Lexus LC - TopCarNews

Lexus LC (2017 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

On sale as a coupé since 2017 and as a convertible since 2020, the Lexus LC has certainly made headlines. Top Gear describes the coupe as “the most outrageous thing to come from the maker of posh Toyotas since the LFA supercar in 2010.”

The LC was launched as a 2+2 coupe, very mildly refreshed in 2020 with a convertible joining the range at the same time.

There are two powertrain options for the coupé – the LC 500 as its name suggests boasts a 5.0-litre V8 of 464hp. Being a Lexus, the other option has to be a hybrid, and the LC 500h mates a 3.5-litre petrol engine to an electric motor for 359hp. Naturally this car is slower to 62mph, taking five seconds compared to the 4.7 of the V8. Currently, the convertible is only available with the petrol V8.

The Lexus LC is designed for those who want something different to the standard-bearing Porsche 911, though reviewers believe it rivals everything from the BMW 8 Series to the Aston Martin DB11. As of November 2021, the Lexus LC holds an Expert Rating of 75% from 26 reviews.

Reviewers have been unanimously positive about the 5.0-litre LC 500, with Evo describing it as “a fantastic coupe”. The hybrid earns mixed reviews, however – Evo, once again, describing it as “not inherently bad, but more a calmer GT cruiser”. Top Gear calls the hybrid “clever but flawed” whereas the V8 offers lots of character and performance, with a much more effective automatic gearbox.

Testers also prefer the LC 500 V8’s handling, saying that the additional weight of the hybrid model, especially in top spec Luxury trim, makes it more cumbersome in corners.

The interior layout also earns praise – despite having very many buttons and switches. Reviewers like the way the driver’s surroundings are laid out, but add that the rear seats are effectively nothing more than luggage racks.

Lexus LC highlights

V8 offers exciting performance and handling
Suspension upgrades improve ride
Hybrid’s clever gearbox better than plain CVT
Hybrid good for urban stop-start drives
Complex interior well executed

Lexus LC lowlights

Indecisive auto gearbox on V8
Hybrid can’t match V8 for performance
Hybrid weight affects handling
Lots of interior buttons
Back seats only good for luggage storage

Key specifications

Body style: Large 2+2 coupé and convertibleEngines: petrol, petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £81,750 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017Last updated: Autumn 2020
Update due: TBA

Image gallery

Lexus LC (2020 update)

Lexus LC Convertible

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 9 / 10“The Lexus LC 500 Convertible proves that as well as rock-solid reliability and an outstanding dealer network, Lexus has finally learned how to deliver a car that can stir emotions. That achievement might well mean that the LC Convertible has significance way beyond its sales figures.”
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Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 Limited EditionScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus LC is overlooked as a two-door sports car. It may not have the Porsche 911’s precision, but its 5.0-litre V8 is one of the finest engines on the road, and the car looks like nothing else – especially in this Limited Edition spec.”
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Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“Hi-tech Lexus luxury coupe piles on the style to take on the Mercedes SL and BMW 8 Series”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 coupéScore: 8.6 / 10“The Lexus LC is an eye-catching, beautifully made coupe that has different characters depending on which version you go for. The hybrid is a great cruiser but is not particularly engaging to drive. The V8 model, though, is a really solid touring sports car, with great performance and handling.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“Depending on how much you’re moved by its virtues or irked by its shortcomings, the Lexus LC coupé is either a bit of a rough diamond or the dreaded curate’s egg. For us, it’s much closer to the former.”
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Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 7 / 10“Perhaps the Lexus LC 500 Convertible should be viewed as more of an under-sized S-Class Cabriolet alternative, even if the 149-litre boot capacity is hardly the greatest for touring. Its dynamic character is closer to that of the laid-back Mercedes than any Porsche or AMG, whizz-bang V8 or not.”
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Car

Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“Taken on its own merits, the Lexus LC Convertible is a wonderful achievement. It’s a Lexus worth getting excited about, with a glorious engine, stunning styling and all the hallmarks unique to Lexus ownership.”
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Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 coupéScore: 8 / 10“By offering the hybrid LC 500h for the same money as the V8, Lexus is polarising its customers. The hybrid will appeal to early adopters and those who like the idea of a relatively environmentally friendly GT car that’ll cover serious mileage in comfort. The V8 is the better drive.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 3.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid LC 500h coupéScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus LC 500h is a car that is hard not to love. It looks incredible, is exceptionally comfortable and would make a fantastic grand touring car. While those wanting a sportier drive are better suited with the V8, if you choose either we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus LC Convertible is a cultured open-top tourer with a fantastic V8 engine”
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Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus LC isn’t the ultimate drivers’ car, but it is a powerful, comfortable and well-built GT.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 9 / 10“The Lexus LC Convertible is a gorgeous looking car, with a fabulous interior. It’s not the fastest convertible, though and the infotainment system isn’t at all easy to use.”
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Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus LC’s styling is so jaw-dropping – and the V8 model’s performance is so invigorating – you may be willing to accept that it isn’t that practical, even for a coupe.”
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Eurekar

“The Lexus LC 500 Convertible Sport Plus is absolutely stunning.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 coupéScore: 9 / 10“Charismatic, challenging, distinctive and above all fun to drive, the Lexus LC 500 might be the most underrated new car on sale.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 10 / 10“where does the LC sit amongst the competition? Well for similar money you can get a BMW M6 or a Jaguar F-Type with the supercharged V6 engine. To be fair, you wouldn’t say no to either of those given the opportunity, but the LC just has that something extra that makes it feel that bit more special.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“The LC is Lexus’s range-topping coupe, and it feels just that, with its stunning exterior design and high-quality and classy interior. Luxurious elements such as a standard glass roof and full leather interior cabin are also a key attraction to the cabin.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8.2 / 10“High-tech four-seat GT looks like the future.”
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The Intercooler

Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 7 / 10“Roof down it’s a spectacular machine, but with it in position you’re reminded of how unconvincingly a fabric hood imitates a fixed metal roof from an aesthetics point of view. With it stowed, however, you are at least treated to the fullness of the normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8’s voice.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: LC 500 Convertible“A ten-gear tornado that refines the art of overtaking.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: LC ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“This is an exquisite grand-tourer, backed up by the sanity of Lexus’s build quality and a fabulous warranty. It’s a pity more people who are in the market for such a thing won’t buy one. Frankly, they don’t know what they’re missing.”
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Model reviewed: LC 500 coupé Limited EditionScore: 8 / 10“There are few cars that can turn heads quite as well; few that offer such a dramatic switch in character from laid-back grand tourer to whip-crack sports car. If you’re lucky enough to be in a position to buy a car like this, you may well want to pop into your Lexus dealer next time around.”
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Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“In terms of styling, the Lexus LC has to be one of the most desirable GTs on sale today. If you can live with rear seats that are barely useable, and a boot smaller than you’d need for proper touring, it delivers a compelling level of performance, particularly with the V8 under the bonnet.”
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Model reviewed: LC 500h coupéScore: 8 / 10“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but under the skin this is an old-school GT; refined and comfortable, with good handling, but even greater comfort.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 8 / 10“Quite simply the Lexus LC is the boldest, most outrageous thing to come from the maker of posh Toyotas since they turned our knees to jelly with the LFA supercar in 2010.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 6 / 10“Overall, the Lexus LC doesn’t have the satisfying crispness of handling on offer from the best sports cars, nor the beautifully cosseting ride of the best grand tourers.”
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Model reviewed: LC 500 ConvertibleScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus LC 500 Convertible isn’t as sharp to drive as a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, but it’s up there with most other rivals for performance, agility, comfort and fun. The naturally aspirated V8 sounds awesome and the LC has one of the nicest interiors in the class.”
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Safety rating

No safety rating

Being an £80K+ sports car with limited sales numbers, the Lexus LC has not been tested by safety body Euro NCAP. However, all versions boast a host of active safety features, including a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, radar-based cruise control and lane-keeping aids.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Lexus LC has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP. Inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, before resuming later in the year with an enhanced testing process.

We don’t expect the LC to be tested, but a 5.0-litre petrol V8 in a luxury sports coupé is unlikely to rate highly on any eco scale. The hybrid would perform better, but it’s still not going to rival a Toyota Yaris for green credentials…

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lexus LC has received

2021

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Open Top Car
Women’s World Car of the Year Awards – Best Luxury Car
What Car? Awards – Best Convertible for Big Spenders
Carwow Awards – Best Convertible

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Keyword: Lexus LC