The V-8 Powered Future Classic You Won’t Regret Buying

While Lexus has long stamped its authority with reliable, luxurious sedans and crossovers, the Lexus LC showcases its flair for creating an emotive driving experience. Heralding back to the iconic stature of the incredible LFA supercar, the LC has gracefully evolved since its 2018 debut, exuding a poised confidence that’s both modern and timeless.

It’s not just the aesthetics that captivate, but also the heart beneath. Though its sleek exterior might hint at aggressive sportsmanship, the LC leans more toward grandeur. It’s a car designed for those unhurried drives where the journey is as important, if not more than the destination.

Competing with stalwarts like the LC500-rivaling BMW M850i and TopSpeed’s best sports car of 2024, the Porsche 911, the LC carves its niche by prioritizing elegance and comfort. Inside, it cocoons you in a space tailored for both prolonged drives and everyday errands. And for the enthusiasts looking to make a statement, the Inspiration Series returns.

Bridging Classic Power And Modern Efficiency

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While automakers rush to meet stricter emissions standards, the Lexus LC500 refuses to apologize for its old-school approach. Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that churns out 471 horsepower, launching this grand tourer from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The trade-off for all that power? Fuel economy takes a hit at 18 mpg combined.

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For those wanting the best of both worlds, the LC500h hybrid makes a compelling case. This variant pairs a 3.5-liter V6 with dual electric motors for a combined 354 horsepower output. Performance stays competitive with a 4.8-second sprint to 60 mph, while fuel efficiency jumps significantly to 26 city and 33 highway mpg.

2025 Lexus LC500 Specifications

Both models prioritize performance and ride comfort, with the LC500 showcasing exemplary balance and minimal body roll, even on impressive 21-inch wheels. And while additional performance packages enhance responsiveness, the base model provides a genuinely tactile experience for purists.

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Available in coupe or convertible styles, the LC500, with its resonating engine notes, is a call to those who cherish a symphony of power. Yet, competitors like the Porsche 911 and BMW 8 Series ensure the luxury car market remains fiercely contested.

Timeless Beauty Meets Road Mastery

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The Lexus LC takes a timeless approach to design rather than chasing whatever’s trendy. Its bold exterior styling comes in several eye-catching colors, while the cabin combines premium materials with modern technology, including a recently updated 12.3-inch touchscreen that finally replaces the old touchpad system that frustrated so many drivers.

TopSpeed | Garret Donahue

The LC500’s V8 engine delivers more than just power—it produces one of the best exhaust notes in the luxury coupe segment. While it might not post the fastest acceleration times compared to some competitors, the LC prioritizes the overall driving experience over pure speed. This grand tourer excels on long highway stretches and twisty back roads alike, with the convertible version being especially well-suited for scenic mountain drives.

TopSpeed | Garret Donahue

Lexus offers an Inspiration Series model finished in Polar Surge Satin white with blue leather upholstery for buyers wanting something extra special. The Bespoke Build program takes customization even further, allowing owners to specify details like carbon-fiber roof panels or unique convertible top colors to make their LC truly one-of-a-kind.

Inside The LC500: Luxury With Practicality

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The Lexus LC500’s interior is nothing short of artistry. Its exquisite Japanese craftsmanship reflects in every corner, transforming the car into an oasis of luxury. Dive deeper, and you’ll discover:

• Driver-Centric Design: The driving position is impeccable, complemented by top-tier front seats. The optional sports seats not only look chic but also excel in supporting your back.
• Craftsmanship and Technology: While the overall ambiance echoes the vehicle’s futuristic aesthetic, a few aspects, like the unique electronic shift lever, may need a tad adjustment period.
• Storage Quirks: The trunk, though compact at 5 cubic feet, beat competitors like the Porsche 911. Yet, it’s the rear seats that might come to your rescue for extra baggage. The cabin lacks ample small-item storage, making things like phone access a tad cumbersome.
• Visibility and Accessibility: The car’s sleek profile doesn’t compromise forward visibility. However, its design nuances may pose slight challenges during parking. Thanks to the blind-spot monitoring system, lane changes are less worrisome.
• Ergonomic Challenges: The touchpad infotainment interface can be a bit distracting, and the rear seats, though present, are best suited for additional storage than passengers.

The LC500 is a luxurious haven, but it comes with its quirks, particularly when it comes to storage and accessibility. It’s ideal for a duo ready to embrace the journey with minimal baggage.

Tech And Safety Highlights Of The 2024 Lexus LC

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In the Lexus LC, the fusion of innovative technology with driver-focused safety takes center stage. Beneath the surface of luxury, the latest LC boasts a revamped 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, promoting a more intuitive user experience.

No longer confined to the confines of a trackpad as of the 2024 model year, this system efficiently incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though its competitors may offer flashy interfaces, Lexus keeps it streamlined with voice commands capable of natural language processing – simplifying interactions from radio adjustments to navigation prompts. All of these aspects combine to play a pivotal role in why many consider the Lexus LC500 to be one of the best sporty cars that make great daily drivers.

TopSpeed | Garret Donahue

Tech

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Built-in navigation on a subscription basis
• Multiple USB ports for device recharging
• 12-speaker standard audio, with an available 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium system
• Reconfigurable digital display in the gauge cluster
• Optional head-up display

Safety

• Traffic-adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance and lane departure warning
• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more
• Parking sensors as standard
• Eight airbags for hardtop models and six for convertibles
• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

Warranty

• Limited warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain: six years or 70,000 miles
• Hybrid components: eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance: one year or 10,000 miles

The Lexus LC Is Unlike Most Sports Cars For Sale At The Moment

There is a market aimed at comfortable cruisers that pack heaps of power; especially contenders from Europe. The aforementioned cars like the BMW 8 Series and Porsche 911 spring to mind, but also the Mercedes-Benz SL, or more expensive grand touring sports cars like the Aston Martin Vantage and Bentley Continental GT.

Although these cars are impressive, none of them possess the same set of unique characteristics that the LC does, and this is a major reason why the Lexus sportscar has the makings of a future classic.

As illustrated above, the Lexus LC500 is in no way the leader of the performance car pack. Although it’s not the only new car that packs a V-8 engine, it does have the only naturally aspirated V-8. Admittedly, the Ford Mustang GT also houses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8. However, the Coyote V-8 found in the Mustang and the 2UR-GSE used in the LC500 are two completely different machines with two different target audiences.

In nearly all aspects, the Lexus LC500 falls behind its competitors, but it has redeemable traits as well. The LC500’s exterior is nothing like any of these cars mentioned, it sounds menacing, has an interior fit for a king, and most importantly, it is the most affordable of the bunch.

A Luxe Journey Begins At $101,700

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For the 2026 model year, the LC 500 starts out at $101,700 and maxes out with an MSRP of $121,250 for the Inspiration Series. It’s also available in convertible form, which starts out at $109.200, a considerable increase, though the LC500 Convertible Inspiration Series currently starts out over $1,000 cheaper than the Inspiration coupe with a starting price of $120,150.

The value truly shines when paired with the Touring package – sumptuous semi-aniline leather seats, the gentle embrace of a faux-suede headliner, the orchestral precision of a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and practical touches like a de-icing windshield wiper. And let’s not forget the warmth of a heated steering wheel on chilly mornings.

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At the moment, the Lexus LC market is losing value by the day. That said, all cars tend to depreciate at first. However, in the long run, a car’s unique characteristics make it go up in value again. The chances of finding a car that features the LC’s concept car-like design language, Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, and nearly extinct engine type are very slim. These things make you almost overlook its six-figure price tag.