Used 2020 Lexus LC

For some people, the ultimate luxury car is not a sedan. They don’t want to sit in the back and be chauffeured. They would rather make the driving part of the overall pleasure, enjoying the kinetic kicks as much as the leather-lined interior. This is what grand touring is all about. The 2020 Lexus LC 500 and its hybrid counterpart, the 2020 LC 500h, are fine examples of contemporary grand tourers.

They’re coupes, in competition with cars like the BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe and the hardtop Jaguar F-Type. Not only are the exterior and interior designs a treat for the eyes, the smooth ride, refined drivetrains, and plentiful equipment contribute to the overall appeal.

With typically high Lexus build-quality standards, absolute dependability and robust resale values, the 2020 LC represents a sensible indulgence.

Even after the first half-mile, it’s abundantly clear that the 2020 LC is special. Part of this is the calibrated response to driver inputs. Exactly the right amount of effort is required to turn the steering wheel and press the pedals.

In turn, these elements, along with the suspension, all act in harmony to provide a driving experience that’s simultaneously comfortable and compelling. This is true even at higher speeds, where the Lexus LC’s stability would make it just as ideal for an Autobahn jaunt as any of its German rivals.

When the roads start to twist, the LC brings flow to the go. There’s a touch of body roll, but the grip remains steadfast. The driver’s choice, however, has to be the LC 500, since the hybrid counterpart is heavier, slower and less powerful.

Every LC provides a quiet cabin and — for such a low-riding coupe — excellent outward vision.

Designed to indulge pleasure seekers and thrill seekers alike, the 2020 LC cabin is focused toward the driver, yet with all the elegance and refinement suitable for a flagship machine. The front seats provide comfort and support all day. Optional sport bucket seats come with extra lateral support to keep occupants in place through enthusiastic cornering, but bigger-built drivers may find them a tad cramped.

The only shortcoming, other than the cramped rear seats that are expected in a coupe, is the infotainment system. A laptop-style touch pad makes it tricky to get right while driving, and a convoluted interface entails clicking through a few menus to access basic functions.

Generally speaking, Lexus styling is something of an acquired taste. But it’s not unreasonable to say that the LC is the most successful embodiment so far of that design language. The dramatic spindle grille dominates the front end, naturally, but it seems absolutely right. All the car’s lines, shapes and proportions complement each other, and the result is an aesthetic triumph.

The LC’s look is based on a concept car, the LF-LC. Many conceptual touches never make the transition to production, but things like the first-ever 3D taillight effect and 3-element headlights emphasized by Lexus’ signature LED check mark make the LC even more distinct.

Instead of tweaking the hybrid version to look different, Lexus decided to let the LC 500 and LC 500h be virtually indistinguishable apart from their badges.

13-SPEAKER MARK LEVINSON AUDIO
Mark Levinson audio systems are typically superb. This particular setup was designed especially to suit the LC’s exclusive cabin design and provide optimum listening joy.

“10-SPEED” CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
This sounds like it ought to be a mess. Especially since a regular continuously variable transmission (CVT) has no business being in a high-class performance coupe. But the CVT in the 2020 Lexus LC 500h is different. By deploying what is essentially a 4-speed differential, Lexus is able to make it behave like the real 10-speed automatic in the non-hybrid LC 500.

One justification for the substantial starting price of the 2020 LC is the long list of standard features. We’re talking 20-inch alloy wheels, navigation, 10.3-inch infotainment display, active sport exhaust, selectable drive modes, adaptive suspension, LED exterior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, Wi-Fi, and magnesium paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering-wheel.

Lexus Enform Remote enables connectivity with iPhones (through Apple CarPlay), Amazon’s Alexa and smartwatches.

Safety tech includes full-range adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, active lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

Despite all that standard equipment, there are still some tempting ways to spend more on a new Lexus LC. A Performance package brings variable-ratio steering, rear-wheel steering, 21-inch alloy wheels, carbon-fiber roof, speed-activated rear wing, and sport front seats.

Other extras include a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential, 915-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound system, heated steering wheel, wiper de-icer, head-up display, 21-inch alloy wheels, front/rear parking sensors, perforated leather upholstery, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler.

The LC 500 has a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 developing 471 horsepower. As close to the “slightly too much horsepower is just enough” sweet spot as it needs to be. It’s a sweetly refined unit that sends the LC 500 from standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Not scary fast, but classy quick.

It takes another couple of tenths for the hybrid LC 500h to reach the same speed. But then it’s much easier on gasoline, thanks to a 354-horsepower drivetrain that includes a 3.5-liter V6 augmented by two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack.

The LC 500 has a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. The LC 500h is also rear-wheel-drive, but has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that acts a bit a like its 10-speed stablemate.

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