Which Lexus Models Have Ambient Lighting?

Ambient lighting systems have become one of the more popular features in modern cars, with each manufacturer aiming to add more options and a more impressive setup. Lexus is one of those brands with an impressive range of ambient lighting features, but you won’t see this across their entire model range.

Like the major German brands, Lexus has a few tiers of Ambient lighting available. On some models you have access to ‘Thematic Ambient Illumination,’ and on other cars, you only have their ‘standard’ lighting available.

So what are the different levels of Lexus ambient lighting, and which cars have access to them? In this article, we’ll take you through each Lexus model to show you how much the ambient lighting feature costs, what’s included, and finally our thoughts on how good the Lexus system is

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Does The Lexus Ambient Lighting Feature Look Like?

Let’s start by covering the two different Ambient lighting setups in modern Lexus cars. Firstly, the Thematic Ambient Illumination is Lexus’ high-spec version, with a variety of colors and controls to change intensity and location.

With Thematic Ambient Illumination, you can choose from a variety of ‘moods’ or your own color, select where in the car you want ambient lighting, and change the intensity. With standard ambient lighting in your Lexus, you only have access to a reduced number of color customization options.

How Do I Access Ambient Lighting In My Lexus?

On relevant Lexus models, you can access the illumination menu using your central touchscreen. In the settings menu, go to ‘illumination’ and from there you can select the lighting theme, the color, the intensity, and which zones you want in your car.

It’s a fairly simple system to use, but the addition of themes makes the Lexus ambient lighting setup one of the better examples.

Which Lexus models have Thematic Ambient Lighting?

The list below shows all current Lexus models with Thematic Ambient Illumination. Some models, like the RX and LX, have thematic lighting as standard. On a few models, the thematic lighting option is included as an optional extra, and we’ve shown the cost of adding this feature.

NX 250 – $100 option
NX 350 – $100 option
NX 350 F Sport Handling – $2,200 option (part of the Luxury Package)
NX 350h – $100 option
NX 450h+ – standard
NX 450h + F Sport Handling – standard

RZ 450e Luxury – standard

RX 350 Premium+ – standard
RX 350h Premium+ – standard
RX 350 Luxury – standard
RX 350h Luxury – standard
RX 350 F Sport Handling – standard
RX 500h F Sport Performance – standard

LX 600 Premium – standard
LX 600 Sport Handling – standard
LX 600 Luxury – standard
LX 600 Ultra Luxury – standard

Lexus NX in blue — *The latest NX model comes with Thematic Ambient Illumination*

Which Lexus models have Standard Ambient Lighting?

Below we’ve listed the Lexus models with standard illumination included. These are mostly mid-range Lexus vehicles, including the ES sedan and lower-spec RX models. Most models have standard illumination as a pre-included feature, but a couple of models include this as an optional extra.

RZ 450e Premium – standard

RX 350 – standard
RX 350h – standard
RX 350 Premium – standard
RX 350h Premium – standard

ES 250 – $200 option
ES 350 – $200 option
ES 250 Luxury – standard
ES 350 Luxury – standard
ES 250 Ultra Luxury – standard
ES 350 Ultra Luxury – standard
ES 250 F Sport Design – $130 option
ES 350 F Sport Design – $130 option
ES 300h – $200 option
ES 300h Luxury – standard
ES 300h Ultra Luxury – standard
ES 300h F Sport Design – $130 option

Lexus RX in white — *Low-spec RX models include standard ambient lighting*

Which Lexus models come without Ambient Lighting?

The majority of the lower-spec Lexus models don’t include any options for ambient lighting. These include the entry-level UX SUV and the IS sedan. Surprisingly a few of the more expensive Lexus models are included, with the base spec LX, and the LS 500 included – we expect in the next generation of these models to find ambient lighting as standard.