Big two-door grand-touring coupes and convertibles may be out of vogue, but the Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h soldier on into the 2023 model year with minimal updates and modest price increases. Lexus says it’s retuned the suspension — despite having also done so in 2022 — for improved dynamic handling. The LC also will join the roster of 2023 models with 10-year subscriptions to Lexus’ Connected Services, but little else has changed beyond the number after the dollar sign: Regardless of model or body style, 2023s will carry a sticker price $300 higher than the 2022.
2023 Lexus LC 500h | Manufacturer image
What’s New?
Lexus isn’t revealing exactly what it did to the suspension, but it said in a statement the settings “have been optimized to enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response and steering effectiveness in the high cornering-G range.” The convertible’s tuning differs because of its additional weight compared to the coupe. The coupe also offers a Sport Package that adds a Torsen limited-slip rear differential and higher-performance brake pads as well as Alcantara-trimmed seats in the cabin.
The convertible also gets a new, lighter-weight soft top, and the brand says the available Lexus Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating system is more advanced for 2023: The system automatically controls various climate functions — from the air vents to the heated steering wheel and seats to the convertible-specific neck heaters — in an effort to maintain an optimal temperature in the cabin even with the top down.
2023 Lexus LC 500 | Manufacturer image
Power for the LC 500 comes from the same 471-horsepower, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission as in years past, while the LC 500h hybrid uses a 354-hp hybrid system that includes a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6. The LC 500h also uses a hybrid-specific, four-speed planetary-type continuously variable automatic transmission that can simulate 10 gear ratios. All three LC variants are exclusively rear-wheel drive.
Pricing and Release Date
Full pricing is below and includes the $1,150 destination fee:
- LC 500 coupe: $94,600
- LC 500h coupe: $100,600
- LC 500 Convertible: $102,650
The LC 500 and 500h coupes arrive in dealerships in November, according to Lexus, while the LC 500 Convertible has a more vague “late 2022” arrival date.
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Keyword: 2023 Lexus LC 500, LC 500h Get Updated Suspensions, Minor Price Hike