2022 Lexus LC 500h

　　

2022 Lexus LC 500h Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　Are you an independent thinker who bucks convention, someone with a deep appreciation for style and design who wants to wrap yourself in luxury while treading a little lighter on the planet? Well then, Lexus has a car for you, and it's called the LC 500h.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$160/mo  for LC 500h Base

　　LC 500h Base

　　2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $99,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Though it looks like a wild concept car unleashed upon public roads, the 2022 Lexus LC 500h is a hybrid luxury coupe newly tuned to enhance the connection between the car and the driver for a more sublime and sophisticated driving experience. Not only that, but you can now take advantage of Bespoke Build, a new online Lexus ordering program that allows LC buyers to customize the car's exterior trim, interior upholstery, wheels and other elements to specific preferences.

　　To create the LC 500h, Lexus swaps out the standard LC 500 model's V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission in favor of a hybrid powertrain. It employs a V6 engine, two motor-generators, and a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver rousing rear-wheel-drive performance and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined driving. For those keeping score, that's a 10 mpg improvement over the V8-powered Lexus LC 500.

　　And even though this car is now half a decade old, you'll rarely see another LC 500h while you're coming or going — even in the swankiest city garages, suburban enclaves and coastal retreats. For people who prefer to forge their own path rather than follow the crowd, this exclusivity is priceless.

　　

Which LC 500h does zzdcar recommend?

Lexus offers the LC 500h in a single level of specification to which you can add option packages. If you want to use the new Bespoke Build program, you'll need to get the Sport package. Otherwise, we recommend the Touring package for its added luxuries including premium leather upholstery, a faux suede headliner, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system and more.

　　

Lexus LC 500h models

To add equipment to an LC 500h, you choose option packages to improve upon the standard list of features. Every LC 500h has an efficient hybrid powertrain under its long, low and shapely hood. In this version of the LC, a 3.5-liter V6 engine pairs with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack under the car's floor. Together, these components generate 354 horsepower, 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. Manual and automatic modes are available, the former accessible using shift paddles.

　　Highlights from the standard equipment list include:

　　LC 500h

　　Lexus equips the LC 500h with:

　　20-inch forged alloy wheels LED headlights Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors Keyless entry and ignition Glass roof panel Ambient interior lighting 8-inch digital instrumentation display Power-adjustable steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats Heated and ventilated front seats Dual-zone climate controlThe LC 500h's infotainment system includes:

　　10.3-inch display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Satellite radio Lexus Enform connected services including: Navigation Dynamic voice control Wi-Fi access Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Dual USB ports 12-speaker sound systemThe standard Lexus Safety System+ collection of driver assist systems equips the car with:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)Lexus offers four main option packages for the 2022 LC 500h. They include:

　　All-Weather package

　　Windshield wiper de-icer Electronic heater Heated steering wheelTouring package

　　Features from the All-Weather package Premium leather upholstery for the front seats Simulated suede headliner 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)Sport package

　　Eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats with simulated suede inserts Glass or carbon-fiber roof Performance brake pads Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)Dynamic Handling package

　　Features from the Sport package Limited-slip rear differential Performance brake pads Upgraded front-wheel steering Active rear-wheel steering (improves overall steering responsiveness and maneuverability) Rear spoiler that automatically deploys at certain speeds Simulated suede headliner Carbon-fiber doorsill plates Carbon-fiber roofThe new Bespoke Build program requires the Sport package and provides these features:

　　Contents of the All-Weather package Limited-slip rear differential Yamaha performance damper (reduces vibration and enhances vehicle stability) Bespoke Build badges and certificate of authenticity Customer choice of: Wheel size and type Rear spoiler type Glass or carbon-fiber roof Chrome or dark chrome exterior trim Premium leather or simulated suede upholstery Alternatively, you can choose from a short menu of stand-alone options including:

　　Head-up display Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Carbon-fiber doorsill scuff plates

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