Flash Drive

2018 Lexus LC 500

August 5, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 coupe looks very much like the lauded concept car, but it performs like a well sorted luxury sport coupe.

Engine:5.0-liter V-8, 471 horsepower, 398 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 19-mpg combined

Base Price: $92,000

As Tested: $103,150

Performance:

Exhilarating acceleration, but docile in heavy traffic

Rapid up shifts and downshifts with paddle shifters

Rev matching downshifts with a superb exhaust note

The Lexus LC 500 Coupe is an absolute blast to drive whether on back roads or in city traffic.

Sharp, direct steering, but never tiring

Excellent brakes

Multiple driving modes: Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Custom

Traction control snow feature

Fuel economy as good as 27.1-mpg in Eco

Comfort:

Great seats with power lumbar

Heated and ventilated seats (3 variables)

Heated, contoured leather steering wheel (2 temps)

The front seats are great as is the legroom and overall comfort.

Stretch-out legroom

Ample headroom

Rear seat for small children or a dire emergency

First class interior design and execution

Utility:

Surprisingly practical for such an exotic car

Shallow, but ample trunk with flat floor

Cargo loops

Rear seat is mostly inside storage

Long, shallow door bins

Great head up display

Small locking glovebox

The dashboard and steering wheel are driver focused.

Compact console bin

WOW Factors:

Stunning, head snapping styling

Exhilarating, smile inducing performance

Lap of luxury comfort

An exhaust note to thrill any enthusiast

Great long distance comfort

Whines:

Jumpy touchpad controls too many features that would be better served by

A unique feature is the substantial diagonal grab handle between the console and dashboard for the passenger.

knobs (e.g. heated/cooled seats)

Touchpad too distracting to use while driving

Awkwardly placed emergency brake release

Overpriced carbon fiber roof option ($2,960)

Great looking 21-inch wheels, but $2,650 extra? 

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 is a stunning combination of form and function. It’s like a swoopy concept car come to production with minimal compromises. The LC 500 is an ideal grand touring car with ample room and comfort for two and a their luggage. The

The side profile illustrates how slick and low the LC 500 is, but there is ample headroom.

multiple driving modes allow easy changes from relaxed comfort to exhilarating high performance. The Lexus LC 500 is a high performance/luxury coupe that’s fun and comfortable in all situations.