The 2023 LC 500 is a gorgeous car with a glorious V8 engine, a smooth ride, and a quiet, luxurious interior highlighted by advanced, even avant-garde design. It won't click with everyone, but it's tremendous fun to drive, especially on a straight, open road. Its weight and handling hinder it from competing as a true sports car. But as a cushy grand-touring, road-trip style of car, the LC excels.Read full review
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.
Pros
Cabin design and interior materials are extraordinary
Effective at being both sporty and comfortable
Generous list of standard features
Convertible's top doesn't dampen the LC's quiet refinement
Cons
Touchpad controller is frustrating to use
The trunk offers minimal cargo space, and interior storage space is limited
All-wheel drive isn't offered
What's new
Small changes to suspension tuning
Part of the first LC 500 generation introduced for 2018
Overview
A few automakers have cars that perhaps don't get the recognition or sales that they deserve. For Lexus, it'd be the LC 500. This quick and comfortable grand tourer is the brand's impressive flagship model. The first thing you'll notice is its standout design. The LC 500 has been out since the 2018 model year, but its exterior styling still looks classy and distinctive. When you step inside, you'll appreciate the elegantly designed interior and exceptional craftsmanship.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The 2023 LC 500 is offered as a coupe or convertible, and there is also a hybrid model (which we review separately). Under the hood is a standard 471-horsepower V8 engine. It's plenty strong and makes an alluring soundtrack that will make you want to take the long way home.
As desirable as the LC 500 is, there are other luxury coupes and convertibles to consider. The Porsche 911 is certainly sportier, but the Lexus is still entertaining to drive and can hold its own when the road gets twisty. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz SL is a compelling roadster with a long heritage, but it's pricey. There is also the BMW 8 Series, which is similar in size and is also offered as a coupe or convertible. Deciding among these will probably be hard, but check out our test team's scoring and evaluation below to learn where the LC shines and where it comes up a little short.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Our rating for the Lexus LC 500 is based on our experience driving the car at our test track and under real world conditions.
How does the LC 500 drive? The LC 500 doesn't offer the same performance as similarly priced sports cars. But if you think of it more like a grand-touring car — a vehicle that balances power, comfort and luxury in equal proportion — its lofty price makes more sense. The burly roar of its V8 engine makes every drive a joy, especially as it climbs high in the rev range before shifting.
Acceleration, however, doesn't quite match the soundtrack. In Edmunds' testing, the LC 500 needed 4.9 seconds to go 0-60 mph, which is unremarkable for this class of car. A Porsche 911 Carrera S we tested, for example, ripped to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The LC isn't particularly nimble on tight and twisting roads either. But it feels right at home on more gentle sweeping back roads. It's a car made for luxuriating on road trips.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the LC 500? The LC 500's suspension excels at absorbing large bumps and smaller imperfections in the road, even with the big 21-inch wheels fitted on our test car. There's a good balance between sport and comfort, and the suspension insulates the cabin well enough from rough road surfaces without making the car feel disconnected from the pavement. Depending on the road surface, we noticed some tire noise and some wind noise at highway speeds. Otherwise, the LC's cabin is quiet and serene.
The only kinks we found were our test car's optional sport seats. The well-bolstered and wide seats are pleasantly supportive, but we found the seatback overly firm and lacking enough lumbar adjustment.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Forward visibility is surprisingly good considering the LC 500's windswept profile. The hood's slope and the roundness of the grille, however, can make it hard to judge what's around the car's front end when parking. The rear roof pillars are bulky — typical for a low-slung coupe — but the blind-spot warning system eliminates some of the guesswork from lane changes.
Getting in and out is easier than you'd expect of a car sitting this low, and the driving position feels snug and commanding. And while there is a rear seat, it's comically small and best saved for stowing extra bags. The most frustrating aspect of the interior is the awkward touchpad infotainment interface, which can be distracting to use while driving.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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How’s the tech? The infotainment system is OK but still uses a cumbersome touchpad interface and menus that hide some often-used controls. The system itself looks dated, too, especially compared to the latest ones found in the LC's rivals or even other Lexus models. Voice commands work fine. While not as robust as some of the competition, the LC can understand natural language and can interface with the media, radio, navigation and climate control system.
Lexus includes a decent suite of standard driver aids such as traffic-adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning. We'd like a surround-view camera system, but the combo of parking sensors with a standard backup camera works decently.
Storage
6/10
How’s the storage? The LC 500 has little usable space given its size. There's a woeful lack of small-item storage, not even a decent spot to store your phone for easy access. The 5.4-cubic-foot trunk is larger than a Porsche 911's, but the competitive edge ends there. It's still quite small and shallow, with a high liftover height that makes loading anything more difficult. The back seat is actually the most useful storage space in the vehicle.
The rear seats provide car seat anchor points for child seats, but access is difficult enough already. Fitting a car seat might be possible, but this Lexus is pretty much a two-person-only car.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimate of 19 mpg in combined driving (16 city/25 highway) isn't out of line with figures from the LC 500's competitors. We managed 21 mpg on our standardized 115-mile evaluation route, so that estimate is achievable. That said, most drivers will likely gleefully convert a good percentage of their gas mileage directly into noise.
Value
8/10
Is the LC 500 a good value? Even at its lofty price, the LC 500 gives you a lot of car for the money. Leather, suede and metal (and metal-like plastic) abound, and overall quality and fit and finish are exceptional. It's disappointing that some of Lexus' technology feels outdated, crude or frustrating. The car's astonishing weight is also odd. We'd expect more exotic, lightweight materials at this level.
The LC offers a longer powertrain warranty than many rivals. And given the company's track record, you're unlikely to find a roaring V8 engine that will cost you less in the long run.
Wildcard
10/10
The LC 500 is a car that you'll find excuses to drive. It's unquestionably fun, it sounds great, and it looks amazing. And it's an everyday kind of fun, not just a car that needs a special road to come alive. Even its slow acceleration, relative to its competition, helps as it lets you dig into the engine a little more than you otherwise might.
We would've liked to sample the standard seats, and the LC needs a thorough infotainment and tech overhaul. But overall, it's a roaring, rumbling joy that sticks in your head. Few cars today have such undeniable presence.
Which LC 500 does Edmunds recommend?
There haven't been any major changes for 2023, so like last year, we suggest customizing your own with the Bespoke Build for the coupe. It comes with some extra standard features you'll want, and you can do more to customize it with paint colors and trim options. There's less choice available for the convertible.
Update for July 2018:
Having now had the car for a year, I can say it gets better over time. I absolutely adore this car as a daily driver and road-tripper.
The highway mileage is so good it seems fake. When cruising in Eco mode I'm easily getting 30 mpg. This doesn't even make sense until you realize the car can switch between Atkinson and Otto cycles.
The engine scream never gets … old in Sport+ mode. I just can't get enough. Sometimes I switch to Sport+ just to pass people with that crazy loud noise.
After a year I expected to have buyer's remorse, or a wandering eye for the Mercedes AMG GT. Or the Porche 911 Carerra. But no. The LC 500 is a car that just grows on you and still turns heads. It's the supermodel you can actually live with everyday.
***
Outstanding visual appeal inside and out, with disappointing acceleration.
Go for the bespoke option, even though it's a 3-month wait. Neither the touring nor sport packages gives you the correct combination of options. Here's the combination you want, starting from bone-stock, in order of importance: 1. Limited Slip Differential (LSD), 2. Convenience Package, 3. Heads Up Display (HUD). Done. All other packages and options actually worsen the car's performance. Or they package excellent options (like the retractable spoiler) with unnecessary ones (like Variable Gear-Ratio steering).
Basically you want the LSD to correct the flaws in the drivetrain. The stock, active, rear open-differential loses too much horsepower at the wheels. The LSD is mechanical: more horsepower, more traction. With the stock differential, you have to pay attention when you're kicking the tail loose. It's still fun, but the LSD gives you +HP +control. No-brainer option there.
The Convenience Package gives you parking assist. You must have this. The dimensions of the car make it difficult to park. Parking assist will save you, again and again. Get it, save your body work, make parking garages your best friend.
Option 3, the HUD, is just plain cool. It's actually an unintentional safety feature, keeping your eyes focused at near-driving distance. It even shows the song you've cued up from your phone via Bluetooth.
After engine break-in, get the dealer to fix the rev limiter to 7,300rpm. It's limited to 7,000rpm off the lot. Peak horsepower is at 7,100rpm so the rev limiter is ruining the fun. Oh, and don't get the hybrid, seriously. You'll regret it. The 33% savings in mileage is not worth it. Just get a Tesla or a BMW i8.
Pros: The looks, the sounds, the textures, a fantasy for the senses. True opulence. The car looks twice as expensive as it costs. Ride quality is Lexus smooth. Excellent steering feedback, in bone stock configuration. A masterpiece of emotional driving, makes you want to drive forever.
Cons: Slower than a Roush Mustang 427 because the LC 500 drivetrain is not designed for performance. Handles like a Challenger SRT8 (it's that heavy). Costs more than a BMW M4. Out-of-touch infotainment controls.
Why you should buy it: Honestly? Because it gives you the emotional response you would expect from a dream car. If you do not feel this way after seeing it then don't buy it. Simple. I personally would have gotten just as much raw driving pleasure from a Mustang GT. However, I have a transcendental experience every time I drive the LC 500. It just takes my breath away.
Configuration reviewed: Black on black V8, Convenience Package, All-Weather Package, Touring Package, Heads Up Display.
Finest quality and most fun auto I've ever owned.
5 out of 5 stars
Point Man, 10/03/2018
2018 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A)
When the time came to replace my aging 2008 BMW M6 (V10) the LC 500 immediately caught my eye. My wife has owned various Lexus SUVs for years, and although none of them or their sedans are my cup of tea, the new coupe was something I had to check out. We have a long first hand experience with the exceptional build quality one can expect from Lexus. My first impression was "wow, … gorgeous." And it is. I was hooked after the initial test drive. Very powerful, but much more nimble than the M6. It is a heavy car, like the BMW, but without the "boat" feel. The exhaust note, although not a Formula 1 sound like the my M6 (with aftermarket Tubi pipes) is deep, pleasing, and sometimes almost throaty like a muscle car of another era. I absolutely love the sound, which is pronounced in the high performance mode, more quiet in normal or comfort mode. I got mine with every available option, and I can tell you the 4 wheel steering is incredible. I used to hate traffic circles. Now I love to drive them. The LC hugs the curves like it is glued to the road. You can accelerate going INTO a curve (as well as out), no problem. I had to order mine from Japan because with all of the options, there were none available in the US at the time in Infrared paint upgrade. This is a special 5 coat paint that changes with the time of day and angle of the sun. Incredible. People stop by my parking space and take selfies next to my care. I could go on and one. I've owned a lot of automobiles in my life, and the LC 500 is my favorite. I am so glad I own one. Worth every penny if you are fortunate to be able to afford one.
Best high end Sports Coupe on the Market!
5 out of 5 stars
Lexus LC500, 05/16/2018
2018 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A)
Ive owed just about everything and purchased the Lexus LC500 recently and had to write a response and review regarding my opinion. First, this car has some of the finest fit and finish materials and unique designs throughout. It is extremely comfortable to drive and more than enough power to enjoy flashing through the 10 speed and let me tell you the sound you can generate with 10 gears … paddling up and down is superb! You could NOT find a more reliable or fun coupe for this money with any other manufacturer! If you've owned Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati etc... like me you know how much they cost to maintain! This car is bullet proof nd easy on the pocket book...do yourself a favour and consider the Naturally aspirated V8 to your collection, you will never regret it!
Had a Corvette Guy High-5 me!
5 out of 5 stars
Doug, 08/28/2019
2019 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A)
I have been a Corvette guy since the 60's This car replaces a 2013 427 Preferred / 500HP. Virtually a ZO6 with an iron frame.
This car is very fun to look at and to drive. I goes like the wind albeit not quite as fast as my Corvette. It is much more fun for my wife to ride in however. That's a Plus Plus Plus! It's almost embarrassing how many people say "nice car"!
Yes not … much trunk room, but it works. Yes not a legit back seat, but works. Yes the pad control for display is dumb, but works. Yes it is a little spendy! This is one of the nicest cars I have owned in 60 years!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus LC 500, so we've included reviews for other years of the LC 500 since its last redesign.
Mercedes completely overhauled the SL for the 2022 model year with more power, the brand's latest tech and an all-new design. It's now available in two powerful AMG models that are not only quicker than the LC 500 but also offer superior tech. The SL, though, costs significantly more. And unlike the LC 500, the SL can only be purchased as a convertible. Both luxury cruisers provide elegant interiors, but the SL's looks more modern.
The LC 500 and 8 Series are comparable grand-touring rivals in many ways. Both are powerful, comfortable, closely priced and are offered in convertible and coupe forms. But if you want a sedan version, the 8 Series has you covered and offers all-wheel drive. The 8 Series also has a slight advantage in comfort, handling and tech. It's also more fuel-efficient and has a larger trunk. When it comes to looks, however, the LC 500 will likely turn more heads and its interior is far from sterile-looking.
The Porsche 911 is the best of both worlds: It's a prodigious sports car and an excellent grand-touring machine. Its light weight and smaller size make it much more nimble than the LC 500, and it's a lot quicker too. Both can be bought as a coupe or convertible and deliver similar comfort, luxury and build quality. Neither provides much cargo space, but the LC 500 has more passenger room. The 911's higher price tag quickly increases with options that you'll probably add since it lacks many standard features.
The Lexus LC 500 is the brand's halo car — a vehicle that represents the highest expression of the brand's styling, technology and performance. It is an elegantly styled coupe or convertible powered by a melodious 471-horsepower V8 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It isn't the fastest or best-handling car in this price range, but it is certainly one of the most stylish, premium-feeling and comfortable luxury sport coupes on the road today.
For 2022, Lexus revised the LC 500's suspension tuning even further after the 2021 model had received an updated suspension, updated wheels, and revised vehicle stability control. Lexus also introduced the Bespoke Build configurator, which allows you to customize your LC 500's colors, wheel design, glass or carbon-fiber roof and select exclusive options.
We don't expect any drastic changes to the 2023 LC 500 beyond a possible addition to the LC lineup. In April, Lexus Racing USA posted a teaser image of what appears to be the silhouette of an LC 500, with an "F" highlighted in the background. It is the same F used in Lexus' performance models. The photo's caption says "Highest expression of performance." This could mean one of two things: It could be either an F Sport package that typically includes cosmetic upgrades and a revised suspension, or it might preview a full-blown LC F model, which would have more drastic changes to boost performance, such as a different engine, brakes and stiffer suspension.
Edmunds says
The Lexus LC 500 is already a special vehicle that has more personality than performance, but the possible addition of a higher-performance F model for 2023 might be enough to take the LC to another level. We'll update this page as soon as we get the full details on the 2023 LC 500.
FAQ
Is the Lexus LC 500 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 LC 500 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 LC 500 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the LC 500 has 5.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus LC 500. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Lexus LC 500?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus LC 500:
Small changes to suspension tuning
Part of the first LC 500 generation introduced for 2018
To determine whether the Lexus LC 500 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the LC 500. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the LC 500's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Lexus LC 500 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 LC 500 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 LC 500 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 LC 500 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus LC 500?
The least-expensive 2023 Lexus LC 500 is the 2023 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $94,450.
If you're interested in the Lexus LC 500, the next question is, which LC 500 model is right for you? LC 500 variants include 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A). For a full list of LC 500 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more