Used 2019 Lexus LC 500 Base Coupe Review

Before the introduction of the LC 500 in 2018, it had been a while since Lexus delivered on the idea of a luxurious yet sporting grand touring coupe. In the eight years since the unlamented passing of the SC 430, Lexus had shown flashes of desirability with its lineup of RC coupes. But the RC isn't luxurious or well-rounded enough to compete with the likes of a Mercedes-Benz SL or a BMW 6 Series. Yet with the LC 500, which heads into 2019 with some minor updates, Lexus finally has a striking and intriguing addition to the motoring landscape.

For motivation, Lexus uses its 5.0-liter V8, which is good for 471 horsepower. Its sounds great, even if outright acceleration is rather pedestrian for a luxury coupe. We're more impressed with the LC's ride quality; the adjustable suspension allows an impressive balance between sport and a comfortable ride. And furthering the comfort for driver and passenger is the luxurious and futuristic interior, appointed in high-quality leather and simulated suede.

The main downside is the LC 500's infotainment system, which features a touchpad interface that can be frustrating to use at the best of times. Thankfully, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility for 2019 could go some way toward making the system easier to use.

Overall, however, the LC 500 is an impressive and compelling package that's wholly capable of competing with other world-class grand touring cars.

The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is a luxury sport coupe that brilliantly marries comfort and performance. It has seating for four and is sold in a single trim (the LC 500h hybrid is reviewed separately) with a long list of standard equipment. Several packages and stand-alone options are available to bolster the LC 500 with additional features.

At the heart of the LC 500 is a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine (471 horsepower, 398 pound-feet of torque). It drives the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. For 2019, Lexus has reprogrammed the shift logic of the transmission to aid in a smoother driving experience.

Befitting a luxury coupe at this price and performance level, the number of standard features is generous. They include 20-inch wheels, an adjustable suspension, LED exterior lights, automatic high-beam control, heated and auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, ambient interior lighting, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, and leather-upholstered front seats (simulated leather for the rear seats).

On the tech front, you get a 10.3-inch central display, a navigation system, two USB ports, and a 12-speaker audio system with satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility has been added to the features list for 2019, as have dynamic voice control and in-car Wi-Fi. Notable safety features include a forward collision warning with automatic braking and lane departure warning and intervention.

Although the LC 500 is loaded right out of the box, there are a few options and packages available so you can tailor this grand tourer to your liking. Stand-alone options include 20- and 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and a 13-speaker premium Mark Levinson audio system.

For added convenience or style, consider the All-Weather package (heated steering wheel and windshield de-icer), the Convenience package (front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert) and the Touring package (a simulated-suede headliner, upgraded leather upholstery and the Mark Levinson audio system).

If high-performance driving is part of your diet, there's the Sport package, which adds front sport seats with simulated-suede inserts. Finally, the Performance package starts with the Sport pack and adds a carbon-fiber roof, an adaptive rear spoiler, an active rear steering system, variable-ratio steering, carbon-fiber kick plates and the simulated-suede headliner.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus LC 500 (5.0L V8 | 10-speed automatic | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2018, the LC 500 has received some revisions, including this year's new smartphone integration. Our findings remain broadly applicable to the 2019 model, however.