2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe — Beauty and Brawn in a Highly Refined Coupe

Model tested: 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

Engine: 5-liter V8

Transmission: 10-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 471

Torque: 398 lb.-ft.

EPA ratings: 16/city, 24/highway, 18/combined

Base price: $97,700

As tested: $107,105

Overview: The 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe isn’t a car you need — it’s a car you want. It’s a piece of rolling art. You don’t simply park it and walk away — you keep looking back over your shoulder, admiring its crisp, graceful lines. The Lexus LC 500 is available in both coupe and convertible models but we prefer the sleeker coupe styling. And besides, the interior is so luxurious, why let traffic noise intrude?

Walkaround: The 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe has to be one of the most handsome vehicles to ever roll out of a Toyota/Lexus styling studio. It’s at once sleek and athletic, tastefully muscular but not a showoff. All its lines seem refined and purposefully placed, not tacked on or gimmicky. The wedge-like shape looks fast even when parked. The Lexus LC 500 Coupe looks more chiseled than merely stamped out on an assembly line. Panel fit and finish are precise.

Interior: The Lexus LC 500 Coupe is ostensibly a four-seater — but don’t believe it. The cramped backseat is fine for coats and soft luggage. A Dachshund would complain about the lack of legroom. Front-seat legroom and all other appendage parameters are excellent. The LC 500 is a sport and touring car, with a major emphasis on touring, so driver and passenger comfort are paramount. Two subtle integrated handholds reassure nervous passengers. Small-item storage could be better and the rear seats don’t fold. Trunk space is reasonable but not for steamer trunks. Fit, finish and material quality are as expected on a six-figure luxury/performance coupe.

Behind the wheel: Refined high performance is an apt description of the LC 500 driving experience. The 5-liter V8 sounds and performs like a muscular V8 but one that’s been to finishing school. Acceleration is strong when wanted and calm for extended cruising. Handling is crisp, athletic and secure but not harsh or edgy. The smooth, 10-speed automatic shifts quickly. The exhaust is authoritative when pressed but mellow when cruising.

Bottom line: The 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe is an aspirational car — most likely one of several luxury-grade vehicles owned by a successful enthusiast who understands why refined excellence costs disproportionately more than simple functionality. In basic terms, any car is a “point A to point B” conveyance but for those who can afford a Lexus LC 500 Coupe, its art exceeds its utilitarian value.