PROS ›› Gorgeous design, excellent engine, high-end inside CONS ›› Annoying cameras, costly, might be louder
By most automotive business requirements, the Lexus LC500 is virtually a basic now. Come January, it is going to have been a full decade because it first turned heads on the 2016 Detroit Auto Present, a milestone that feels surreal in in the present day’s fast-paced automotive world.
Whereas it’s not completely unparalleled for automobiles to nonetheless be round a decade after launching, the Nissan GT-R, as an illustration, was round even longer, the LC is uncommon as a result of in that point, it hasn’t obtained a major facelift to freshen it up.
And someway, it nonetheless works. The LC500 stays some of the stunning automobiles on sale, and after spending time with the newest model, it feels extra related than ever.
For all intents and functions, the LC500 is a automotive that has defied time and is all the higher for it. In a world the place new EVs are routinely hitting the market and automobiles with naturally aspirated V8s have change into far and few between, it stands out from all different grand tourers in the marketplace.
QUICK FACTS
Photographs Brad Anderson/Carscoops
What Retains It Timeless?
It’s been six and a half years since I first fell in love with the LC500 after residing with a Zinnia Yellow instance for every week. So, when Lexus Australia provided me the possibility to drive the 2025 mannequin, I jumped on the alternative, desirous to see how the two-door has aged and the way it now stacks up in opposition to the competitors.
For essentially the most half, the LC recipe has remained remarkably constant because it first hit the market. It’s nonetheless powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 (except you go for the not-so-exciting LC500h hybrid), and continues to muscle out 471 hp (351 kW) at 7,100 rpm and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm. There’s additionally the acquainted 10-speed automated transmission and rear-wheel drive.
In Australia, costs for the 2025 LC500 begin at A$227,164 ($147,400), though the mannequin we examined additionally included the Enhancement Pack 1, including dynamic rear steering, variable gear ratio steering, and an lively spoiler. It additionally included a carbon fiber roof, 10-way power-adjustable entrance seats, carbon fiber scuff plates, and extra leather-based and Alcantara all through the inside.
Complete price: AU$243,514 ($158,000). Expensive, sure, but it surely feels each bit the occasion it ought to. U.S. patrons will see a beginning determine of $101,700.
Lexus has been smart to depart the outside design of the LC500 largely untouched since its introduction, however has made some minor upgrades to the inside over time.
Photographs Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Cabin Updates
Essentially the most important of those adjustments got here in 2024 when Lexus deserted the complicated heart console trackpad of earlier fashions and fitted a brand new infotainment with a 12.3-inch show.
This was arguably the one replace that wanted to be made to the cabin to maintain it feeling recent, and it’s a welcome inclusion. Sadly, the larger display has compelled Lexus to ditch the – fairly elegant – analog sprint clock.
Very like present Toyota fashions, the infotainment software program of the newest LC500 is kind of primary, however the touchscreen does at the very least reply rapidly to inputs. It additionally comes normal with wi-fi Apple CarPlay, however sadly, solely wired Android Auto.
Elsewhere, there’s the identical digital instrument cluster we’re aware of, together with the LFA-inspired central gauge that may slide sideways on the press of a button.
The match and end of the inside is completely excellent. It could be previous, but it surely stays the highest-quality cabin of any present Lexus mannequin. There’s a pleasant steering wheel with steel paddle shifters, plush leather-based draped throughout the dashboard, door panels, and heart console, and devoted local weather management buttons, which have gotten more and more uncommon within the fashionable world.
Learn: Lexus Future Lineup Consists of Supercar Speeds And An SUV That May Substitute Fuel Big
The seats are sensible, offering the right quantity of thigh and aspect bolstering to maintain you locked in place throughout spirited drives whereas remaining comfy on the freeway.
Enhancements have additionally been made to the 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that make it sound even higher than earlier than. Admittedly, I can’t testify to its high quality as I didn’t use all of it that a lot, as I most popular to hearken to the V8’s symphony as a substitute.
One characteristic I didn’t like was the parking cameras. Each time I got here to a cease at an intersection or a crimson gentle, the infotainment show would swap to the digital camera view – and, annoyingly, I couldn’t discover a setting to disable it.
There are additionally two rear seats, however they’re so small that they’re virtually ineffective for carrying passengers for any significant distance.
Photographs Brad Anderson/Carscoops
As Good As Ever To Drive
It’ll come as no shock to listen to that the 5.0-liter mill dominates the driving expertise. There are solely a handful of automobiles with naturally aspirated V8s left, and spending every week with one solely makes us happier that studies of the ICE’s demise seem to have been vastly exaggerated.
Not like the eight-cylinder you’ll discover in a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Corvette, the engine of this Japanese V8 sounds extra refined and fewer animalistic, little doubt partially to the truth that Yamaha helped develop it.
Down low, it has a beautiful unique bellow extra akin to a V8 with a flat-plane crank, slightly than one with a extra conventional cross-plane crank. Construct the revs, and the 2UR delivers an intoxicating metallic howl, making the LC500 an absolute hoot to drive.
Throughout my time with the LC500, I spent various time navigating suburban streets and was significantly impressed with simply how effectively it dealt with them. The journey is barely firmer than I keep in mind, most likely as a result of Lexus added new entrance and rear underfloor braces to enhance structural rigidity as a part of the 2024MY replace.
Aiding within the poise and maneuverability of the LC500 is the rear-wheel steering and variable-ratio steering included with the Enhancement Pack 1. At low speeds, the steering is extremely direct, solely requiring small inputs to make large adjustments on the highway. It’s completely weighted, too, whatever the type of driving.
After all, the Lexus thrives on the open highway and proved to be the right dance associate alongside Victoria’s well-known Nice Ocean Highway. The corporate quotes a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.7 seconds.
Though the perfect I used to be capable of obtain was 5.3 seconds, it by no means feels prefer it’s craving for extra energy. Nonetheless, I used to be left questioning what the LC500 would really feel like if it have been supercharged, or if the long-rumored twin-turbo V8 LC F did change into a actuality.
Photograph Credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The engine revs by way of to 7,300 rpm and performs greatest when taken near its redline. Maintain the throttle buried into the carpet and the 5.0-liter begins to howl whereas the 10-speed automated transmission rattles of adjustments with precision.
It is probably not as fast as a dual-clutch, but it surely’s greater than quick sufficient. Its low-speed poise and smoothness are additionally far superior to any DCT on the market, completely complementing the V8.
Then there’s the sound. Oh, the sound… Get the LC warmed up and the exhaust delivers some satisfying cracks throughout upshifts and downshifts. Echoing off freeway underpasses and tunnels, the sound envelops your soul, encouraging you to pin the throttle all day lengthy.
If I’ve the slightest criticism is that it might be slightly louder. Fortunately, there are many aftermarket exhaust choices on the market.
Whereas the LC500 is a grand tourer and suggestions the scales at a hefty 1,910 kg (4,210 lbs), it handles much better and is far more dynamic than you could count on.
The superb steering, mixed with the hunkered-down journey and the sticky Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires of our take a look at automotive, permit it to morph from a snug cruiser to a sports activities automotive that thrives alongside sweeping bends and hairpins. It feels manner lighter than it truly is.
Gasoline effectivity probably gained’t be of curiosity for these available in the market for an LC500. For the document, Lexus quotes a consumption determine of 11.6 l/100 km (20.2 US mpg). I used to be capable of common 13.5 l/100 km (17.4 US mpg), which isn’t unhealthy in any respect. Whereas cruising on the freeway, it’s attainable to common as little as 7.5 l/100 km (31.3 US mpg).
Verdict
There’ll most likely by no means be something just like the LC500. Screaming V8s are rapidly dying and manufacturing of the LC may finish subsequent yr. Whereas Toyota seems poised to launch a strong sports activities automotive, that can considerably fill the void of the LC and can provide extra efficiency, it is going to probably price extra too.
So, in case you’re available in the market for a GT with timeless unique seems, an ideal inside, and confirmed Japanese reliability, get an LC earlier than it’s too late. Both that or begin looking the classifieds for a low-mileage one, because it may change into fairly helpful sooner or later.
