Lexus LC 500 V8 (464 HP) Automatic

You can't talk about the Lexus LC 500 without talking about how it looks. It's rare that a concept car reaches production with minimal changes, but Lexus has managed it. It's a hypnotic head-turner in traffic and pulls attention wherever it goes. Underneath that stunning exterior is a comfortable and luxurious grand touring coupe filled with creativity and attention to detail. Under the hood of the LC 500 is a hand-built naturally aspirated V8 engine that suits the car perfectly. Its 5.0 liters of displacement generates 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of muscle.
Performance isn't limited to power, and while it carries a little more weight than other sports cars in its price bracket, the LC 500 offers a level of grip and handling any enthusiast will appreciate. However, buyers need to understand this isn't a car to take to the track like a Porsche 911. It's designed to go fast and cover a lot of ground comfortably and stylishly. And, if that ground includes twisty back roads, the LC 500 will eat them up and ask for more.
For the 2021 model year, the most significant changes to the Lexus LC 500 Coupe are those you can't see. Outside, little more than revised 20-inch wheels - available in a forged style with a Dark Graphite finish - and two new paint colors have been added, Cadmium Orange and Nori Green Pearl. More notably, Lexus has reduced the LC's unsprung weight by 22 pounds, partially thanks to lighter suspension components. Lexus also promises a smoother ride following adjustments to the electronic absorber controls and improved rigidity of the bound stopper and rear stabilizer. Active Cornering Assist is a new addition, and the transmission receives timing tweaks. In the cabin, Flare Red leather replaces the Rioja Red from our 2020 Lexus LC review, but Bespoke White leather has been dropped. An updated infotainment system sees the welcome addition of Android Auto integration.
'Desirability' isn't listed on the LC 500's specification sheet as a standard feature, but maybe it should be. It's a gorgeous coupe that manages to grab your attention instantly and from just about every angle, yet it stops short of being garish. It's telling that Lexus has hardly changed anything about the LC's appearance for 2021. Hence, elements like the semi-floating roof remain, as does the large Spindle Grille and elaborate taillights that resemble a machine gun. 20-inch alloy wheels are standard, as are triple-projector LED headlamps. A carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof can be equipped optionally.
This year, Lexus has introduced two new colors to the palette: Cadmium Orange ($595) and a dark green shade worn on our tester called Nori Green Pearl. Both are adventurous but surprisingly appealing choices. Other shades include Ultra White, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Smoky Granite Mica, Caviar, Obsidian, and Nightfall Mica, all of which won't cost you extra. Infrared and Flare Yellow carry an additional cost of $595, but are two of the finer hues from the eleven-strong color palette.
The LC 500's naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine remains unchanged, with outputs of 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. As before, the coupe will hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph. This isn't slow, but the absence of forced induction means that the LC 500 simply can't keep up with even the base Porsche 911 Carrera. Of course, this is only a problem if your commute regularly involves traffic light drag races. If not, you'll more likely revel in the LC 500's smooth delivery and pleasing engine note as it soars past 7,000 rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels only, and all-wheel drive isn't available, but because the V8 has impressive rather than stratospheric outputs, this isn't a problem. We'd happily trade a few tenths of a second in accelerative force for the sheer joy of extending this V8 to its red line.
The posh LC 500 interior is a demonstration of how to make the ordinary feel extraordinary. Parts of a cabin that you wouldn't typically pay attention to suddenly take on the appearance of individual pieces of art here; such as the ridged door panels with their handles that appear to be floating, or the perfectly weighted aluminum button you press to gently release the glovebox lid. The ventilation controls also have superb weighting to them, and you don't realize what a difference such a detail makes until you experience it. The mix of leather and Alcantara trim is a tactile delight, and the dashboard stitching is perfect. On the technology front, while the infotainment system remains fussy to operate, it finally gains Android Auto integration. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard as well, as is a forward collision system and dynamic radar cruise control.
There are two main color combinations for the LC 500's cabin. Toasted Caramel Leather with Satin Metallic trim is the more grand treatment, while Black Leather with Satin Metallic trim is a sportier alternative. By selecting the optional Touring Package, Circuit Red leather - a new addition this year - becomes available, while certain packages equip sports seats with Alcantara inserts. Regardless of which option you go for, the LC 500 feels meticulously assembled, with a hand-stitched leather-wrapped gearshift lever and a leather-wrapped steering wheel being just two of many details that make for one of the most memorable interiors in this segment.


Price Range (MSRP):$41,295 - $50,905.