2020 Lexus LC 500

A sports coupe at heart, the LC 500 C is Lexus’s lone wolf who doesn’t need a pack to protect its meat. The car is an amalgamation of luxury and sportiness in the right proportion. Japanese aesthetics stirred with German level technology, and an engine which can win any horsepower war, that’s what you are getting with the LC 500. It’s something the RC lineup aspired to achieve but never met its goal, it’s a good thing the LC 500 took the lead. As for the features, Lexus had a premeditated fat and juicy standard feature list.

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There is only a single trim for the LC 500, which is plentiful on its own. Still, we would suggest you add the Convenience package as it comes with rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

The LC 500 was introduced as an elevated version of the RC lineup, it filled in the gap of power and add a dash of luxury to the class but sadly the fuel economy deteriorated with the bigger engine. But that’s Lexus’s family matter other brands take dibs on the market for its subpar EPA rating. In the city, the LC 500 performs by delivering 16 mpg city mileage which is pushed to 25 mpg while highway cruising. That’s the way you can expect a 19 mpg from this Lexus. The hybrid version may skip a few gas refills, but this one doesn’t hand out any rebates.

“Good outward visibility and a comfortable, sporty driving position are the highlights. The Lexus is also easier to get in and out of than many low-slung coupes. The cabin is very upscale, with a few exceptions.” -Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Lexus’s interior will not bore you for a long time, that’s for sure! The Japanese tasteful design paired with an apt distribution of features, forged from premium quality material, that’s what you are in it for with the LC 500. Everything on the interior feels upmarket, there is hardly anything which is not covered in leather, the unwrapped exceptions are covered in metal.

The cabin is a strict no hard plastic zone. Though Lexus markets the LC as a 4 passenger coupe its only sensible for two. The front cabin is easily accessible and offers a lot of space even for taller people. The cabin might be a work of art but it feels small, especially when it’s a full executive size.

As for the features, everything is well laid out like a menu with some boasting physical switches while others controlled through the touch screen. The front seats are heated and ventilated which are accessed through the screen. The laptop-like touchpad is a bit tricky to use on the road and also lacks gesture support. At last, you have a choice for leather or Alcantara seats with three color options. The only thing where LC lags is the suffocating rear seats which are only sensible for children.

Infotainment

When you are investing almost a hundred thousand dollars in a car, then you would expect a big chunk of the latest technology to be a part of your ride. Lexus stands its promise of being flashy with a 10.3-inch split screen though it fails to achieve the tight intuitiveness mark. The newly revised Enform infotainment system adds Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa but it’s tricky to use. Lexus brings in Mark Levinson orchestra to bang your head on some hard rock music. You also have the Enform app suite at your disposal but the app collection is not that interesting.

The Navigation system clearly says, “it’s their way or the highway”. The system requires precise coordinates to locate your destination, any lapse in information and the system will not work. The voice controls work fine but you might want to follow the voice-training procedure set by Lexus. At last, the Android users are abandoned as there is no Android Auto for the 2020 Lexus LC 500.

Cargo volume

One thing which you will find troubling in the LC 500 is its low cargo space. There are side pockets but they are not meant for keeping bottles. Apart from that, there are a few cubby holes and an armrest box that sums up Lexus’s cabin utility.

Going backward to the tailgate, you have 5.4 cubic feet of cargo bay which is smaller than most cars in the segment. The tailgate has a wide opening which can swallow a full-sized suitcase and a golf bag, nothing extra. A constant problem reported by the LC owners is the heating of the cargo area, even after smaller rides.

Interior Features

• Climate Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear View Camera
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
• Front Door Pockets
• Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration

“The LC 500 is a real-world interpretation of the acclaimed LF-LC concept car. Lexus underscored its pledge to bringing that stunning shape into production, and the LC represents one of those rare instances when it's not hyperbole to call it a concept car you can buy”- Kelley Blue Book

People love concept cars because of their majestic styling and magical appeal, the feeling is something you cannot explain. Their non-tangibility turns people’s desire to fetish, it's fine though because this time Lexus allows you to get what was built for the stage. Talking about concept cars, Lexus slams other brands through its theatrical design which is elevated on its concept cars. The LC 500 is a drop-dead gorgeous Lexus which is directly extracted from the LC-FC concept. Right from the 3-element headlights to the muscle car inspired rear end, Lexus gave it all.

The gigantic spindle front grill cannot be missed and the 3D taillights give it a distinct character than other luxury cars. The detailing on the LC is better than Madame Tussaud's mannequins. The flush handles, strong lines, and panel roof survived the transitions from concept to production. The wheel wells may harbor 20-inch alloy wheels but they are more apt for the optional 21-inch alloy wheels.

Now, let's map out all your exterior choices on the LC 500 coupe. No luxury buyer can ignore Lexus’s colossal color scheme, you have nine color options including vivid colors like Infrared, Nightfall Mica, Obsidian black and more. You have two options for wheels of 20 and 21 inches.

Dimensions and Weight

There are a lot of elements on LC 500’s exterior, the fine lines of lusciousness on the hood remind of those old school muscle cars on a feline body. Its inches shorter than the LC-FC concept but looks fairly similar. The LC 500 is a 187.4-inch long coupe with width and height rated at 75.6 inches and 53 inches. With such numbers, the LC slips right into the industry standards. It may look much close to the ground but actually features the highest ground clearance of 5.3 inches. The same specs follow the Hybrid variant and the design is identical.

Exterior Features

• 20" Forged Wheels
• Alloy Wheel Locks
• Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler
• Door Edge Film By 3M
• Carbon Fiber Lower Grille Insert
• Premium Paint
• 21" Forged Wheels

The LC 500 is a yesteryear’s offering and it's still measuring the market right now. Its too soon for the Lexus to joust with the wall, hence NHTSA and IIHS have not rated the LC 500. So, it is wise not to make a bid on Lexus LC’s safety.

Safety Features

• Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Traction Control
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Engine Immobilizer
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Rear Integrated Headrests
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Front And Rear Head Airbags
• Stability Control

Lexus LC 500 vs Jaguar F Type R Dynamic

Jaguar F Type precedes its reputation of being a sporty ride while delivering traces of luxury. Jaguar had a galore of configuration including three different engine options. The V6 and V8 are potent and makes the most of all those horses.

The ride quality is precise and predictable and better than what Lexus has to offer, but at the same time, Jaguar will cost you’re a fortune. Inside, Jaguar flaunts a competitive interior so don’t try to be in the perplexing situation of comparing the two.

Overall, the Jaguar is a competitive choice, it offers a tad more practicality and cuts the concept of vague rear seats to keep it a 2 seater which is good.

Lexus LC 500 vs Nissan GT-R Pure

Nissan Godzilla is known for its untamed raw power and mad acceleration, a true 10-second car to its core. If you prefer performance over design then the GTR will put a wide smile on your face. The mad performance in its acceleration was expected, whatnot was a higher cargo volume. Surprisingly, the GT-R offers more practicality than our so-called luxury muscle. Talking about the ride quality, the GTR is the polar opposite of the LC 500, where Lexus’s suspension is tuned for comfort, the latter is stiff and calibrated for a more sporty ride.

The biggest difference comes with power and handling, the price’s impact is stagnant on the cars of this stature. Your choice depends on what type of car do you want, a suburban luxury cruiser or a sporty wrecking machine.

Lexus didn’t have a worth horse in the hundred thousand dollar race since the SC coupe, but that’s passed. Today, Lexus is all set to conquer the segment with its sturdy build quality, eccentric Japanese styling, and what we call a perfect luxury overload. While one cannot get over its luxury and rich fills of features, the performance is not in the same league. The LC 500 is fast but not enough to surmount its German rivals. The V8 engine is a badass and it rumbles like no other coupe in the segment but that’s just black magic to make it seem more aggressive. The LC is more of a luxury Gran Tourer and it’s the best one in the market.