The Lexus LC is a hyper sports car that's available in limited numbers. It's only offered as a rear-wheel drive coupe with 2+2 seating. Competitors include the Acura NSX, Audi R8, BMW i8, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and Porsche 911.
Two models of the LC are offered. The LC 500 is a gas-only model comes with a 471-horsepower V8 and lists for $92,995. Also offered is the LC 500h hybrid which lists for $4510 more but offers a combined 117 fewer ponies.
The hybrid powertrain consists of an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors. Combined, the gas engine and electric motors make 354 horsepower and drive the rear wheels through a unique transmission that teams a continuously variable automatic with a conventional 4-speed automatic. The LC hybrid can operate in EV mode at slow speeds provided the battery has enough charge.
Since the LC 500h is so well-equipped, only a few options and packages are available. Stand-alone options include 20- and 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, a Torsen limited-slip differential and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.
In theory, the hybrid powertrain should be a good combination because the electric motors make up for the diminished torque of the Atkinson-cycle V6 as compared to a V8. In reality, the hybrid can't keep up with the V8's extra 117 horsepower. Toting around an extra 143 pounds compared to the V8, the LC hybrid runs from 0-60 MPH in about 5.0 seconds. That's more than a second slower than an "entry-level" Porsche 911 and about half a second slower than the non-hybrid LC 500. In addition, the hybrid powertrain can't match the visceral and aural feel of the V8's "pure" horsepower. That's not to say that the LC 500h isn't fast -- because it is. It's just not the kind of fast that says, "Look at me, I am a supercar."
The unique combo automatic transmission does a solid job of approximating the feel of a traditional automatic with defined shift points. In addition, there are steering-wheel-mounted paddles that let drivers play racecar driver if they so desire. Full-throttle shifts are not as sharp as those in a true automatic, but only an expert would notice the difference.
Several different driving modes are offered via a console-mounted knob. ECO is best suited for urban driving or highway cruising. Sport and Sport + offer the best acceleration and all-around performance, but this comes with a fuel economy penalty. There is also a normal mode that tries to blend the best of the performance mode with the best of the ECO mode.
Offering only rear-wheel drive is a detriment in this class, as all but the Chevrolet Corvette offer all-wheel drive. With traction control and an available limited-slip differential, the lack of AWD isn't as big of an issue as you might expect -- considering this car's mission -- but it is noteworthy non-the-less.
The LC 500h is EPA rated at 26 MPG city, 35 MPG highway and 30 MPG overall. Those numbers are, by far, the best in the class. Most competitors have combined numbers in the high teens. Like the LC, all require premium-grade fuel. In routine suburban driving and with a light throttle foot, the LC 500h can net about 28 MPG overall. Dip a little deeper into the "go pedal" and you'll see that number drop into the lower 20s, which is still quite a bit higher than you can expect from competitors. All in all, if you seek a fuel-efficient supercar, the LC 500h is unmatched.
One area where the LC 500h matches or exceeds its competition is in the ride and handling department. With a stiff structure and adaptive suspension, the LC deftly blends road-holding prowess with luxury-car comfort. Opting for the performance-enhancing 21-inch wheels and tires, variable-ratio steering and limited-slip differential makes a big difference on the handling side, but even without those, the LC holds the road with the tenacious grip of an all-star wrestler. While it is true that a Corvette Z06 or 911 Turbo will run circles around the LC on a race track, the LC, with its grippy tires, accurate steering and powerful brakes, will meet or exceed the handling limits of 99-percent of its owners.
Those looking for a posh and cushiony ride should not be considering a super car. However, it's very possible that the LC offers the most comfortable ride in the class. The adaptive suspension does an excellent job of filtering out harsh impacts and limiting secondary body motions. In addition, the cabin is very well isolated from road and wind noise.
On the inside, the LC is pure luxury with a healthy dollop of sport. Every surface is covered in leather, suede or a similar posh material. The switchgear works with the precision of a Swiss watch. Kudos to Lexus designers for giving the LC a top-notch interior design to match the exterior's striking silhouette.
The instrument cluster is mostly conventional display with a twist of tech that allows drivers to configure the layout to best suit their mood -- sport or cruising. In addition, there's a handy head up display. The center stack boasts a large display screen for the infotainment system with just a few ancillary controls. Most in-vehicle systems are controlled by an awkward touch pad located on the center console. This is unfortunate and perhaps a bit dated in today's world or voice and touch-screen command interfaces. In addition, there is no support for Apple Car Play or Android Auto.
The form fitting front seats are extremely comfortable. Those that are a bit wider in beam might object to the seats intrusive side bolsters, but that's the price of admission in this class. Head and leg room are class leading and entry/exit better than in some smaller sports sedans. Outward visibility is what you might expect, fine to the front and limited to the rear. Still it's better than in all competitors save the 911. Though officially listed as a four-seater, the back seat is essentially useless. There's scant leg room and the deeply scalloped buckets are difficult to access.
As you might expect, the LC doesn't offer an abundance of cargo and storage space -- even less so on the 500h. Inside there's a few small open and covered storage bins and the trunk's 4.7 cubic-foot capacity trails others in the class. In addition, the lift over is quite high.
Bottom Line -- No doubt, those looking for the ultimate super-car experience should opt for the gas-only LC 500. It's a traditional sport coupe that offers blistering performance and all of the go-fast sounds that come along with it. The LC 500h is a subtler beast. It is fast and it looks every bit the part, but also offers a level technology that only a few will appreciate. If are worried about price, you can get similar performance from Lexus' own RC F and save about $40K, but you don't get the swanky design, the exclusive limited build and posh interior that's offered in the LC.
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