Buyers of high-end luxury vehicles are used to getting what they want, but until recently, opulent sports cars that didn't gorge on vast stores of gasoline simply didn't exist. Now, one of the most experienced hybrid automakers in the business is thrusting its best foot forward with the new 2018 Lexus LC 500h. This seductive coupe offers an enticing blend of high style, performance, comfort and luxury.

Motivating the LC 500h is a combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 and an electric motor. A continuously variable automatic transmission works in conjunction with a traditional four-speed automatic to send power to the rear wheels. The unique powertrain helps make the most out of the horsepower available, which is 354 hp for the total system.

This hybrid feels quick on the road. In fact, it posted the same 0-60 mph time at our test track as the V8-driven LC 500. Plus, you get 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA, which is fantastic for a luxury performance coupe and more than 50 percent better fuel economy than the LC 500.

As impressive as the powertrain is, it's the cabin that immediately yields the most impassioned responses from passengers. From the seats to the headliner, nearly every surface is draped in supple leather or suede. The penchant for high-quality materials even travels down to smaller details, such as the paddle shifters made of magnesium and the hand-trimmed shift knob. There are a few functional blunders, such as the Lexus Remote Touch infotainment interface, which is unwieldy and frustrating to use. But overall we think highly of the LC 500h. It's proof that Lexus can craft a jaw-dropping coupe that stands toe to toe with some of the most elite grand tourers on sale today.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 Lexus LC 500h is a unique car: There are no other high-end hybrid sport coupes with a starting price under six figures. It's sold in just a single trim (the V8-powered LC 500 is reviewed separately), but there are so many standard features, it's sufficiently luxurious without any options. Two packages, Convenience and Touring, add a few creature comforts such as upgraded leather and blind-spot monitoring. For those looking for dynamic improvements, the Sport and Performance packages have you covered with simulated suede upholstery throughout the cabin, a Torsen limited-slip differential and more.

The LC 500h is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 assisted by an electric motor, generating 354 horsepower overall. Two transmissions, a continuously variable automatic and a four-speed conventional automatic, work in conjunction to drive the rear wheels. The transmissions simulate a total of 10 gears, which can be manually selected using steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Like most luxury coupes in this price range, the LC 500h boasts an abundance of standard features. They include 20-inch wheels, LED exterior lights, automatic high-beam control, heated and auto-dimming mirrors with puddle lamps, keyless entry and ignition, ambient interior lighting, an 8-inch driver information screen, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, eight-way power front seats (with two-way power lumbar), driver-seat memory settings, adjustable driving modes, a 10.3-inch central display, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker audio system with two USB ports and HD and satellite radio. Notable safety features include a rearview camera, a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking, and lane departure warning and mitigation.

Since the LC 500h is well-equipped as it is, only a smattering of options and packages are available, but some significantly alter the character of the car. Stand-alone options include 20- and 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, a Torsen limited-slip differential and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

If you want to pack the LC 500h with even more luxury features, consider the All-Weather package, which adds a heated steering wheel and windshield de-icer; the Convenience package, which brings front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; and the Touring package, which adds forged 20-inch wheels, a simulated suede headliner, upgraded leather upholstery and the Mark Levinson audio system. If a high-performance hybrid is more your speed, you can always specify the Sport package, which adds the Convenience package plus front sport seats with simulated suede inserts and the limited-slip diff. (This package can also be ordered with a carbon-fiber roof.) Finally, the Performance package takes the Sport package with carbon-fiber roof and adds an adaptive rear spoiler, an active rear steering system, variable-ratio steering, carbon-fiber kick plates and the simulated suede headliner.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Lexus LC 500h (3.5L V6 hybrid | CVT automatic | RWD).

Driving

The LC 500h's powertrain is less appealing in every way than the more affordable V8 option, save for fuel economy. It's not power-deficient, but it does add a palpable 150 pounds and some drivability issues and removes all the aural pleasure you would have enjoyed with the eight-cylinder.

Acceleration

This LC's hybrid is quicker than its specs suggest, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a reasonably quick 5 seconds. But it's not as punchy and satisfying as the V8 car. There are occasional power fluctuations when not at full throttle.

Braking

The complicated hybrid system affects the way the LC 500h switches between regenerative and standard braking. The brake pedal's engagement can be inconsistent if you're driving in stop-and-go traffic, and the pedal feel is numb. Panic stops from 60 mph are stable and relatively respectable at 111 feet.

Steering

3.5

The steering feels tuned more for comfort than toward performance. There's not much feedback on what the front tires are doing. But the steering is precise and weighted appropriately light for a grand tourer.

Handling

As a grand-touring hybrid, the LC 500h performs as expected. It has superb weight balance and its run-flat tires stick decently. But tighter roads reveal its beefy curb weight, and the lack of feedback from the steering and the brakes doesn't help.

Drivability

The incredibly complex and intriguing transmission combo of a CVT and a four-speed automatic is also the LC 500h's weak point, which ties in with the braking issues. Downshift response is lacking at times, and the transmission is busy and often uncertain of the actions it should take.

Comfort

Our tester's standard seats are more comfortable than the optional sport seats and are appropriate for this impressively comfortable grand tourer. The ride is excellent, highway noise is minimal, and the climate control works very well when left to its own devices.

Seat comfort

Our tester's standard seats are supportive, even though they have less bolstering than the optional sport seats. The seat cushioning is pleasantly supportive, but the seatback lacks height-adjustable lumbar. They may feel less ideal for bigger, wider body types.

Ride comfort

4.5

The adaptive suspension is adept at absorbing large and small road imperfections. Even with big 20-inch wheels and stiff run-flat tires, the LC is comfortable without feeling disconnected from the road. That said, we were hard-pressed to notice much difference between different drive modes.

Noise & vibration

3.5

There's some noticeable wind noise at freeway speeds and, depending on the road surface, some tire noise, too. But around town or on well-kept roads, the LC 500h is pleasantly quiet, especially when running in EV mode. The V6 hybrid's sound isn't as pleasant as the V8's.

Climate control

3.5

The automatic climate control works well, and the automatic seat heating and cooling is a nice touch. Basic temperature adjustments are easy, and there are voice commands for several climate functions. But for full manual control, you need to use the touchpad system, which is very awkward.

Interior

3.5

Good visibility and a comfortable, sporty driving position are the highlights. This Lexus is also easier to get in and out of than many low-slung coupes. The cabin is mostly very upscale, with a few exceptions. The biggest letdown is the frustrating touchpad infotainment interface.

Ease of use

2.5

While everything's easy to reach, many controls are frustrating to use. Locating options in the infotainment system with its awkward haptic touchpad interface is one problem. The steering wheel controls take a bit of getting used to because not all are intuitively placed or labeled.

Getting in/getting out

3.5

Access is slightly easier than in many sports cars thanks to a seat that's higher relative to the ground than ones in some competitors and a steering wheel that moves out of the way. But the long doors mean plenty of clearance is needed, and there's a high and wide sill to step over.

Driving position

The seat feels appropriately low and snug inside the car thanks to a sporting position and the high beltline and armrests. Taller drivers will want more telescoping from the steering wheel. Otherwise the position is comfortable and provides a clear view of the gauges, controls and the road ahead.

Roominess

The cabin is surprisingly small relative to the LC 500h's size, but it isn't out of line for the class. The bulky transmission tunnel and raked greenhouse sides mean you have little room to move. The rear seat is useless for adults or even taller children.

Visibility

3.5

Visibility out the front and rear is surprisingly good, although the front end of the car is hard to judge because of the hood's slope and grille's bulbous shape. The small side mirrors and the thick rear roof pillars mean rear three-quarter visibility isn't great.

Quality

Overall quality is exceptionally high with compelling interior design to match. Leather, simulated suede, and metal or metal-feeling plastics abound, and everything is assembled to a high level. It's an interior befitting a car of this class, and possibly beyond it.

Utility

2.5

The LC 500h has very little usable space considering its size. Small-item storage is at a premium, without even a good spot to store your phone for easy access. The trunk is very small and gets hot quickly. The back seat is the most useful storage space in the vehicle.

Small-item storage

2.5

The door pockets, glovebox and armrest bin are all small. The cupholders are poorly placed: One is limited by overhanging trim and the other obstructs the touchpad. The armrest bin is the only option for phone storage, but it requires two steps to access and only hinges open facing the driver.

Cargo space

2.5

At 4.7 cubic feet, the trunk is smaller than both the standard LC 500's trunk and Porsche 911's. It's small and shallow with a high liftover, so you'll be limited to a couple of small bags. There's no extra storage under the trunk floor, and the trunk gets quite hot after even relatively short drives.

Child safety seat accommodation

2.5

There are LATCH points for rear outboard seats, but rear access is difficult enough already, and the sorely limited rear-seat space means that finding a gauge that fits and maneuvering it into place would both be Herculean tasks.

Technology

It's unfortunate that a car, which looks so space age on the outside, should be saddled with Lexus' technology on the inside. While the trick sliding gauge cluster is a nice touch, the infotainment system is particularly frustrating, and voice controls yield inconsistent results.

Audio & navigation

Our car's Mark Levinson system was truly excellent, but the nav system just isn't up to par. It requires a precise address, otherwise finding a destination is somewhere between "very involved" and "impossible" unless you call destination assist. And talking with a human is an awkward solution.

Smartphone integration

Bluetooth works quite well, and the ability to browse your phone's content through the Bluetooth connection is nice, but the car lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Enform apps are available, but you only get a limited selection of apps, and not all are preferable to their standard counterparts.

Driver aids

3.5

A full suite of driver aids is included. The rearview camera works well enough, although considering the car's size, a 360 camera would be nice. Forward and rear parking sensors help. Adaptive cruise mostly works well, but it can occasionally be unpredictably overreactive and requires minding.

Voice control

3.5

Voice controls offer a lot of functionality, and there are spoken and on-screen guides, but results are inconsistent until you use the voice-training program. Frustratingly, if you make a mistake in some processes, which are several steps long, you have to start over rather than going back a step.

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$96,510

MPG

26 city / 35 hwy

Seats 4

Continuously variable-speed automatic

Hybrid

354 hp @ 6600 rpm

See all 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe features & specs

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 while using cruise control.
Pre-Collision System: Alerts the driver if a front collision with a pedestrian or vehicle is deemed imminent. Can automatically apply the brakes.
Intuitive Park Assist: Sounds an alert that increases in frequency as the LC 500h approaches an object in front of or behind the car.

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More about the 2018 Lexus LC 500h

The 2018 Lexus LC 500h is a luxurious sport coupe that stands out from the rest of the elite grand tourers because it's driven by a hybrid powertrain. Like other high-performance Lexus models — such as the V8-powered LC 500 and RC F — finding the right model is easy because the LC 500h is sold in a single trim level. Although very well-equipped right out of the gate, a few packages are available, which add extra luxury and performance features.

The rear-wheel-drive LC 500h is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 paired to an electric motor; total horsepower is a healthy 354 hp. Its substantial list of standard features includes 20-inch wheels, LED exterior lights with automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker audio system, a pre-collision warning system, and lane departure warning and intervention. Stand-alone options include forged wheels, a head-up display, a limited-slip differential and a 13-speaker audio system.

All available luxury additions are bundled into three option packages: All-Weather, Convenience and Touring. Features include a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, simulated suede headliner and upgraded leather upholstery. The aptly named Sport and Performance packages are sure to increase blood flow, with body-hugging sport seats, an adaptive rear spoiler, variable-ratio steering, and active rear steering among the performance upgrades.

The high-end grand touring segment is replete with exotic European coupes, but few offer hybrid powertrains and practically none carries a starting price below six figures. On top of that, most can't match the LC 500h's level of standard equipment. On the downside, the LC doesn't have the deep level of customization rivals offer, and the touchpad that controls the infotainment interface isn't precise and can be frustrating to use. Still, we think Lexus fanatics will be enticed by its surprisingly sporty driving dynamics, while touring enthusiasts will appreciate the LC 500's jaw-dropping interior and supple ride quality. If you decide the LC 500h is the luxury hybrid for you, be sure to use Edmunds' pricing and inventory tools to find the perfect model in your area.

2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe Overview

The 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe is offered in the following styles: , and 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).

What do people think of the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe and all its trim types. 0 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 2018 LC 500h Coupe.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 LC 500h Coupe featuring deep dives into trim levels including Base, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe here.

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 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe?

2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $101,694. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $14,442 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $14,442 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$87,252.

The average savings for the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is14.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 3 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupes are available in my area?

2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe Listings and Inventory

There are currently 4 new 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $101,704 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $15,705 on a new, used or CPO 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe available from a dealership near you.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe for sale near you.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe and all available trim types: Base. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lexus LC 500h?

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.

2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe

New

2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe pricing

Which LC 500h does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Features & Specs

Safety

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2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe Overview

What do people think of the 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe?

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe?

2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupe 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Which 2018 Lexus LC 500h Coupes are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lexus LC 500h?

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