Lexus LC 500: Performance, Power, and Luxury Combined

When you want luxury performance from Lexus, the car you look to is the LC. This big, expensive performance machine comes to you as the Lexus LC 500.

In the world where hybrids are taking over, Lexus still offers this incredible performance machine with a V8 engine. Don’t get us wrong, there’s a hybrid version, which is typical of Lexus vehicles, offering a powertrain with two electric motors and a gas engine. The LC brings incredible interior quality to your drive, delivering excellent interior materials, technology, and some great options for your drive.

Two powertrains for high-performance driving

The LC 500 coupe and convertible models use a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that sends 471 horsepower and 398 lb-t of torque to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is one of the last Lexus vehicles with a V8 engine under the hood. If you turn to the LC 500h, you’ll have a hybrid powertrain and the coupe body style. This version uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors to produce 354 horsepower, which goes to the wheels via a CVT.

You need to use premium gasoline with either powertrain. The V8 models achieve 18 mpg combined, while the hybrid model improves on that figure to give you 29 mpg combined.

Is anything new for the LC 500?

The 2024 version of the Lexus LC 500 provides some impressive upgrades compared to previous models. The coupe and convertible models receive the 21-inch staggered-width wheels that were only previously available on the hybrid model. Every model has a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with a built-in panoramic view monitor, an updated version of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package, and front and rear parking sensors. Lexus adds two new exterior paint colors and one new interior color to the mix as well.

What does each model give you?

If you choose the LC 500, you’ll find impressive packaging in each model. Let’s take a look at what these three different versions provide.

LC 500

The base model of this Lexus performance car is the coupe version. It has impressive performance qualities and a long list of luxury elements for you to enjoy. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Drive Mode Select with Sport S and S+ settings
• Adaptive variable suspension
• Active Sport Exhaust
• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
  • Pre-collision warning system
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Emergency assist steering
  • Left-turn oncoming vehicle detection with automatic braking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Rear cross-traffic detection
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
• 21-inch staggered-width alloy wheels
• Fixed glass roof
• Auto-dimming heated power-folding side mirrors
• Premium triple-beam LED headlights
• Flush exterior door handles
• SmartAccess keyless entry
• Lexus Intuitive Parking Assist
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• HD Radio
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 12-speaker premium audio system
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats
• Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters
• 3-person memory for the driver’s seat
• 8-inch configurable instrument cluster
• Leather upholstery
• Aluminum pedals
• Ambient interior lighting
• 3-spot steering wheel
• Deodorizing air filtration system

The Lexus LC 500 can be had with several great options packages as well. Some of these are:

• All-Weather Package
  • Windshield wiper de-icers
  • Heated steering wheel
• Touring Package
  • Semi-aniline leather front seats
  • Alcantara headliner
  • 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
  • All-Weather Package contents
• Sport Package
  • Alcantara seat inserts
  • Rear performance damper
  • Torsen limited-slip rear differential
  • Performance brakes
• Dynamic Handling Package
  • Sport Package contents
  • Rear-wheel steering
  • Variable steering
  • Speed-activated rear wing
  • Carbon-fiber roof

Some stand-alone options for this Lexus sports car are:

• Color head-up display
• Gloss-black metallic 21-inch wheels
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
• Carbon-fiber door scuff plates

LC 500 Convertible

Moving up to the Lexus LC 500 Convertible, you have the same equipment as the coupe model with a few changes. Some of these changes are:

• 4-layer power-retractable soft-top
• Underbody bracing
• Revised shock and spring rates
• Revised settings for the adaptive shocks

The Touring package receives upper body heating and embossed headrests for the Convertible. This model doesn’t offer the Dynamic Handling and Sport Package, but you can add some of the items from the package as individual options.

LC 500h

The standard equipment for the Lexus LC 500h is identical to the coupe version, with only a few upgrades to the options packages. The All-Weather package receives a fast-response electric heater, and the Sport Package loses the rear performance damper and limited-slip differential. These items are part of the Dynamic Handling Package for this hybrid trim.

Which version of the Lexus LC 500 will you drive?