2020 Lexus LC 500 Review

Name: 2020 Lexus LC 500 Review
Brand: Lexus
Price: 70998 USD

+147

The 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.

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2020 Lexus LC 500 Review

byDan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Cabin design and interior materials are extraordinary
Effective at being both sporty and comfortable
Generous list of standard features

Cons

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

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$243/mo

$159/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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. 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. Well-bolstered and wide, the seats are pleasantly supportive, but we found the seatback overly firm and lacking enough lumbar adjustment.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The LC's windswept profile doesn't look like it would offer a good view from the driver's seat, but visibility is surprisingly good. The hood slope, though, makes it hard to judge what's around the car's front end. And the rear pillars are bulky, typical for a low-slung coupe, but blind-spot monitoring eliminates some of the guesswork from lane changes.

Getting 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.

Technology

7/10

How’s the tech? For a car so futuristic-looking, it's unfortunate that it's saddled with Lexus' dated technology inside. The navigation system is clunky and requires some effort simply to input a destination. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functions weren't available on our 2018 model-year test car but are now standard features. You'll want to use your phone, too, since the LC's voice controls require an involved voice-training process before serving up consistent results. The Mark Levinson sound system, however, is outstanding.

A 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.

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 an adults-only car.

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 test loop, 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 (nearly $106,000 as tested), 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.

Despite 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

10/10

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's only one LC 500 trim level available, but a few choice packages can tailor the coupe to your specific needs. For most buyers, we say keep it simple by getting the Touring package, which adds upgraded leather and the exquisite Mark Levinson surround-sound system

2020 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.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Lexus LC 500.

5 (82%)

4 (14%)

3 (4%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.8

28 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Bought it for the looks

W.B., 06/29/2017

2018 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A)

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.

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, …

Best high end Sports Coupe on the Market!

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 …

Had a Corvette Guy High-5 me!

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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Lexus LC 500, so we've included reviews for other years of the LC 500 since its last redesign.

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2020 Lexus LC 500 video

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2020 LC 500 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$92,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$243/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	5.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the LC 500 models:

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.

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2020 Lexus LC 500 Review

2020 Lexus LC 500 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which LC 500 does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Lexus LC 500 models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Lexus LC 500.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Bought it for the looks

Finest quality and most fun auto I've ever owned.

Best high end Sports Coupe on the Market!

Had a Corvette Guy High-5 me!

2020 Lexus LC 500 video

Top 10 Best-Looking Cars According to Edmunds' Mark Takahashi

2020 LC 500 Highlights

Safety

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2020 Lexus LC 500 Review

2020 Lexus LC 500 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which LC 500 does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Lexus LC 500 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Bought it for the looks

Finest quality and most fun auto I've ever owned.

Best high end Sports Coupe on the Market!

Had a Corvette Guy High-5 me!

2020 Lexus LC 500 video

Top 10 Best-Looking Cars According to Edmunds' Mark Takahashi

2020 LC 500 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 Lexus LC 500 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Lexus

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}