Defining the Colors of Lexus

Lexus has made an art out of color.  Every Lexus color features stories and processes as unique as their hues.  As Lexus explains it, “one unexpected moment of inspiration, years of development and zero shortcuts” is the art of creating art.  The new Nightfall Mica, for example, creates the impression of sunlight refracting in deep ocean waters. It is this artful effect that makes each Lexus color a moving art installation that can be appreciated by anyone with a passion for design, (or anyone with a passion for good looking luxury cars for that matter).

The art of color can be a subjective experience and the stories behind each Lexus color describes both a symbolic and emotional understanding of something that is also objectively fundamental.  Since one person’s Nightfall Mica is at the same time another person’s dark blue; we wanted to try to define the colors of Lexus and objectively name some of the most beautifully symbolic colors seen throughout the Lexus model line-up.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. Wikipedia

Obsidian is also more commonly called “Black”.  Obsidian is a flat black which actually coincides with the above Wikipedia definition -“with minimal crystal growth” as it does not have a mica finish or flake in the paint seen on other “black” exterior color options.

Obsidian is available on most of the Lexus model line-up including the ES, RX and NX.  This flat-black called “Obsidian” is commonly seen on other Lexus models and throughout the different model years but with a different identifying name.  Can you guess which other Lexus color-names are a visual match to Obsidian?

Black Onyx GX460

Obsidian NX200t

One example is the 2017 GX460 in Black Onyx – often mistaken for Obsidian.

Caviar Mica

Caviar Mica is that “other” black that, as it’s name suggests, has a mica finish in the paint.  Caviar Mica is pretty much a direct descendant of Stargazer Pearl and could be seen as a distant cousin to Truffle Mica.  For anyone that’s been living the Lexus Life as long as we have, you’ll understand the reference.

So, if you’re looking for some sparkle in your black then Caviar Mica is the way to go.  The flake in the paint really shows up in the sun but can easily be mistaken for Obsidian or Black Onyx if viewed on a cloudy or overcast day.

Caviar Mica exterior on Lexus RX, Lexus GS and ES

Nightfall Mica

Nightfall Mica is a new arrival and is a dark blue color that recently replaced Deep Sea Mica and Black Sapphire Pearl before that.  Below you can see the slight differences of deep blue on different model year LS sedans and 2015 ES Hybrid.  Nightfall Mica is a brilliant deep blue whereas Deep Sea Mica is a little more of a muted blue and the original Black Sapphire Pearl is pretty similar to it’s 2017 variation.

Nightfall Mica on the 2017 LS 460 Special Edition

Deep Sea Mica on the 2015 Lexus ES300h

Black Sapphire Pearl on 2006 Lexus GS300

Eminent White Pearl vs. Starfire Pearl

Both are brilliant white pearl exteriors but one is on the way out and getting replaced with a new pearl-white by a different name.  Eminent White Pearl has arrived on most new Lexus models while Starfire Pearl remains on a select few 2017 models including the Lexus GX 460 and LX 570.  Can you tell the difference between Eminent White and Starfire Pearl on the 2017 and 2015 Lexus RX below?

Eminent White on 2017 Lexus RX 350

Starfire Pearl 2015 Lexus RX 350

The Evolution of Gray

Lexus makes a great gray and each time they replace one with another, we go into a tailspin asking ourselves what was Lexus thinking! – Quickly followed by our resolution that this is the one one only gray for us.  The Lexus Gray evolution is best illustrated by the RX which evolved alongside every change of Lexus gray.

2004 -2008 RX: Flint Mica – Classic

2009- 2011 RX 350: Smokey Granite – Bigger Engine + Bigger Color

2012 – 2017 RX 350: Nebula Gray Pearl – Sleek & Modern

Just Don’t Call it Stay Around Brown – The Lexus Brown

Brown car exteriors can sometimes gets a bad rap and we’d hardly call any of the Lexus brown exterior colors “stay around brown”, but it is one color that you either love or hate.  There have been several different “brown” Lexus exterior colors throughout the years – maybe Lexus is still searching for the perfect shade of brown?  From the classic Brairwood seen on the 2004 Lexus LS 430 to the polarizing Amber Pearl on the Lexus ES – there are quite a few Lexus Brown exteriors.  Let us know your favorite in the comments section below.

2004 LS in Briarwood

2007 ES in Amber Pearl

2016 GX 460 in Fire Agate 

2016 ES 350 in Autumn Shimmer

Hit or miss, the colors of Lexus are always memorable and tell an amazing story.  Check out the 2017 color options on your favorite Lexus online at lexusdominion.com or stop by our Lexus dealership in San Antonio, Texas and pick out your favorite from our huge on-site selection of both new and pre-owned Lexus.

Do you have a favorite Lexus color not mentioned here OR would you like some clarification on a specific Lexus color?  Let us know, we love hearing from our fellow Lexus drivers and enthusiasts!