2025 Lexus LC

The Lexus LC made its debut in 2017 as a bold, grand tourer, showcasing Lexus's commitment to blending luxury with performance. Built on the GA-L platform, it was the brand's first vehicle to use this architecture, which also underpins the LS sedan. While the LC has received incremental updates over the years, its core design remains largely unchanged, with the 2025 model introducing tech and chassis refinements rather than a full redesign. The LC seats four passengers and is available in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible. It competes with high-end luxury performance cars like the BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and Porsche 911, each offering their own take on style and speed.

For 2025, the LC lineup includes the LC 500 and the LC 500h hybrid. The LC 500 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 471 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The LC 500h combines a 3.5-liter V6 with a multi-stage hybrid system for a total of 354 horsepower, also driving the rear wheels. Performance enhancements for 2025 include improved chassis rigidity and available sport packages with features like a Torsen limited-slip differential and performance dampers.

Pricing for the 2025 Lexus LC starts at approximately $99,250 for the LC 500 coupe, $102,400 for the LC 500h, and around $106,450 for the convertible, excluding destination charges. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a panoramic view monitor. Available options span from a Mark Levinson 13-speaker surround sound system to carbon fiber roof panels, head-up display, and a Bespoke Build package that allows for unique color and trim combinations. With its blend of craftsmanship, technology, and expressive design, the LC remains a standout in the luxury coupe and convertible segment.

The 2025 Lexus LC 500 with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 delivers a visceral driving experience, pairing 471 horsepower with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts crisply and intuitively. Acceleration is brisk, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.6 seconds, accompanied by a deep, throaty exhaust note that adds to the drama. The transmission responds well to both relaxed cruising and aggressive throttle inputs, offering smooth gear changes in Comfort mode and sharp, rev-matched downshifts in Sport S+. While not the quickest in its class, the LC 500's passing power is strong and predictable, making highway maneuvers effortless. 

The LC 500h hybrid takes a more nuanced approach to performance, blending a 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery for a combined 354 horsepower. It uses a multi-stage hybrid transmission that mimics traditional gear shifts, delivering a surprisingly engaging drive for a hybrid. The 0-60 mph sprint clocks in at about 4.7 seconds, nearly matching the V8's pace, though the sensation is more serene than aggressive. The hybrid system excels in smoothness, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power, and the transmission provides a refined, responsive feel under both light and heavy throttle. Passing response is confident, especially in Sport mode.

Offering only rear-wheel drive is a detriment in this class. Still, 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 none-the-less.

The 2025 Lexus LC lineup offers two distinct approaches to fuel economy, depending on whether you opt for the V8 or the hybrid. The LC 500 V8 is rated at an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city / 25 MPG highway / 19 MPG combined, and it requires premium gasoline. With a 21.7-gallon fuel tank, the V8 model delivers a total range of approximately 412 miles under ideal conditions. In contrast, the LC 500h hybrid is significantly more efficient, earning 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway / 29 MPG combined. It also runs on premium fuel and features a slightly larger 22.2-gallon tank, giving it an impressive range of up to 733 miles on the highway.

In real-world driving, owners of the LC 500 V8 typically report fuel economy numbers that hover around 17-20 mpg, depending on driving habits and conditions. The hybrid LC 500h tends to meet or slightly exceed its EPA estimates in mixed driving, with many drivers seeing 30+ mpg in everyday use. The hybrid's regenerative braking and electric assist help it shine in stop-and-go traffic, while the V8's thirstier nature is offset by its thrilling performance and soundtrack. 

One area where the LC 500 matches or exceeds its competition is in the ride comfort equation. With a significantly stiffer structure for 2025 and adaptive suspension, the LC (both coupe and convertible) 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 racetrack, the LC, with its grippy tires, accurate steering and powerful brakes, will meet or exceed the roadholding requirements, and likely skill levels, of 99-percent of its owners.

Those looking for a posh and cushiony ride really 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. One exception should be noted, put the drive selector in Sport + and the exhaust and engine noise ratchet up to Who-concert levels. Appropriate for the moment, but not likely appreciated on longer highway drives.  

The convertible has a very stiff structure that virtually eliminates the cowl shake and rattles that are so common in many convertibles. The power-operated top puts on quite a show when in operation as it goes through its various gyrations. The seal is quite good with the top up and the wind blocker does an excellent job of reducing buffeting at highway speeds with the top down.

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 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system with just a few ancillary controls. Other than the climate controls, most in-vehicle systems are controlled by that touchscreen. This is unfortunate because the screen is a long reach for both driver and passenger. 

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.

Cargo space in the Lexus LC is limited, as you'd expect from a luxury grand tourer focused more on style and performance than utility. The LC 500 coupe offers 5.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while the LC 500h hybrid sacrifices some of that for its battery, dropping to 4.7 cubic feet. The LC convertible has the smallest trunk of the trio at just 3.4 cubic feet, due to the space taken up by the folding soft top. The rear seats in all LC models are fixed and do not fold down, which limits cargo flexibility. Interior storage is modest and the cupholders are all but useless. 

Bottom Line -- Lexus' LC 500 is first and foremost a grand touring super car. Sexy styling and limited availability make it exclusive. However, the day-to-day roadability of this car make it truly amazing. It will tool along all day in rush-hour traffic and doesn't beat you up with a buck-board ride. Crack the whip, and the LC jumps to attention, providing strong acceleration and excellent road manners. 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.