Although still better value than its German rivals, top-end Lexus models now cost a pretty penny.
When Lexus first launched in America in 1989, the price of the legendary LS 400 sedan came in at around the $35,000 mark, approximately 40% less than an equivalent BMW or Mercedes-Benz. MERCEDES Series
Not only was the first LS an exceptional luxury car that bettered its mighty rivals in some aspects, but it was irresistibly good value. Over 30 years later, Lexus has the brand recognition to sell more expensive vehicles. Even though Lexus cars still typically undercut the equivalent German, many are only accessible to the wealthy.
These are the most expensive Lexus models you can buy in America right now, but we also look back at an icon with dramatically rising values that can cost over a million bucks.
The new three-row Lexus TX is an excellent family SUV, although the cheaper Toyota Grand Highlander is nearly as good. While the base TX costs just $53,700, making it far more affordable than the brand's priciest models, you can spend much more on a fully loaded TX 550h+ Luxury with all the available accessories.
It starts at $76,700 without any extras, but options like the Technology Package ($2,150, includes a head-up display), the Convenience Package ($895), and a host of accessories can push the price up by over $10k.
This plug-in hybrid SUV makes 404 hp combined and has a claimed all-electric range of 33 miles. Seating six, it has an interior finished in semi-aniline leather and includes features like thematic ambient illumination, multi-zone climate control, heated/ventilated seats in the first two rows, a power-folding third row, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Other than the range-topping LX, this is the most luxury you can get in a Lexus SUV, and you can do it without substantial gas bills, too.
Whether $90k is worth it over a base three-row Mercedes-Benz GLS is a question shoppers must answer. The GLS 450 isn't as well-equipped but has that badge and a more regal aura.
A bit of an oddity on this list, the RC F Track Edition commands a staggering premium over the normal RC F, which is $30,000 cheaper. Both of these coupes have a brilliant 5.0-liter V8 making 472 hp, but the RC F Track Edition is a little quicker, reaching 60 mph in 3.96 seconds. For the extra outlay, the Track Edition also has carbon-ceramic brakes, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, black Alcantara and carbon fiber trim, and carbon fiber exterior components.
The thing is, if you're spending six figures and want a comfortable coupe, you're much better off getting the more upscale LC 500. And, if you wanted a truly sharp, sporty coupe, you can drive off in the more capable BMW M4 Competition for almost $20,000 less.
Of all the expensive Lexus models here, the RC F Track Edition does the least convincing job of justifying its price.
The modern successor to that first LS 400 is the current LS 500, a full-size luxury sedan that starts at $79,335 before you take into account the destination charge. This is still great value, considering you'll pay $96,400 for the base BMW 740i. The LS 500 is loaded with features like a power rear sunshade, 16-way heated/cooled front seats, and a 10-inch head-up display. The twin-turbo V6 makes 416 horsepower, delivering better power and performance than the 740i we just mentioned.
The LS 500h hybrid is quite a bit pricier at $114,210, and it justifies that with the Lexus Teammate driver-assistance system, gorgeous semi-aniline leather, and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. However, we'd ignore this model because of its underwhelming powertrain and opt for a well-equipped LS 500.
The hybrid's combination of a CVT and four-speed automatic transmission is cumbersome, and the way the V6 engine suddenly kicks in after pulling away on electric power alone is anything but refined.
Overall, the modern LS remains a wonderful luxury sedan. It may not match the performance capabilities of its best German rivals, but the LS has an arty, stunningly finished interior and effortlessly isolates occupants from the outside world.
Is the LS worth the money? As long as you skip the hybrid, absolutely.
The largest SUV from Lexus was replaced not too long ago when the LX 600 arrived in place of the aging but tough LX 570. It starts at $92,565, but you can pay over $133,000 for the Ultra Luxury variant with its four-seater layout and rear massaging seats. Regardless of which LX you get, all have an imposing design with a prominent grille that buyers of this sort of vehicle seem to love so much.
All LX 600s have a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which can hustle the large SUV to 60 mph in under seven seconds. It can also tow up to 8,000 pounds while returning better gas mileage than the LX 570's thirsty V8.
The LX can seat between four and seven occupants, and semi-aniline leather is available. All models have power-adjustable and heated front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and an eight-inch gauge cluster. Depending on the trim, you can get the LX with Hadori aluminum, open-pore wood, or Takanoha wood trim. Overall, build quality remains up to the high standards of the brand.
With enough accessories, the LX 600 Ultra Luxury costs over $140,000, making it the most expensive Lexus on sale in America. We'd go for one of the cheaper versions with seven seats, but rivals like the Cadillac Escalade have even more tech on board if you don't need the off-road chops of the Lexus.
You won't easily find a more beautiful coupe or convertible on sale than the LC 500, which starts at just under $100,000 in coupe guise. Expect to pay over $120,000 for the LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series, the most expensive derivative in the range.
Besides the 500h hybrid, all LC 500s have a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 471 hp and a Grammy-worthy exhaust note. The LC excels as a highway cruiser, even though a base Porsche 911 is quicker and much more agile. The 911 doesn't have the LC's gorgeously striking lines, rich interior furnishings, and a V8.
Depending on the trim, customers can choose from leather or Alcantara upholstery for the seats, with Deep Blue semi-aniline leather on the Inspiration Series. Speaking of the Inspiration Series, this limited example of the LC has been in high demand, with one convertible in Structural Blue paint over Amalfi White leather selling for $182,000 in 2022.
There are quicker cars that will set superior lap times at the same price, but the LC 500 makes such antics seem trivial. This car is such a feast for the senses that we think it's worth the price.
Lexus doesn't currently sell a high-end sports car above the LC grand tourer, but who can forget the iconic LFA? Its outrageous performance and extroverted styling flew in the face of every stately yet demure Lexus released up until that point.
The 4.8-liter V10 engine co-developed with Yamaha in the LFA is a masterpiece, producing 553 hp. Revving to 9,000 rpm, it's one of the best-sounding engines ever made, and that engine is housed in a chassis and body largely fashioned from carbon-fiber composite.
At a base price of about $375,000 for the 500 LFAs made, it's vastly more expensive than any other new Lexus you can buy today. However, values have continued to skyrocket. Last year, a rare LFA Nurburgring Edition sold for $1.625 million. Another LFA Nurburgring Edition has a bid currently sitting at $1.72 million, and late last year, a 1,500-mile LFA - number 398 of the 500 production run - sold for $725,000.
In October last year, Lexus revealed the LF-ZL concept, which is expected to become a future electric flagship SUV. It's almost 209 inches long yet accommodates only two rows, so unlike the rugged LX, the focus here will be on unparalleled luxury and performance.
Showcasing outstanding attention to detail in every corner of its interior, and with a potential range of over 700 miles based on where Toyota's battery technology is heading, we expect a production version of this car to easily exceed $150,000 when it arrives.
The production-bound LF-ZC concept, another striking EV, will likely also surpass the existing RZ to become the brand's most expensive EV when it arrives.
Finally, if a fully electrified LFA successor ever materializes, the Electrified Sport concept revealed in 2021 - and expected to be called the LFR - should be that car. A price north of $300k is likely if it's as extreme as the LFA.
At $133,140 before the destination charge or any extras, the 2024 LX 600 Ultra Luxury is the most expensive new Lexus.
On the other end of the spectrum, the base Lexus UX Hybrid crossover with front-wheel drive starts at $35,540.
FIAT Series Last year, a 2012 LFA with the Nurburgring Package sold for $1,625,000, and it's believed to be the most expensive Lexus ever sold.