Flash Drive

2023 Lexus LC 500h Coupe

December 26, 2023 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2023 Lexus LC 500h Coupe

The 2023 Lexus LC500h coupe is super sleek and stylish combination of performance, comfort, and hybrid efficiency.

Engine: 3.5-liter liter gas/electric V-6, 354 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 26-mpg city,33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined

Base Price: $99,450

As Tested: $115,160

Performance:

Strong, powerful engine but not as powerful as V-8 model

Auto downshifts

Smooth linear power application especially in Sport mode

The Lexus LC500h is a great driver’s car that makes miles disappear with comfort and fun.

Hybrid fuel economy wasn’t great–our best was 25.1-mpg highway

Excellent, confident handling without being harsh

A pleasure to drive on long trips

Great brakes

Comfort:

Very high luxury content interior

Outstanding very supportive seats

Heated and cooled (3 temps) front seats

Power lumbar support

The rear 3/4 view is as striking as the front view.

Super stretch-out legroom

Very nice extra thick contoured heated leather steering wheel

Stylish interior, great attention to details

Utility:

Not a utility vehicle

Small trunk

Excellent head up display

Limited interior small item spaces

WOW Factors:

Stunning high impact styling

Driver and front passenger space and comfort are outstanding.

A car you always turn around to look at when parked

Impressive luxury content

Excellent sporty handling but non-jarring

Whines:

Sticker shock

Items like carbon deck spoiler overpriced/unnecessary

The hybrid feature seemed superfluous

Dated touchpad

Rear seats of the 2+2 coupe are better for coats or small items than passengers.

Zero rear legroom

Bottom Line:

The 2023 Lexus LC 500h Coupe is an aspirational car, the kind of car you would buy after winning a lottery. The coupe styling is stunning and interior comfort and style are excellent for two people. The back seat is best for stowing coats or snacks on a long trip. Even children would be challenged to sit there. As an expensive impractical sports/luxury car the hybrid feature seemed superfluous–the fuel savings didn’t make sense. We much preferred the non-hybrid V-8-powered LC 500 Coupe. If you desire economy buy a Toyota Prius Prime. If you want

The Lexus LC500h Coupe looks fast even when parked.

style, luxury, comfort, and grand touring excellence buy a Lexus LC 500 Coupe V-8.