The 2025 Lexus LC 500 is one of my favorite all-time cars. It stands out as the boldest and most adventurous offering from the luxury Toyota brand since they impressed us with the LFA supercar in 2010. Although it lacks the ridiculously good-sounding V10 engine, the LC is crafted more for grand touring rather than track racing, but it still proves to be a formidable powerhouse.

Which trims are available?

You can choose your LC in two distinct styles, each with completely different approaches to getting the job done, all while zooming down the road while looking sharp. One option is the LC500h, which is a complex hybrid that combines a gas V6 with electric power. The other option is my tester, the only version I’ve ever wanted to drive because it’s a piece of art featuring a naturally aspirated V8 that aims to obliterate the rear tires.

The LC coupe has been on sale since 2017 and three quarters of the folks that have bought one have opted for the V8. When Lexus launched the LC Convertible, it decided not to offer the Hybrid powered version.

If looks could kill!

The Lexus LC really catches the eye. Its massive spindle grille at the front might not be for everyone, but with its incredibly low hood, slim waist, and impressively wide rear track, the overall look is quite epic. 

Under The Hood

This is the cherished 5.0-liter V8 engine from Lexus, featuring no turbos or intercoolers, just pure natural aspiration. It produces 457 hp at 7,100 rpm and 398 ft-lb at 4,800 rpm. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds, not as fast as the competition but that really doesn’t matter. Top speed is pegged at 168 mph. You can expect 24 mpg on the highway with a light right foot. I barely managed 14 mpg for the week I had it, courtesy of always being in sport mode.

Driving

We’re pretty familiar with the LC 500’s V8 from the other F-badged performance cars, but here it shows up without any of that intense attitude. Driving an LC without all the fancy driver aids and differentials feels a bit out of place; it’s got an engine that only hits peak power at 7,100 rpm, nestled in a laid-back, classic GT car. When you relax in Comfort and Eco modes, the powertrain quietly manages things in the background, but switch it to Sport S+ mode using those cool toggles on the binnacle, and it delivers rapid-fire upshifts with a satisfying thud.

I found myself downshifting even when it wasn’t necessary, just to enjoy the crackle from the exhaust and the surge of revs. Plus, there’s a delightful rev spike when you start it up, something which may annoy your neighbors early n the morning.

What if you’re in a hurry?

Wind up the V8, and you it feel it kick a bit harder past 4,000 rpm, then hold your nerve as it charges with building intensity all the way to the 7,300 rpm limiter. It doesn’t bludgeon you with its performance, there isn’t a sharp shove in the back, instead a continuous surge of power.  Keep it in Sport+ mode, though, and you get firmer suspension, a sharper throttle response, and sportier gearing for the steering, allowing you to unleash your inner hooligan.

Turn in at speed and there’s body roll, this is a 4,340 lbs after all, but it’s just so composed and belies its weight incredibly. The front end will ultimately push wide, however, you can always use the power to engage the limited-slip diff and pivot the back end around.

The steering is a bit numb, but it compensates with a super-fast variable rack. The brakes, on the other hand, offer perfect feel, and very good stopping power from high speeds without fade.  In SportS+ mode the transmission holds revs and lots as if it can read your mind that you want to drive fast.

Interior

The cabin gives off that classic Lexus feel, showcasing a sleek three-dimensional dashboard and high-quality materials. You sit low, especially with the sporty Alcantara seats included in the Bespoke package. There’s a neat touch from the LFA with the moving instrument cluster positioned above a digital display behind the steering wheel.

As a complement to the new touchscreen, which still sits a tad too far away, there are loads of buttons, especially for the climate controls, and everything is designed with style and precision. The combination of layers and angles creates a vibrant atmosphere inside, even if you opt for a more subdued color scheme.

Don’t bother trying to use the back seats, they are a token effort and if you do manage to squeeze in the front seat reverses back and crushes your legs.

Cargo Space

The trunk offers 7 cubic feet of storage space in the LC 500, which is less than half what you get in a BMW 8 Series, but that shrinks to 6.3 cubic feet in the LC 500h owing to the battery pack behind the seats.

Pricing

The base price is $99,000, but this one comes with the bespoke package that costs $3,600. This package offers a lot of customization options for the vehicle, allowing you to personalize your LC 500 with features that aren’t found in the standard model.

It has Alcantara trimmed sports seats, no charge, Dark Chrome trim for $650, 21-inch forged 10 spoke wheels wearing  Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires for $40, a head up display for $900, and the Mark Levenson sound system is $1,220. Add that up and the total price is $111,600.

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Verdict

What an utterly delightful car. The Lexus LC is a feast for the senses, from how it looks to how it sounds, to how it feels from behind the wheel. It’s a car that you’ll always find excuses to drive.

2025 Lexus LC 500 Coupe Bespoke Build Numbers

BASE PRICE: $99,250
AS TESTED PRICE: $111,600
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, RWD, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
ENGINE: DOHC 32-valve Atkinson-capable 5.0-liter V-8
POWER: 471 HP @ 7,100 rpm 
TORQUE: 398 ft-lb @ 4,800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode 
0-60 MPH: 4.6 sec
TOP SPEED: 168 mph
CURB WEIGHT: 4,340 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 7 cubic feet
WHEELS: 20-inch split 5-spoke forged alloy wheels
TIRES: Michelin Pilot Sport 5S – 245/45, Rear 275/40
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: CITY/HWY/COMB:  16/24/18 mpg 
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 14.5 MPG
PROS: Stunning exterior, glorious engine note, sport mode is a hoot, high-revving V8 joy
CONS: Can’t keep up with the competition