The 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a standout flagship sports activities automobile that’s in a world of its personal. This can be a grand touring automobile, which means this automobile has its roots in sporty driving, however will also be pushed from Phoenix to California, comfortably and in fashion. We not too long ago had the chance to check drive certainly one of these for per week. The coupe model we’re reviewing as we speak can be priced at $106,885, nonetheless the costs for the LC 500 begin at $93,450. In fact there’s the choice to take the worth even larger than ours. The LC 500 is obtainable as a coupe, V6 hybrid (learn our hybrid evaluation right here), or convertible which is the costliest possibility.   

Exterior 

The LC 500 is a stupendous automobile from each angle with a low-slung hood, large vast fenders, massive luxurious wheels, and the good taillights presently on sale, that assist give the automobile a presence. Our specific automobile is completed in Cadmium Orange, an thrilling metallic orange that’s supplied on different Lexus fashions, however actually pops right here. It will be a disgrace to order such a reasonably automobile in a darker coloration that may disguise its physique traces. You wouldn’t know by it, however the exterior of the LC 500 is made doable by cleverly engineered aluminum suspension constructed to decrease the 5.0 liter V8 for a low-slung hood with out compromising efficiency with adaptive variable suspension. This LC 500 options just a few exterior choices such because the tri-LED headlights which might be discovered in numerous variations as a Lexus staple, together with the huge 21-inch solid alloy wheels, a rise over the usual 20-inch wheels. However the most effective options, commonplace for all LC 500s, are the taillights and energetic spoiler. The taillight housing is sizeable however options an infinity-layered taillight that I imagine is the one manufacturing facility instance like this, however I’ve seen some after-market examples replicating it. The energetic spoiler will robotically elevate and decrease, however provides some dynamic enjoyable together with a button within the inside to manually elevate it.  

Inside

Lexus at all times contains a premium inside however the LC 500 chooses to concentrate on the sporty aspect for its award-winning inside, including Alcantara sport seats and headliner, a carbon fiber sample clock, and even the movable gauge elements from the V10-powered Lexus LFA supercar. The seats are snug with improbable bolstering making them good for sporty or lengthy drives. The LC 500 additionally contains a plethora of know-how, together with Lexus Local weather Concierge which helps to robotically alter the local weather management methods to the right temperature accounting for exterior temperature and situations, though you may nonetheless alter all the pieces manually via the middle show. The middle show measures 10.3 inches and makes use of the Lexus trackpad situated on the middle flooring console, which, sure, might be awkward at first however you’re going to get used to it, or you may look forward to the 2024 mannequin 12 months with out the trackpad. The 13-speaker Mark Levinson encompass sound audio system is phenomenal it doesn’t matter what setting its on. The LC 500 inside is strong with premium supplies comparable to leather-based and carbon fiber which really make you are feeling particular regardless of a few of the cookie-cutter Lexus elements.         

Powertrain

Energy comes from a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 producing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque which is paired with a 10-speed computerized transmission and delivers energy to the rear wheels. The LC 500 is on the heavier aspect at 4,340 lbs however nonetheless manages a brisk 0-60 in 4.4 seconds (per Lexus), a quarter-mile within the low 13s, and an electronically restricted high velocity of 168 mph. The automobile is quick, definitely sufficient to get pleasure from on the weekends, and traverse hills and mountains whereas driving throughout the nation. Probably the greatest issues concerning the LC 500 is the sound. With a naturally aspirated V8 and energetic sport exhaust, I discovered myself with the radio off and utilizing the magnesium paddle shifters for some enjoyable manufacturing facility exhaust pops on deceleration from a downshift.      

Gas Financial system

Whereas driving your grand touring automobile cross nation it by no means hurts to have good gas economic system. The LC 500 has an EPA score of 16 mpg metropolis / 25 mpg freeway / 19 mpg mixed. Not too shabby for a 5.0 liter V8, it’s definitely higher than older V8s and even some present V6 automobiles. In the event you take that mixed score of 19 mpg paired with the 21.7-gallon gas tank, that provides you 412.3 miles of vary, lots to get you between cities. The very best half is, we managed to EXCEED the EPA rankings in regular driving situations going to and from California getting over 25 mpg, which to me is at all times value speaking about. Whereas commuting within the Phoenix grid, the automobile averaged round 24 miles per gallon in our real-world testing, with the V8 idling in site visitors and (perhaps) a enjoyable pull right here and there on freeway on-ramps. Gas economic system isn’t the first concern when shopping for a car like this, however it’s good to understand it’s not horrible.   

Conclusion

If you would like the Lexus LC 500, you need to purchase a Lexus LC 500. There isn’t a comparable automobile that gives the identical distinctive styling, efficiency, and high quality of luxurious, a minimum of at this value level. The grand touring life-style is alive and nicely with the flexibility to each day drive the LC 500, due to trendy driving know-how, however nice trunk area and backseat storage for lengthy journeys, and efficiency whenever you need it for sporty canyon carving.