Overview

THE striking Lexus LC500 coupe and convertible have been around for nearly eight years, and likely won’t be around much longer due to legislative imposts and almost non-existent sales. In sampling the LC500h coupe this week, we reckon that’s a massive pity.

With its parallel hybrid 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and integrated dual electric motor/generators the 500h delivers a substantial 264kW/500Nm – all while using as little as 6.7 litres of standard unleaded each 100km travelled.

Electrons are provided by a lithium-ion battery while drive to the rear axles is via a specially developed four-speed auto/CVT hybrid transmission that mimics a conventional 10-speed auto.

The LC500h is priced from $215,360 plus on-road costs, running it against the likes of BMW’s 840i (from $197,100) and the slightly smaller Mercedes-Benz CLE 53 (from $158,900). Some suggest the LC500h may even be a competitor for the cheaper Chevrolet Corvette (from $182,000) … but we’ll reserve our opinion on that one for now.

The LC500h Coupe is an imposing 2020kg rear-wheel-drive tourer with a 2+2 seating configuration and concept-car styling. Despite being penned earlier this century, the vehicle remains an absolute stunner from all angles with a stance to die for.

We love its huge 21-inch forged alloy wheels, crouching ride height, arcing roofline, broad haunches and aggressive front façade... yes folks, it’s a looker from every angle.

The LC range was upgraded last year with a connected services technology suite offered in conjunction with the latest Lexus multimedia system, additional safety features, upgraded 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and ADAS additions.

The model’s dynamic radar cruise control was enhanced with greater detection capabilities and expanded to include speed sign recognition. Curve speed reduction is also added, suppressing vehicle speed in the event an upcoming corner requires a reduction in pace.

The previously optional Torsen limited-slip differential and high-grade disc brakes are now included as standard as is a carbon-fibre roof.

MY24 500h Coupe models now include the Enhancement Pack with dynamic rear wheel steering, active rear wing, variable gear ratio steering, carbon fascia and other inclusions as standard fare.

Luxury features are as expected starting with tan leather and suede upholstery in the test car with electric assistance to most functions, heated/ventilated seats, head-up display, multiple drive modes, keyless entry and ignition, and dual-zone climate control

Driving Impressions

The LC500h may not have the chutzpah of the V8, but offers other benefits including the same styling, conscience-salving lower fuel consumption and emissions, available silent electric running and limo-like smoothness and refinement.

Five drive modes can change the vehicle’s character from Sport through to Comfort and Eco all clearly defined by how it behaves. We chose to use Normal or Sport modes for general driving and left it at that.

Though designed to impact as lightly on the environment as possible, the big Lexus coupe can lift its skirts and sprint hard when desired.

It doesn’t have the visceral roar of the “big cannon” petrol V8 but instead we would describe its “voice” as something akin to an electric high-speed machine gun when the wick is turned up.

It is not cringe-worthy in the slightest and in-fact seems totally in character with a hybridised GT car.

As one might expect, strong performance is available from the get-go due in part to the electric motors delivering max torque from zero combining with the wailing petrol V6 that smoothly chimes in with more thrust.

Paddle shift enhances driver engagement but leaving it in D achieves a similar outcome.

On test, we attained a creditable 7.9 litres per 100km with the help of regenerative braking and decel’ function but one pedal driving is not available on the Lexus as it doesn’t allow for varying regen’ levels.

Against the clock, we achieved a 0-100km/h sprint in a snip over 5.0 seconds aided by the car’s wide, sticky rear tyres. But brute acceleration isn’t what the LC500h is about. It is a Grand Tourer through and through, covering long-distance, high-speed runs with aplomb.

It rides on double wishbone suspension all round that benefits dynamics hugely as each wheel maintains accurate contact with the tarmac regardless of speed or g forces, qualified by “to a point” due to the car’s weight which ultimately tells against it in the curvy stuff. 

Steering is surprisingly crisp for a hefty car thanks to the active rear steering and Torsen diff’ that has a torque vectoring function apportioning drive left- or right grip dependent.

Braking is capably handled by large diameter discs with six piston callipers at the front and four at the rear.

It can be driven carefully in EV mode though not for long distances as the lithium-ion battery’s size is a limiter.

Did we say we loved the cockpit, sports steering wheel, multiple analogue buttons, retractable rear wing and the carbon fibre scuff plates…?

We didn’t not like the annoying camera view that pops up when the car comes to a halt.

The superfluous feature shows on screen what you are looking at with your eyes in front or through the rear-view mirror and overrides any satnav destination directions or info’ you might have selected.

Apart from corner speed control on “cruise” that is just a hindrance, thankfully the LC500h’s other ADAS isn’t too intrusive but annoyingly still taps you on the shoulder at inopportune times which is better than many other new cars that actually take control...

We enjoyed sitting in the lush front seats, listening to the “phat” sound system, being pampered by the finely controlled climate control all the while whisking along in near silence.

With next to no legroom, the rear seats are almost useless, and the small boot is OK for a couple of small bags, toothbrushes, and soft items.

We feel it’s a shame that this car is likely soon for the chopping block as it is built to an exemplary standard, looks incredible even after all this time, goes like the clappers, envelopes its occupants in abject luxury and yet sips petrol at a slow rate…

And you don’t even have to plug the bugger in!