2023 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

　　

2023 Lexus LC 500 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　A few automakers have cars that perhaps don't get the recognition or sales that they deserve. For Lexus, it'd be the LC 500. This quick and comfortable grand tourer is the brand's impressive flagship model. The first thing you'll notice is its standout design. The LC 500 has been out since the 2018 model year, but its exterior styling still looks classy and distinctive. When you step inside, you'll appreciate the elegantly designed interior and exceptional craftsmanship.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus LC 500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) 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

　　$236/mo  for LC 500 Base

　　LC 500 Base

　　2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $94,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The 2023 LC 500 is offered as a coupe or convertible, and there is also a hybrid model (which we review separately). Under the hood is a standard 471-horsepower V8 engine. It's plenty strong and makes an alluring soundtrack that will make you want to take the long way home.

　　As desirable as the LC 500 is, there are other luxury coupes and convertibles to consider. The Porsche 911 is certainly sportier, but the Lexus is still entertaining to drive and can hold its own when the road gets twisty. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz SL is a compelling roadster with a long heritage, but it's pricey. There is also the BMW 8 Series, which is similar in size and is also offered as a coupe or convertible. Deciding among these will probably be hard, but check out our test team's scoring and evaluation below to learn where the LC shines and where it comes up a little short.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the LC 500 drive? The LC 500 doesn't offer the same performance as similarly priced sports cars. But if you think of it more like a grand-touring car — a vehicle that balances power, comfort and luxury in equal proportion — its lofty price makes more sense. The burly roar of its V8 engine makes every drive a joy, especially as it climbs high in the rev range before shifting.

　　Acceleration, however, doesn't quite match the soundtrack. In zzdcar' testing, the LC 500 needed 4.9 seconds to go 0-60 mph, which is unremarkable for this class of car. A Porsche 911 Carrera S we tested, for example, ripped to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The LC isn't particularly nimble on tight and twisting roads either. But it feels right at home on more gentle sweeping back roads. It's a car made for luxuriating on road trips.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the LC 500? The LC 500's suspension excels at absorbing large bumps and smaller imperfections in the road, even with the big 21-inch wheels fitted on our test car. There's a good balance between sport and comfort, and the suspension insulates the cabin well enough from rough road surfaces without making the car feel disconnected from the pavement. Depending on the road surface, we noticed some tire noise and some wind noise at highway speeds. Otherwise, the LC's cabin is quiet and serene.

　　The only kinks we found were our test car's optional sport seats. The well-bolstered and wide seats are pleasantly supportive, but we found the seatback overly firm and lacking enough lumbar adjustment.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below