Used 2019 Lexus LC

Not since the SC coupe has Lexus had a contender in the high-priced, grand-touring coupe market, and even then it wasn’t much of a performer. With the arrival of the 2019 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h hybrid, history is about to repeat itself, only this time with the added advantage of more muscle, superior handling and concept-car good looks. The 2019 Lexus LC coupe takes dead aim at cars like the BMW 650i, Mercedes-AMG E63 Coupe and Jaguar F-Type. With its V8 and V6 hybrid engine choices, the LC has a leg up on most competitors, while its stunning interior, high-tech features and world-class handling make this a car European manufacturers need to watch carefully.

From the moment you slip behind the Lexus LC’s thick-grip steering wheel, it becomes overwhelmingly obvious this car is something special. There’s an eerie tranquility to the way the steering, suspension and brakes all work harmoniously, delivering dynamic performance highlighted by grin-inducing cornering. There’s a definite solidity to this car, and we feel it isn’t a stretch to say this is the first Japanese vehicle that can truly rival the high-speed composure of its European rivals. In short, the LC 500 is a car we’d gladly take on the Autobahn any day of the week. Charge headlong into a sharp curve, and the LC’s body rolls only a few degrees, clinging tenaciously to the pavement. Yet for all its ability in the curves, the 2019 Lexus LC 500 still pampers, with a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin and, for such a low-slung coupe, remarkably good sightlines.

The interior was designed to be as driver-focused as you’d hope from a sports coupe, while retaining the elegance and refinement expected from a brand flagship. The seats are designed for all-day comfort and support, while available sport buckets offer additional side bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving, though horizontally challenged drivers may find them somewhat restrictive. The only shortcoming, besides the cramped rear seats, is the infotainment system, due to a laptop-style touch pad that’s nearly impossible to use accurately while the car is in motion and a convoluted interface that’ll have you sifting through multiple menus to access basic functions.

The LC 500 is a real-world interpretation of the acclaimed LF-LC concept car. Lexus underscored its pledge to bringing that stunning shape into production, and the LC represents one of those rare instances when it’s not hyperbole to call it a concept car you can buy. Against all odds, touches like a first-ever 3D taillight effect, 3-element headlights emphasized by Lexus’ signature LED check mark, and dramatic spindle grille all survived the transition from prototype to production. Best of all, the LC 500 and LC 500h are virtually indistinguishable – apart from their badging, of course.

13-SPEAKER MARK LEVINSON AUDIO
Because the LC has such a uniquely shaped cabin, the Mark Levinson audio system had to be specifically calibrated for the car. The 13-speaker system strategically aims sound for optimal approval, making it one of the best car audio systems at any price.

10-SPEED CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
The words “continuously variable transmission” and “performance coupe” are rarely uttered in the same sentence, but the 2019 Lexus LC 500h hybrid’s CVT is the exception to the rule. Using what amounts to a 4-speed differential, Lexus is able to make its CVT behave just like the standard 10-speed found in the non-hybrid LC 500.

Not surprisingly, the 2019 Lexus LC comes exceptionally well-furnished in base form. Key standards consist of LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a fixed glass panel roof, and a 12-speaker Pioneer audio system tied to a high-mounted, wide-screen display. Safety tech arrives in the form of full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane-keeping assist that will steer the car back into its lane for you, and automatic high-beam control. New this year are Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration and Lexus Enform Remote smartwatch integration.

For those who want it all, the 2019 LC can be outfitted with a carbon-fiber roof panel, heated and ventilated front seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather or Alcantara, blind-spot monitoring, and a full range of performance add-ons including a limited-slip rear differential, larger 21-inch wheels, active rear-wheel steering for added agility, and a speed-activated rear spoiler.

The LC 500 and LC 500h get their motivation from a revised version of Lexus’ naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, respectively. The conventional mill sends 471 horsepower to the rear wheels through an improved 10-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid powertrain routes 354 net system horsepower to the same area via a gearless CVT. Lexus claims the LC 500 can sprint from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds, with the LC 500h coming in only two-tenths slower despite delivering considerably better fuel economy.

5.0-liter V8
471 horsepower @ 7,100 rpm
398 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg

3.5-liter V6 gasoline/electric hybrid
354 net system horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35 mpg