Celsior

Celsior is the Japanese-market name used by Toyota for the domestic version of its flagship luxury sedan, which abroad is known as the Lexus LS. The designation appeared with the introduction of the LS-class lineup in the late 1980s, providing a locally branded counterpart to the Lexus LS sold overseas. The Celsior shared the same fundamental engineering with the Lexus LS 400, including a front-mounted V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, and was positioned as Toyota’s high-end, full-size sedan.

In terms of design and equipment, the Celsior emphasized comfort and refinement, featuring a plush interior with upscale materials, leather upholstery, and advanced cabin electronics for its era. The model aimed to deliver a quiet, smooth ride and strong overall build quality, aligning with contemporaries in the luxury sedan segment. Production took place in Toyota facilities in Japan, with the Celsior serving primarily the domestic market while the Lexus LS name was used for international markets.

As Lexus branding expanded globally and model generations progressed, Toyota gradually aligned its Japanese lineup with the Lexus nomenclature. The Celsior name remained a regional designation for the Japanese market during its run, complementing the broader LS family. Today, the term is mainly of historical interest to automotive enthusiasts and scholars studying the regional branding strategies of luxury vehicles in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.