2023 Lexus LC500 V-8 Coupe: A Closer Look
For 2023, this Lexus continues its sharp styling, superb quality, and V-8 power.
FRONT VIEW
The Lexus LC500 continues for 2023 and still has that V-8 power enthusiasts love so much. That sharp styling adds to the fun. Only about 2,100 are scheduled to be imported from Japan, so finding one in the showroom might be a chore. Let's take a close look.
FRONT GRILLE
Yes, the same front grille is here, and you either love it or hate it. It certainly is unique, which is a plus in today's look-alike cars.
HEADLIGHTS
These triple-beam LED headlights are a $1,250 option on other Lexus models, but standard on the LC500. We did a lot of night driving and found the performance to be excellent.
WHEELS/TIRES
The LC comes standard with 20-inch wheels. These are 21-inch forged alloy offerings that are part of the Dynamic Handling Package. This includes a limited-slip differential, variable-ratio steering, active rear steering, rear wing, carbon fiber roof, and an extra $9,570 added to the tab. As expected, the larger wheels and rubber add some stiffness to ride quality, but not enough to complain about.
ENGINE
Under the hood is a sweet 5.0 liter 471 horsepower V-8 hooked to a slick 10-speed automatic transmission. Claimed 0-60 mph time is 4.4 seconds on a good day. Gas mileage is listed at 16/19/25 mpg. This is a very smooth motor and lasts a long time with proper care. A V-6 hybrid is also listed in the inventory, with less horsepower at 345, and a higher price of about $3K more. Fuel economy is claimed to be 26/33 mpg. Very few of these are made, and difficult to find, new or used.
SHIFTER/TOUCH PAD
The LC has a traditional stick shifter on the console, or paddle shifters on the steering wheel for manual gear selection. The info screen is controlled by a finger touchpad that takes a lot of practice to operate when in motion. Above the pad are radio controls that are far easier to use.
DRIVE MODES
This knob offers six dive modes: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport, and Sport+. The steering, suspension, and shifting adjust accordingly.
GAUGES #1
As you adjust the drive mode, the gauge cluster changes its appearance. Here is what it looks like in the Normal setting.
GAUGES #2
Here is the gauge appearance in the Sport+ mode, with bright white and red illumination that can't be missed!
CLOCK
Yes, we get an analog clock with real dials. And it will be running long after the warranty expires, unlike many other brands we can think of.
POV
Storage space is limited in the cabin and that tiny trunk has little room. But this is a sports car, after all, so all is forgiven. This is especially true after going for a drive. Acceleration is brisk, and the sound of that V-8 roar is something we will never hear from any V-6! Real-world fuel economy was 15 in the city and 26/30 on long highway trips. This was using the required premium fuel of course.
PRICE
The base price of $93,450 is reasonable for a limited production car, but the options can jack the tab up in a hurry. That sharp-looking paint job is worth an extra $595. And we have to have that Mark Levinson sound system with 13 speakers. The total bill was $106,885.
The LC500 is supposed to continue for the 2024 model year, but with the urge for car makers to go electric, these types of vehicles may soon be extinct. If interested, better get yours now.
