Are All Lexus Cars Imported?
2 Answers
Lexus cars are all imported and belong to the automotive brand under the Japanese Toyota Group. The models under the Lexus brand include: Lexus GS, Lexus ES, Lexus LS, Lexus IS, Lexus UX, etc. Taking the 2017 Lexus GS as an example, it is a mid-to-large-sized car with body dimensions of: length 4880mm, width 1840mm, height 1455mm, a wheelbase of 2850mm, and a body weight of 1660kg. The 2017 Lexus GS is equipped with a 2.0T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with a maximum horsepower of 245PS, a maximum torque of 350Nm, and a maximum power of 180kW, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I drove a Lexus ES for several years and used to think they were all fully imported. Later, I found out that some models made in the U.S. are locally produced, such as the ES series manufactured at the Kentucky plant. This helps avoid high import tariffs, making the price more affordable. Fully imported vehicles are usually shipped from Japan or overseas, incurring higher taxes and significantly increasing the total cost. However, in China and Europe, Lexus models are mostly imported, and the 'imported' label can easily lead to misunderstandings. I recommend checking the production details of specific models before buying—for example, U.S.-made ones are more cost-effective. Overall, Lexus maintains excellent quality across different production locations, with Toyota's strict quality control ensuring no drop in standards for locally manufactured cars. If you insist on the 'imported' label, you might end up paying more without real benefits.