2026 Lexus LC

With its sweeping front end and flared rear fenders, the Lexus LC dazzles in a way few luxury coupes can. Standing still, the LC radiates speed and style, even if — in reality — it's not quite as athletic as other coupes and convertibles in its price range. The LC is really at its best on the open road with sweeping views to take in, a luxury cruiser powered by a throaty V8 and a side of snappy handling. The sun is likely setting on LC production, though, as Lexus moves to more efficient, more electric alternatives. If you like the idea of a V8-powered two-door luxury cruiser, act soon.

The biggest news around the 2026 Lexus LC isn't the new limited-edition Inspiration Series, which blends exclusive paint shades and interior treatments with blackout styling accents for both the coupe and convertible. The coupe is limited to just 200 units in North America and the convertible is slated for 350, so if you're a collector the Inspiration Series might be worth a closer look. But the bigger news is the quiet absence of the LC hybrid model for 2026. Impressive engineering aside — V6 engine, dual electric motors and dual transmissions that enabled up to 29 mpg combined — the hybrid's modest sales last year, reportedly less than 2% of the lineup, put it on borrowed time. The gas model, too, is winding down as Lexus readies the LC's successor. Though speculation is rife, the LC's next iteration will likely trade the glorious roar of its V8 for something more efficient, such as one of Toyota's current twin-turbo V6 powertrains.

The LC is a niche unto itself, at least at its price. The Mercedes-Benz SL, a glorious luxury grand tourer with four seats and a supremely comfortable ride, comes close. It also costs substantially more and is only offered as a convertible. The BMW 8 Series seats four and possesses its own angular European style in either coupe or cabrio form. It's larger, with plenty of cachet, but its bulky silhouette is no match for the LC's luscious lines. There's also the Porsche 911, a sharply tuned performance machine with a variety of trims, options and pricing that can make your eyes water, though the Porsche is nearly flawless in execution.

The 2026 Lexus LC 500 is offered as a coupe and convertible in a single trim level. Both body styles have a 2+2 seating arrangement — two standard front seats with two smaller rear seats. Note the rear seats are generally too small for adults (the convertible's rear seats are even smaller). The sole engine is a 5.0-liter V8 (471 horsepower, 398 lb-ft of torque) that powers the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.