2023 LC 500: Best Lexus of the Year! …That You Shouldn’t Buy

By Michael S. Palmer - July 19, 2023

The 2023 LC 500 remains a wonder of our times. But to get the most value, we recommend buying pre-owned or waiting for the 2024 model year. (Also, get the Convertible.)

Lexus recently, and kindly, dropped off the 2023 LC 500 for review in the wake of the 2024 LC 500’s announcement. Which sent us looking backward and forward to properly analyze the value of the 2023 model year.

The LC debuted in 2018 as Lexus’ flagship coupe. Based on the LF-LC concept vehicle with more than a few styling cues taken from the legendary LFA, the LC is a rolling work of art. And one of the last of its kind, a naturally aspirated V8-powered two-door grand tourer (GT). The base engine was, and remains, the 2UR-GSE 5.0L V8 that puts out 471 peak horsepower at 7,100 RPM. There’s also a Hybrid option. But being that it’s heavier, less powerful, and doesn’t sing the siren song of automotive angels as it roars past seven grand, we tend to ignore that one.

What do YOU think about the 2023 LC 500?
Let us know HERE in our forums!

With the “first 10-speed automatic transmission for a luxury automobile”, the LC 500 rips to 60 miles an hour in just 4.5 seconds, as measured by the manufacturer. (MotorTrend clocked a 4.8 back in the day.) To be fair, the LC is a touch underpowered compared to German luxury coupes (and American sports cars). But it’s quick enough for the GT class. Plus, the driving experience itself is wonderful, thanks to it being the “stiffest unibody Lexus has ever produced.”

Yes, the LC is “more resistant to twisting forces than even the exotic, carbon fiber-intensive LFA supercar.” Structural materials include high-strength steels, aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), and an optional visible carbon fiber roof. Again, lessons learned from the LFA but produced at a higher volume and, therefore, roughly one-third the price.

On the inside, the LC 500 was and is a sumptuous driver-focused environment. With supportive but not confining heated and ventilated seats, lovely surface materials, and “an optional reference-quality 13-speaker [sound] system tailored to the LC cabin,” the whole experience is supremely comfortable. (You know, when you aren’t listening to the burbling V8 rev-match as it downshifts.) There’s even a digital gauge cluster with a floating aluminum piece that shifts position to access more menu options.

The Problem with the 2023 LC 500

Aside from the LC 500 Convertible joining the lineup for 2020, not much has changed over the last few years. Yes, Lexus engineers are constantly improving and refining the suspension tuning. And there are a few more options here and there. And, of course, prices kept going up. But, especially from the outside, the 2023 LC 500 might as well be a 2018 model.

And while I’ve seen a few folks suggest that maybe it’s time for a front-end refresh, I still think the overall design and driving experience is a terrific one. People flock to its exterior artistry, with some even confusing it for the LFA. And the LC remains quick and sporty, but also solid and comfortable. It rips off the line, corners hard, and brakes well for a vehicle of this size. (And did we mention the V8?)

In short, the LC 500 remains a stunner. Timeless styling. Extraordinary comfort. And a performance driving experience you really can’t get anywhere else, not even from the RC F or IS 500. It is the best Lexus of the year.

But I wouldn’t recommend buying one. Not this particular model year.

Wait for the 2024 LC 500 (Or Buy Pre-Owned)

I only have one complaint about all 2018-2023 LC 500s. The touchpad interface for the infotainment and sound system. Yes, there’s wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And it sounds amazing. But this touchpad is like trying to operate a 1990s laptop while driving. Meaning, to change the audio source, select a playlist, or even turn on your heated seats, you need to swipe your finger to individually toggle through selections.

And, frankly, it’s a nightmare. How could a car that costs this much make it so challenging to do almost everything?

Fortunately, Lexus has updated the LC for the 2024 model year. The touchpad has been retired and, in its place, a Lexus Interface touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Now, to be fair, touchscreens can be a pain too. And the new dash loses a touch of elegance. But it’s going to be remarkably better. And, so even though the LC’s base MSRP went up again, we recommend waiting for the 2024 model year.

It’s going to be the best LC so far, if only because it deletes the vehicle’s one major flaw. Everything that we already loved, plus a touch of needed convenience along with new color, wheel, and special edition options to boot.

That being said, the LC is finally hitting the age where it might actually be best to snag a pre-owned LC. Yes, the radio will be a hassle at times. But at five years old, you can find 2018 models in the upper $60K, low $70K range with under 40,000 miles. So that’s a pretty great way to enjoy a flagship that has, in most ways, remained unchanged for half a decade.

Although, I do have one more piece of advice.

Convertible? Always

The LC 500 Coupe is the better handler. I drove one on track at Lexus Performance Driving School, and it was all the fun in the world. But cruising around in the 2023 coupe really made me miss the 2021+ Convertible. It’s a touch slower, of course. But it makes up for its added heft by improving the soundtrack! (Did you guys know it has a V8?)

Perhaps that’s a silly way to approach things. But in the modern automotive landscape, ever-evolving toward smaller displacement engines and/or electrification, Lexus offers a unique, high-revving dual overhead cam V8 that’s tuned with a unique exhaust (that sounds WAY better than the RC and IS) and a rev-matching transmission.

But, in the Coupe, you’re getting a lesser experience in terms of overall immersion.

The LC 500 Convertible is like going to one of those premium IMAX or Dolby Cinema theaters with 800-speaker surround sound systems. An experience that makes the LC feel more alive. That makes driver and passenger feel more involved in the world. In short, it’s a superior way to experience everything the LC has to offer, all at once. (Plus, there are neck heaters for cold days, sooooooo, there’s that too.)

Joking aside, the LC 500 in all forms and model years is a literal wonder of our times. Unique and classy and beautiful and fun. If you can experience one, please do so before it’s too late.