Chapter Four

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Lexus LC 500h

Somehow, they brought up another example of #VOTY18 to my doorstep. Not sure why, but I will definitely take it for another session of “living with it.”

The Lexus LC is the brand’s grand tourer – available both in coupe and convertible form. It is not exactly a hot seller, but it does get looks – rather, lewks – wherever it is driven. 

Lexus gave the LC some updates since my last turn in one back in 2021. The biggest one that caught my attention was the integration of the Lexus Interface infotainment system on a larger touchscreen now positioned closer to the front occupants. The result is the absence of the touch pad controlled on the center console. Instead, you have physical controls for audio functions. 

Add wireless smartphone integration, and you have a lot more usable grand tourer to drive without worries. 

As I welcome this very important change to the LC, I have to point out that I received a version that some of you were less enthused about. Yes, it’s the Hybrid – the LC 500h. 

Can we agree that no matter what you put underneath it’s sexy hood, it is still one of the most compelling and alluring vehicles on the roads today?

If you are not familiar with the LC 500h’s propulsion system, let me explain. 

I should start with how the LC 500h is propelled. It starts with a gasoline-fueled 3.5-liter V6 connected to two electric motors. Both energy sources are hitched to a 10-speed transmission that is a hybrid onto itself. Lexus calls this their Multi Stage Hybrid.

To further explain how this works, the Multi Stage system goes through four stages for which the two distinct powertrains come together. Part of it is a complicated transmission system, for which the 10-speed system is broken down between the planetary continuously variable transmission gearbox with a distinct four-speed automatic gearbox. In one scenario, you can still get an assist from the electric motor, along with gasoline engine, up to 87 MPH. In all four stages, both motors are presently enabling a wider range of performance and efficiency to match driving situations.

The result is that this system works in providing solid propulsion while reducing tailpipe emissions with increased fuel consumption. It is worth revisiting, as this is something of an anomaly in the field of luxurious grand touring coupes.

It shouldn’t be. The world is demanding fewer carbon emissions. They’re demanding better energy efficiency. Some parts of the world have committed to these standards. Some manufacturers made the same commitment. Lexus being one of them. 

We seem to forget that Lexus has been offering some form of electrified vehicle for well over a decade. Hybrid drivelines are available on almost every Lexus model in the lineup. 

Still, sustainability does not mean wearing an oddly shaped body or a practical device. It can look like a concept car that came to life – which is exactly what the LC is.

After six model years, the LC still turn heads. It is low, lean, and full of optical diversions to entertain the senses. It can show up at a car meet with people taking shots from their smartphones almost instantly. As if they’ve never seen a Lexus like this one.

In the run of six model years, I have worked my way of getting in and out of the LC. I’m used to it by now. This is because of what is offered inside the cabin. The red leather seats are firm and full of aggressive bolstering. Yet, I would never trade it in for anything else – except for an RC F…

*cough* *cough*…sorry about that. That reference just slipped. Anyway…

The switch to a larger infotainment touchscreen has improved the experience inside of this 2+2 cabin. Instead of the fiddly touchpad on the center console, you get a set of tactile and logical controls. Mark Levinson adds speakers filled with solid sound throughout its small-ish cabin. 

There is a drawback to the LC, however. As much as I appreciate the design of this grand tourer, it’s not the most practical car in the world. I feared that I would ruin the red leather seats if I slid my rollator inside the cabin. Worse, there’s really no room behind me for it. The LC’s trunk is also a challenge with just 4.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Great for two weekend-sized pieces of luggage, but not for mobility devices. On top of that, the rear seatbacks do not fold down. 

What you sacrifice in practicality, you gain in the driving experience. The ride is solid, but a bit harsh at times, when dealing with rougher sections of tarmac. You can adjust the ride when selecting the drive mode knob on the right of the instrument cluster. Sport S+ will firm up the dampers even more. You probably want to save that for a dry day through the twisties – just a suggestion. 

In Sport S+, the handling and roadholding improves. Not to say that Normal and Comfort modes are softer – they are, but with loads of control through evasive maneuvers and everyday driving. The other thing Sport S+ mode will do is to tighten up the steering feel. As a result, lane control is enhanced. Otherwise, then steering system felt precise and can yield a good turning radius. 

Large rotors denote the solid braking system on the LC 500h. Stops were good in normal, panic, and wet conditions. As for fuel economy, we averaged 31.2 MPG. 

Which brings up the question about which LC coupe is worth spending over $100,000 on. The 471 horsepower V8 is delicious, but it has a slight chance of match the hybrid’s 31-plus MPG. Performance or fuel economy…you decide. 

Oh, by the way, the sticker price of this LC 500h tester came to $106,020. The LC lineup starts at $99,800 with Hybrid coupes starting at $103,100 and V8 Convertibles from $107,300.

One thing you can take away from the LC 500h is the fact that it is a unique offering among grand tourers. That will change next year with a rival offering their own hybrid model, along with a battery-electric versions of two other competitor’s grand touring coupes.

The reality of electrified vehicles in practically every class began with Lexus’ own experience by pushing the envelope of engineering through the combination of internal combustion and electric propulsion. The result is a hybrid wrapped in a concept-to-production body and improved interior that still turns heads and prompts curiosities.

That is why the Lexus LC remains #VOTY18.  

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America

All photos by Randy Stern