Although the 2021 Lexus LC looks deadly, its driving style is more luxurious than that of an exotic sports car. Facing the like of the BMW 8-series and Porsche 911 in terms of price, the typical two-door Lexus offers a bit of their sporty feel. The LC can be owned with a naturally sucked V-8 or a V-6-hybrid powertrain. We prefer the first one. The LC provides smooth and enjoyable ride, and both powertrains provide considerable power, but its competitors offer much sharper reflexes. What they can’t match is Lexus’s designer interior, which features elements borrowed from the LS luxury sedan and its iconic LFA supercar.. While LC technically offers seating for four people, narrow back seats are better suited for personal items or puppies; Car baggage is also quite limited in terms of space, so pack lightly.
What’s New for 2021?
The big news for 2021 is the addition of the LC500 convertible, which features a retractable soft top for luxury open-air cruising. The LC lineup if it notices some minor changes, including a re-suspension that Lexus claims has smoothed up while a feature called Active Cornering Assist that is said to improve handling by lightly applying the brakes to the inside wheel through the corners. Inside, Android Auto is now standard, joining Apple CarPlay on the LC infotainment system; The new Flare Red leather interior replaced the Rioja Red option last year, and the bespoke White leather option has been discontinued. New 20-inch rims adorn the LC exterior and two new paint colors are offered: Cadmium Orange and Nori Green Pearl.
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 a funky, Toyota Prius–Like an electronic shift lever. 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 34-mpg figure at 30 mpg (as hybrids usually do on the interstate), 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, Apple CarPlay, and 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 luxury sports car. This adds weight, costs more, and reduces lc’s otherwise lean attitude. But what do we know? Instead, we prefer the non-hybrid V-8 version. The question now becomes whether to stick with a hard-top coupe or choose a convertible. The answer is in your personal preferences, as we can see the appeal of both. However, we would recommend the Touring package, which includes semi-aniline leather upholstery, faux-suede headliners, Mark Levinson’s 13-speaker stereo system, parking sensors, windshield removal features and a heated steering wheel.
- LC500 – $ 93.975
- LC500 coupe – $ 93.975
- LC500h – $ 98.485
- LC500h coupe – $ 98.535
- LC500 convertible – $ 102.025
- LC500 convertible Inspiration Series – $ 120.825
Source : lexus LC
