Lc 2020 is a stunning example of contemporary design, with sleek bodywork and fine details that won’t look weird on concept cars. While the Lexus sports car has a hefty sidewalk weight and an unspiring hybrid powertrain, it also has a great-sounding V-8 and one of the best interiors on the planet. Another warts on the beauty of this vehicle are the frustrating infotainment system and small luggage. Even so, the LC is lexus that has been most in demand for a long time. It accelerates on command and drives with a solid feeling. The LC 2020 could be lighter and a little more athletic, but it’s guaranteed to make the driver look and feel like a star.
What’s New for 2020?
For 2020, Lexus made the smallest changes to the LC500 and LC500h. Although both were mechanically identical to the previous year’s models, they received minor updates and some new content. Among the minor interior revisions are the new “Check Fuel Cap” lamp in the cluster gauge as well as a change in tone backwards from intermittent to single. Flare Yellow is a newly available paint color and blind spot monitoring is standard. There is also a new limited edition model called the LC Inspiration Series that only comes with different Nori Green paints, but only 100 copies will be sold. The convertible model will join the ranks of the 2021 model year.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The heart pounding standard LC500 is Lexus’ high-performance 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which produces 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Paired only with a fast but smooth 10-speed shifting automatic transmission, this engine delivers a magnificent and delicious internal combustion rock ‘n’ roll in the ear like any other LC in the eye. Other powertrains offered are the LC500h354 hp gas electric drive system, which combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a pair of electric motors, a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a unique continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT) that mimics its action. 10-speed automatic. Minimal body roll and good balance for Lexus handling, and the quality of the ride is excellent considering the large 21-inch wheels our test car wears. The variable steering system and adaptive rear wheel steering included with the Performance package specifically improve the LC helmet speed and general response of the car. However the standard chassis setting is better suited to the car’s GT style and feels more natural without disturbing the LC touch. We recommend saving money and sticking to the basic chassis. Discarding LC
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The interior of the Lexus LC500 is a privileged place, with a good driving position, rich materials, beautiful craftsmanship, excellent front seats, and plenty of technology. Some of its ergonomics can be complicated in practice, but the overall atmosphere is in keeping with the look of the LC concept car. The fit and finish is great and the optional sport chair is the true throne of the spinal brace. Certain elements require several adjustments, including funky electronic gear shifting levers, such as the Toyota Prius. LC compact luggage and non-collapsible rear seats limit their storage space to five cubic feet, which is just enough to accommodate our two carry-on bags. No matter how attractive the LC cabin is, there’s not much room to store loose stuff. The center console, however, is sufficient in size, and the lid can be adjusted to display the second cup holder.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The LC500 weighs more like a three-row SUV than a sports car and weighs hundreds of pounds heavier than its main competitor — meaning its EPA estimates aren’t particularly impressive. Although the LC500h is heavier than its brother, being a hybrid car generates much more favorable numbers, especially in a city where its electric assistance comes into play. With the LC500 exceeding the highway estimate of 4 mpg in our tests (29 mpg observations) and the LC500h falling far short of the 35-mpg figure at 30 mpg (as hybrids usually do on interstate roads), the fuel economy difference between the two cross-country trips is largely a wash.
Infotainment and Connectivity
While the Lexus Enform infotainment system may be packed with features and technology, it’s one of the most disliked systems on the market because of its clunky touchpad controller, which requires too much attention from the driver to operate safely while driving. Navigation, Bluetooth, and a number of apps are all standard rates in the Enform LC infotainment suite that includes mobile hotspots and Apple CarPlay capabilities but not Android Auto.
Driver Safety and Assistance Features
LC has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Road Safety (IIHS). Along with eight airbags for its relatively compact cabin, the LC offers a healthy list of standards and driver assistance technology available. Key security features include:
- Standard front collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard adaptive roaming control and blind spot monitoring
- Lane alerts and lane maintenance assistance are available
Warranty and Maintenance Protection
Lexus’s warranty scheme for the LC is pretty solid among luxury coupes, with substantial powertrain coverage for internal and hybrid combustion components. It lacks the best in terms of free scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Hybrid components protected for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Free treatment covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
Pricing and What to Buy
We’re not sure what makes the LC500h hybrid in demand for the rich looking for a flashy sports car. But what do we know? This adds weight, costs more, and reduces lc’s otherwise lean attitude. Instead we prefer the nonhybrid version of the V-8. The bespoke white interior is too pretty to miss. It also requires the addition of self-parking assistance and touring packages that include upgraded upholstery, faux-suede headliners, and Mark Levinson’s surround-sound audio system. Likewise, we’ll choose an All-Weather package (heated steering wheel, windshield eraser), head-up display, and limited slip rear differential for better performance.
- LC500 – $ 93.975
- LC500 coupe – $ 93.975
- LC500h – $ 98.485
- LC500h coupe – $ 98.535
- LC500 convertible – $ 102.025
- LC500 convertible Inspiration Series – $ 120.825
