded braking systems, improved steering response and greater torque with higher horsepower engines. F Sport trims improve driving performance but also passenger experience with greater levels of comfort in the interior styling and fittings.

Do higher trim levels hold their value better?

Generally, higher trims retain value better due to premium features and limited availability, which make these vehicles more desirable in the resale market. However, resale value also depends on factors like mileage, condition and market demand, but premium levels of trim help cars to hold their value better compared to base models with fewer luxury and performance-oriented features.

Can you upgrade features after purchasing a Lexus?

Some features, like infotainment updates, navigation improvements or app-based connectivity, may be added during your lease. However, major upgrades, like premium seating or upgraded suspension, cannot be added during the lease term. These features would need to be chosen at the outset of the lease, as retrofitting is not feasible.

This is why selecting the right Lexus trim level at the outset of the lease term is essential. Get in touch with our team to discuss your trim level requirements to ensure long-term satisfaction.

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