2021 LEXUS LC 500 COUPE

Lexus recently provided us with details of its LC Coupe and Convertible. Now they?ve just given us a Coupe to road test for a week. As a team we thoroughly enjoyed it and details follow.

STYLING
Long and low with a shape which is definitely coupe, not lowered sedan in appearance, the very definite narrowing at the waist is a real feature. The grille is very positive and the headlights lead well back into the guards. The air scoops ahead of the rear wheels are beautifully integrated into the lower side panels and follow the shape of the doors.

Altogether, the Lexus LC 500 Coupe is well-presented and executed.

INTERIOR
The dash area is neat and simple with large sporting instruments in a binnacle, a wide infotainment horizontal central screen, and there’s an elegant way the dash area is integrated with the far side of the car.

A steering-wheel heater is now standard along with an ‘easy access’ front seat slide function to further aid front and rear seat ingress and egress.

INFOTAINMENT
The LC 500 has a 10.3-inch display, enhanced voice recognition, satellite navigation with SUNA Live Traffic information, Lexus Enform connected mobility works with compatible Apple and Android smartphones. Setting that all off is Siri Eyes Free and Miracast.

A bespoke Mark Levinson 13-speaker premium sound system was developed specially for the LC 500.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine in the LC 500 mates with a revised transmission set-up to maximise responsiveness. Enhanced logic patterns for the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic means it upshifts at higher engine speed when 60 to 70 per cent throttle is applied.

The LC 500h’s is now able to downshift to second gear (previously third) when braking in Sport S and Sport S+ modes to give more immediate acceleration.

SAFETY
Lexus LC Lexus Safety System+ includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision safety system, lane keeping assist and sway warning. There’s also blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and reversing camera.

DRIVING
For 2021 the front and rear coil springs have been strengthened and the shock-absorber lengthened. The standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has been modified to improve linear response and control.

Rear roll rigidity distribution has been revised, making it easier for the driver to feel the LC’s posture through corners and assist with more accurate line-tracing capability. The LC 500 now has Yamaha-developed performance dampers.

Newly standard on LC is Active Cornering Assist (ACA), which utilises the vehicle stability control to provide subtle braking of the inside wheels during high-G cornering, helping to create a natural and neutral cornering feel for the driver.

The front seats are well shaped and provide support during cornering, but not to an excessive extent. This is after all a high-speed cruiser, not an out-and-out sportscar.

Rear seats are a reasonable size but unless those in front are willing to power their seats a fair way forward there’s very little legroom.

The 5.0-litre V8 is a real delight to sit behind. It has virtually instantaneous response. An exhaust sound-control valves gives it a healthy growl and a racecar like fast idle at startup.

We spent most of our time in the Sport and Sports+ plus modes as otherwise the LC feels too refined for our tastes.

Handling is tenacious, with more grip than most owner are ever likely to want. There’s 52 / 48 percent weight distribution for excellent balance. The feel through the steering is pretty good, though we have felt better in this class. Again, this might be because it’s a quick cruiser not a quick bruiser.

SUMMING UP
The first ever Lexus LC Convertible will come to Australia within the next few months and we’ve already got our name on the list to borrow one – can?t wait.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
LC 500 Luxury Coupe: $194,757
LC 500h Luxury Coupe: $195,165
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus LC 500 Luxury 5.0-litre V8 petrol two-door coupe)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 4.969 litres
Configuration: V8
Maximum Power: 351 kW @ 7100 rpm
Maximum Torque: 540 Nm @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 11.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 267 g/km

DRIVELINE: 10-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4770 mm
Wheelbase: 2870 mm
Width: 1920 mm
Height: 1345 mm
Turning Circle: 10.8metres
Kerb Mass: 1930 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 82 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Four years / 100,000 kilometres