Review
Lexus LC500h
We already knew that Lexus can develop exciting and imaginative cars, including the LFA. Now Lexus is writing a new chapter with the arrival of the Lexus LC and we were all too eager to get acquainted with this new luxury coupe. This sports car is available as the LC 500 with a roaring V8 engine and the LC 500h with the Multi Stage Hybrid system. We were introduced to the hybrid and went out for a day in the Ardennes.
Nice design
The LF-LC concept car debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. However, this beautiful concept car was never designed to end up as a series model. The car was rather a piece of ‘California Dreaming’, inspired by the road culture of the American west coast. However, the management decided not to disappoint the fans of the LF-LC and ordered this concept car to be transformed into a production model. It was quite a challenge to maintain the original originality, but Lexus succeeded with flying colors. The car with 2+2 seats looks incredibly handsome with the long, low hood and the sloping roofline of a coupe. At the rear we also see original lines and taillights that are inspired by the afterburners of jet engines. Whichever way you look at the LC, the car looks very charismatic from every angle.
LC 500h
In the LC 500h (base price: 109,190 euros) we find a V6 petrol engine with a capacity of 3,456 cc. This delivers a power of 299 hp and a max. torque of 348 Nm. There is also an electric motor that delivers a power of 132 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. The system power of this hybrid is 359 hp. The drive of this car is, as you would expect from a sports car, on the rear wheels and in terms of transmission, this luxury coupe uses a Multi Stage Hybrid system. Thanks to the technology of this automatic transmission, you can select ‘M’ mode to manually hold gears using shift levers behind the steering wheel. This sports car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
Driving the LC 500h is an experience in itself. The car accelerates smoothly and quickly, partly thanks to the torque-rich electric motor. You do feel that the car is not a featherweight, but that certainly doesn’t spoil the fun. The car sounds sporty, but certainly not brutal or vulgar. Inside you sit very tight in the seats, but certainly not uncomfortable. You can easily spend a day cruising in the LC without any problems.
LC500
In addition to the hybrid, there is also the LC 500, also for a starting price of 109,190 euros. This sports car has a V8 petrol engine with a capacity of 4,969 cc. This delivers a power of 477 hp and a max. torque of 540 Nm. It also has rear-wheel drive and an automatic Direct Shift transmission with ten speeds.
Fully equipped
Although the LC has a certain entry price, the standard equipment is very extensive and even generous. The Lexus Safety System +, which includes a Lane Keeping Assistant, adaptive cruise control and Pre-Crash Safety with pedestrian detection, is standard. Driver assistance systems such as Blind Spot Monitor, parking sensors and a Parking Assist Monitor with guidance lines on the screen are also all standard. Eye-catching options such as a Head-Up Display and a Mark Levinson premium surround system with 13 speakers are also standard equipment.
Conclusion
The LC 500h is a well-designed luxury coupe that will turn many heads with its handsome, stylish and futuristic looks. The driving behavior of the hybrid is sporty, but inside you can also enjoy the comfortable seats and the generous equipment.
Additional images exterior and interior:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
