2020 Lexus LC 500
What’s new
- Limited-production Inspiration Series adopts Nori Green paint, Saddle Tan leather
- Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
- LC Convertible confirmed, but production start remains a question
- Part of the first LC 500 generation introduced for 2018
Pros & Cons
- Cabin design and interior materials are extraordinary
- Effective at being both sporty and comfortable
- Generous list of standard features
- Touchpad controller is frustrating to use
- The trunk won't hold much cargo, and interior storage space is limited
- Not as customizable as other high-end sport coupes
2020 Lexus LC 500 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2020 Lexus LC 500 Review
Ever since Lexus ended production of its SC 430 nearly a decade ago, the company lacked a true big coupe to compete with the sporty grand-touring two-doors from its European rivals. At the smaller end of its lineup was the RC coupe, a car that's more of a Japanese Mustang than a BMW hunter. It was especially delightful with a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Then the LC coupe arrived.
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 marks the third year of the bold vehicle's production, and you won't find a car that makes such an impression from just a few feet away. While its European competitors — BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Jaguar F-Type — might be faster or handle turns better, the LC 500 is classic Lexus luxury and comfort wrapped in a stunning design.
The LC 500 uses a V8 engine that makes a glorious sound when you dig into the gas pedal, while the adjustable suspension strikes an impressive balance between a sporty and comfortable ride. A luxurious and futuristic interior, appointed in high-quality leather and simulated suede, further amplifies driver and passenger comfort.
For 2020, the LC 500 sees only minor changes, though Lexus has confirmed that a convertible version is coming soon. The LC's main downside remains its infotainment system, which has a frustrating touchpad interface. Standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality offers mild work-arounds. There's also the issue of the rear seat — despite having one, the LC is really a two-person car.
Overall, though, the Lexus LC is an impressive and compelling package that belongs in the company of other world-class grand-touring cars.
Our verdict
7.7 / 10How does it drive?
7.5Acceleration, 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. 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.
How comfortable is it?
8.0The only kinks we found were our test car's optional sport seats. Well-bolstered and wide, the seats are pleasantly supportive, but we found the seatback overly firm and lacking enough lumbar adjustment.
How’s the interior?
7.5Getting in and out is also 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.
How’s the tech?
7.0A full suite of driver aids is standard, including front and rear parking sensors (helpful given the long hoodline that's hard to see over) and adaptive cruise control.
How’s the storage?
6.0The 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 an adults-only car.
How economical is it?
7.5Is it a good value?
8.0Despite its mass, we managed 21 mpg combined on our test loop, a better result than the EPA rating. The LC also 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
10.0We 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?
Lexus LC 500 models
The heart of the LC 500 is a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine (471 horsepower, 398 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The generous list of standard features is befitting of a near six-figure luxury coupe, starting with an adjustable suspension, ambient interior lighting, leather-upholstered heated and ventilated front seats, and heated and auto-dimming side mirrors.
Technology includes a 10.3-inch central display, a navigation system and a 12-speaker audio system with satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality comes standard, as does in-car Wi-Fi. Notable safety features include a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
A handful of packages allow you to tailor the LC to taste further, highlighted by features including a carbon-fiber roof, a limited-slip rear differential, 20- and 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, a head-up display, and a premium 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Drivers seeking maximum performance can also get variable ratio steering, active rear steering and a speed-activated rear wing.
Sponsored cars related to the LC 500
Features & Specs
| 2dr Coupe 5.0L 8cyl 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $92,950 |
| MPG | 16 city / 25 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 471 hp @ 7100 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite LC 500 safety features:
- All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Maintains a set distance between the LC 500 and the car in front, automatically adjusting speed. Can bring the LC 500 to a full stop.
- Pre-Collision System
- Sounds an alert if a front collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is deemed imminent. Can also automatically apply the brakes.
- Intuitive Park Assist
- Sounds an alert as the LC 500 approaches an object in front of or behind the car.
Lexus LC 500 vs. the competition
Lexus LC 500 vs. Lexus RC F
Powered by the same 5.0-liter V8 as you find in the LC 500 (albeit with slightly less horsepower), the RC F fancies itself more of a sports car than its luxurious bigger brother does. The RC F also costs considerably less, but it suffers from the same major fault as the LC: that clumsy and frustrating infotainment system.
Lexus LC 500 vs. Nissan GT-R
What the GT-R lacks in striking styling it more than makes up for with outstanding performance. Still one of the fastest cars over any road, the GT-R remains a technological marvel. But even after improvements over the years, this Nissan requires commitment to operate on a daily basis. It's not nearly as luxurious as the Lexus LC either.
Lexus LC 500 vs. Acura NSX
The Acura NSX straddles the supercar and grand-touring coupe genres but does so at considerable expense when compared to the relatively sedate LC 500. Combining hybrid technology, twin turbochargers and all-wheel drive, the NSX bills itself as the everyday supercar. But the LC 500 has the clear upper hand when it comes to interior appointments and cargo capacity.
FAQ
Is the Lexus LC 500 a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Lexus LC 500?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Lexus LC 500:
- Limited-production Inspiration Series adopts Nori Green paint, Saddle Tan leather
- Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
- LC Convertible confirmed, but production start remains a question
- Part of the first LC 500 generation introduced for 2018
Is the Lexus LC 500 reliable?
Is the 2020 Lexus LC 500 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Lexus LC 500?
The least-expensive 2020 Lexus LC 500 is the 2020 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $92,950.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) which starts at $92,950
What are the different models of Lexus LC 500?
More about the 2020 Lexus LC 500
2020 Lexus LC 500 Overview
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 is offered in the following submodels: LC 500 Coupe. Available styles include 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A).
What do people think of the 2020 Lexus LC 500?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Lexus LC 500 and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 LC 500.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Lexus LC 500 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 LC 500 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Lexus LC 500?
2020 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A)
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $101,880. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) is trending $4,529 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,529 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $97,351.
The average savings for the 2020 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) is 4.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2020 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Lexus LC 500s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Lexus LC 500 for sale near. There are currently 8 new 2020 LC 500s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $101,560 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Lexus LC 500. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $10,949 on a used or CPO 2020 LC 500 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Lexus LC 500s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Lexus LC 500 for sale - 3 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $14,011.
Find a new Lexus for sale - 7 great deals out of 7 listings starting at $10,527.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Lexus LC 500?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lexus lease specials