2018 Lexus LC 500h Review

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.