2023 Lexus LC 500h
MSRP range: $100,450 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Lexus LC 500h Review
byMichael Cantu
Correspondent
Michael Cantu became an automotive enthusiast at an early age as one of those kids who could name just about every car on the road. After flipping cars for fun and dabbling in auto sales, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his automotive dreams.
Pros
- Extraordinary cabin design and interior materials
- Impressive fuel economy for a sporty grand-touring coupe
- Manages to be both fun and comfortable
- Generous list of standard features
Cons
- Touchpad-based infotainment system is frustrating to use
- Limited trunk and interior storage space
- Does not offer the latest Lexus driver assist technologies
- Inconsistent brake pedal feel
What's new
- Revised suspension tuning for improved handling
- Part of the first LC 500h generation introduced for 2018
Overview
The Lexus LC 500h is unlike anything else on sale today. Sure, there are other high-dollar luxury coupes out here, but they don't have a hybrid powertrain, especially one as unique as the LC 500h's. It consists of a 3.5-liter V6, two electric motors and a battery pack that's mounted between the rear seats and trunk. That might seem like a pretty ordinary hybrid setup until you get to the transmission. Lexus pairs a continuously variable transmission with a four-speed automatic, a combination designed to simulate 10 gears.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) 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 $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$175/mo
LC 500h Base
vs
$169/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
The LC 500h's unconventional transmission routes all 354 horses to the rear wheels, which was enough for a swift 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds when we tested it. Surprisingly, that's just 0.1 second slower than its V8-powered counterpart, the LC 500. The glorious sound of the V8 is of course missing, but in return you get 29 mpg combined, 10 more mpg than the non-hybrid.
Unlike the LC 500, the LC 500h isn't offered as a convertible, but both share a stunning exterior design, a remarkable-looking interior made with top-notch materials, a comfortable ride, and ample amounts of luxury. The grand-touring coupe also provides solid handling dynamics, which Lexus improved for 2023 by adjusting the suspension settings. And its regenerative braking system, common on all hybrids, does impact pedal feel, hampering the LC 500h's driving dynamics.
The LC 500h doesn't have any direct rivals because there isn't much interest in six-figure hybrid luxury coupes; most are powered by potent V8s. The plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche Panamera comes close, but it has two extra doors. If you're set on the LC 500h, one thing is certain: You'll be driving around town in rarefied air.
Which LC 500h does Edmunds recommend?
There aren't any trim levels to recommend for the Lexus LC 500h because it's only available in one well-equipped configuration featuring several available packages and options. However, we recommend using the Bespoke Build configurator that allows you to build your LC 500h exactly to your liking. The Mark Levinson sound system and 21-inch wheels are worthy upgrades.
Lexus LC 500h models
The 2023 LC 500h isn't offered in different trim levels. Instead, you choose option packages to improve upon the standard list of features. It's powered by an efficient hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Together, the hybrid system generates 354 horsepower that's fed to the rear wheels through an unusual transmission. The LC 500h uses a continuously variable transmission and a four-speed automatic that, together, simulate 10 gear ratios.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) 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 $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$175/mo
LC 500h Base
vs
$169/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Save as much as $1,025 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2023 Lexus LC 500h pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $101,600
- MPG & Fuel
- 26 City / 33 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 354 hp @ 6,600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 187.4 in. / Height: 53.0 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 75.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,420 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 4.7 cu.ft.
Compare the Lexus LC 500h
Lexus LC 500h vs. Porsche Panamera
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is a four-door hatchback, but like the LC 500h, it's a hybrid (albeit a plug-in hybrid) that's comfortable, luxurious and provides a fun driving experience. It's also a four-seater that's great for long drives. But the Panamera's larger size provides more passenger and cargo room, and the Porsche is more powerful as well. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers an estimated 19 miles of all-electric driving, though once the battery runs low, it operates like a regular hybrid that's less efficient than the LC 500h.
Lexus LC 500h vs. Audi e-tron GT
The e-tron GT is an all-electric sedan with an estimated driving range of 238 miles. If an electric car fits your lifestyle, the Audi makes a strong alternative to the LC 500h because they both share a striking design, comfortable ride and entertaining driving dynamics. Both also have similar starting prices. Long drives will be easier in the LC 500h because you don't have to stop and charge, but fitting more than two people and luggage is more workable in the e-tron GT.
Lexus LC 500h vs. BMW 8 Series
The 8 Series isn't a hybrid, but it's similar in size and price to the LC 500h, and it's also an excellent grand-touring coupe boasting lots of luxury. The base 840i model shares a rear-wheel-drive powertrain that's a bit down on power and is 5 mpg less efficient than the LC 500h. Front seat space is pretty even, but the 8 Series' rear seats are tighter while its trunk is double the Lexus' capacity.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite LC 500h safety features:
- All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a set distance between the LC 500h and the car in front.
- Pre-Collision System
- Warns you if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Lane Keeping Assistance
- Warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus LC 500h a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 LC 500h both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the LC 500h has 4.7 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 500h. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Lexus LC 500h?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus LC 500h:
- Revised suspension tuning for improved handling
- Part of the first LC 500h generation introduced for 2018
Is the Lexus LC 500h reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus LC 500h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the LC 500h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the LC 500h's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Lexus LC 500h a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus LC 500h is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 LC 500h is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus LC 500h?
The least-expensive 2023 Lexus LC 500h is the 2023 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $100,450.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $100,450
What are the different models of Lexus LC 500h?
If you're interested in the Lexus LC 500h, the next question is, which LC 500h model is right for you? LC 500h variants include 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of LC 500h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more