A Look at the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Hybrid

LC 500h Hybrid

When it comes to engineering and quality, Lexus has always been top-notch. However, in the styling department, Lexus has had its fair share of critics. The Lexus LC 500 coupe hopes to erase that criticism. This is certainly one of the better-looking sports machines on the road. The LC generates lots of attention wherever it goes.

Luxurious Cabin

Since Lexus reserved their best styling exercise for their top of the line car, it should be no surprise the price of admission is high. The pricing for the LC500h starts out at $96,510. With options like $1,440 for 21-inch forged wheels, $900 for heads-up display, $1,220 for upgraded Mark Levinson sound system, and $390 for a limited-slip differential, the cost can easily shoot up above $100K. The $5,960 performance package offers power sport seats, carbon fiber roof, active rear steering, and electric rear spoiler that raises or lowers depending on speed.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC500h right here in Club Lexus.

3.5 liters with 354 horsepower

The base LC 500 comes with a 471 horsepower V-8 that reaches 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, but it drinks fuel at 16 mpg in city commuting. This LC 500h hybrid version has an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city, 35 on the highway, and 30 mpg overall. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine puts out 295 horsepower, but combined with the electric motors, overall horsepower comes up to 354. Claimed 0-60 time is still brisk at 4.7 seconds. With 6-piston 16-inch brakes in the front and 4-piston 14-inch discs on the rear, this car decelerates as quick as it accelerates.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC500h right here in Club Lexus.

The select knob provides various driving modes

The interior is a nice place to be, with a sea of the finest leather trim ever seen in a Lexus. To keep it looking that way, I prohibited anyone from bringing drinks or food into the cabin. This is NOT a car you eat burgers and fries in! On the dash is a knob that offers six program modes; ECO, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. There is also a separate knob to press for driving in snow.

The transmission provides 10 forward gears, but those who like to shift manually will be pleased to find paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. This means the paddles are always at the drivers’ fingertips, even when the wheel is turned in tight corners. This is a better location than some other car makers that put paddle shifters on the steering column that can only be reached when driving in a straight line. Lexus got it right.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC500h right here in Club Lexus.

Limited production ensures exclusive ownership

Lexus says only 4,500 LC 500 cars will be offered in the US market for the 2018 model year, and only 1,000 will be this hybrid version. With the immaculate quality, the limited production number assures that buyers are getting an exclusive vehicle.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC500h right here in Club Lexus.

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