2023 Lexus LC 500h Coupe

　　

2023 Lexus LC 500h 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.

　　The Lexus LC 500h is unlike anything else on sale today. Sure, there are other high-dollar luxury coupes out here, but they don't have a hybrid powertrain, especially one as unique as the LC 500h's. It consists of a 3.5-liter V6, two electric motors and a battery pack that's mounted between the rear seats and trunk. That might seem like a pretty ordinary hybrid setup until you get to the transmission. Lexus pairs a continuously variable transmission with a four-speed automatic, a combination designed to simulate 10 gears.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$162/mo  for LC 500h Base

　　LC 500h Base

　　2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $100,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The LC 500h's unconventional transmission routes all 354 horses to the rear wheels, which was enough for a swift 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds when we tested it. Surprisingly, that's just 0.1 second slower than its V8-powered counterpart, the LC 500. The glorious sound of the V8 is of course missing, but in return you get 29 mpg combined, 10 more mpg than the non-hybrid.

　　Unlike the LC 500, the LC 500h isn't offered as a convertible, but both share a stunning exterior design, a remarkable-looking interior made with top-notch materials, a comfortable ride, and ample amounts of luxury. The grand-touring coupe also provides solid handling dynamics, which Lexus improved for 2023 by adjusting the suspension settings. And its regenerative braking system, common on all hybrids, does impact pedal feel, hampering the LC 500h's driving dynamics.

　　The LC 500h doesn't have any direct rivals because there isn't much interest in six-figure hybrid luxury coupes; most are powered by potent V8s. The plug-in hybrid version of the Porsche Panamera comes close, but it has two extra doors. If you're set on the LC 500h, one thing is certain: You'll be driving around town in rarefied air.

　　

Which LC 500h does zzdcar recommend?

There aren't any trim levels to recommend for the Lexus LC 500h because it's only available in one well-equipped configuration featuring several available packages and options. However, we recommend using the Bespoke Build configurator that allows you to build your LC 500h exactly to your liking. The Mark Levinson sound system and 21-inch wheels are worthy upgrades.

　　

Lexus LC 500h models

The 2023 LC 500h isn't offered in different trim levels. Instead, you choose option packages to improve upon the standard list of features. It's powered by an efficient hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Together, the hybrid system generates 354 horsepower that's 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.

　　Highlights from the standard equipment list include:

　　LC 500h

　　Lexus equips the LC 500h with:

　　21-inch forged alloy wheels LED headlights Adaptive suspension (for improved ride and handling) Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors Keyless entry and ignition Glass roof panel Ambient interior lighting 8-inch digital instrument panel 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 tech features include:

　　10.3-inch display Navigation system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Amazon Alexa compatibility 12-speaker sound system Dual USB portsThe standard Lexus Safety System+ package of advanced driver aids equips the car with:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) 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) Automatic high-beam assist Lexus offers four main option packages for the LC 500h. They include:

　　All-Weather package

　　Windshield wiper de-icer Heated steering wheelTouring package

　　Features from the All-Weather package Premium leather upholstery for the front seats Synthetic suede headliner 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking Sport package

　　Eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats with synthetic suede inserts Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking Upgraded performance brake pads Glass roof with sunshade Dynamic Handling package

　　Features from the Sport package Limited-slip rear differential (for improved traction) Upgraded variable steering system Rear-wheel steering (improves overall steering responsiveness and maneuverability) Rear spoiler that automatically deploys at certain speeds Synthetic suede headliner Carbon-fiber doorsill plates Carbon-fiber roofThe Bespoke Build program requires the Sport package and provides these features:

　　Contents of the All-Weather package Bespoke Build badges and certificate of authenticity Customer choice of: Various interior and exterior colors Different 20- or 21-inch wheels Rear spoiler type (or no rear spoiler) Glass or carbon-fiber roof Chrome or dark chrome exterior trim Premium leather or synthetic suede upholstery Alternatively, you can choose from a short menu of stand-alone options including:

　　Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking Carbon-fiber doorsill scuff plates

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