Used 2022 Lexus LC

The 2022 Lexus LC is a luxury 2-door model based on the LS flagship sedan. Yes, it’s an indulgence, but a kind of sensible indulgence. The build quality, reliability, and resale values are all at typically high Lexus levels.

Available as a coupe with a V8 or a hybrid drivetrain, or a V8-only convertible, the 2022 LC comes with plenty of standard equipment. It’s not an out-and-out driver’s machine; it’s classier and comfier than that. The LC is more of a grand tourer. It’s the luxury car for people who don’t want to sit in the back, because where’s the fun in that?

A 471-horsepower V8 is capable of propelling the 2022 LC 500 from standstill to 60 mph in an impressive 4.4 seconds, sounding great in the process. The hybrid version’s 354 horsepower is still capable of doing the run in 4.7 seconds.

This is the second year running that Lexus has made improvements to the suspension. The company is at least committed to making the 2022 LC drive as engagingly as possible. Each variant weighs over 4,000 pounds, though, and there’s only so much that tweaking can achieve.

As a grand tourer rather than a true driver’s machine (like a Porsche 911), the LC definitely has its own qualities. It’s reassuringly stable at high speeds. And the standard brake-based torque vectoring, where the inside rear wheel goes around a corner slower than its outside counterpart, helps the car stay tidy through the curves.

It’s a Lexus, so the 2022 LC is predictably brimful of quality materials put together with wonderful attention to detail and a high degree of craftsmanship.

The dashboard houses an analog clock, the driver’s footwell has aluminum pedals, and the passenger side of the center console morphs into a grab handle.

Space is plentiful up front, but the two rear seats are better for weekend bags than they are for humans, especially since the trunk’s volume is only 5.4 cubic feet at best. The hybrid makes do with 4.7 cubic feet and the convertible only has 3.4 cubic feet.

In disappointing contrast to the futuristic exterior, the LC has a previous-generation infotainment system with a touchpad that takes more attention to operate than it should.

The Bespoke Build treatment is available with the coupe versions. One particular aspect is the choice of the Manhattanhenge interior color scheme. It’s named after a special event that happens twice a year when the sunrises and sunsets align with the New York City skyscrapers and grid system to create an orange glow.

It might just be that 2-door cars invariably look a bit special. Or perhaps the Lexus design philosophy has found its perfect vehicle of expression in the 2022 LC.

Fixed metal roof or folding soft top, the LC comes with illuminated, flush-fitting door handles. The convertible’s roof comes in black or sand. Lexus says the 2022 LC has a “more focused” palette of color choices, which translates to last year’s 11 hues being reduced to nine. The casualties are Liquid Platinum and Obsidian.

5.0-LITER V8 ENGINE
In this turbocharged age, a naturally aspirated V8 is becoming rare. But there’s still something special about this one, the way it sounds and how it delivers its power. The V8 in the LC 500 is both refined and muscular.

MARK LEVINSON SURROUND-SOUND SYSTEM
There are Mark Levinson audio upgrades for pretty much every Lexus vehicle and they’re consistently good. This optional 13-speaker/915-watt surround-sound setup has been designed especially for the 2022 LC.

Lexus packs the 2022 LC 500 Coupe with a lot of standard equipment. This includes 20-inch alloy wheels, triple-projector LED headlights, active sport exhaust, self-dimming side mirrors with puddle lights, keyless entry/start, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with driver’s-side memory settings, power-adjustable steering column, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch digital driver information display.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance/lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

The infotainment is based around a 10.3-inch display and comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Wi-Fi, navigation, two USB ports, satellite radio, and 12 speakers.

This inventory applies to the 2022 LC 500h hybrid and the LC 500 Convertible, although the 500h has extra hybrid-related instrumentation. And the soft-top has the, erm, soft top. Plus a self-parking system as standard.

A Touring package for all three 2022 LC variants includes a heated steering wheel, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces (for the front seats), self-parking feature, and the Mark Levinson audio system. In the convertible, this package also has a Climate Concierge with upper-body heating.

The coupes are eligible for more performance-oriented options. Like the Sport Package, with 21-inch alloy wheels, torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip rear differential, sport front seats, and high-friction brake pads. It also includes the self-parking system and a glass roof.

A Dynamic Handling Package includes the Sport’s contents, adding variable-ratio steering, rear-wheel steering, speed-activated rear wing, and carbon fiber scuff plates.

New for 2022, the Bespoke Build program also incorporates the Sport Package’s additions, while offering buyers a choice of alloy wheel designs, carbon fiber roof, fixed rear carbon fiber wing, or no wing at all.

A head-up display is also optional.

The all-gasoline members of the 2022 LC range have a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 developing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This goes solely to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The coupe-only 2022 LC 500h hybrid has a 3.5-liter V6 augmented by two electric motors. One motor acts a primary generator and starter, the other helps the V6 drive the rear wheels. These motors run off a lithium-ion battery. A special hybrid-specific automatic transmission is deployed here. Total system output is 354 horsepower.

Both drivetrains require premium gasoline.

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 (LC 500 Coupe), 15/25 mpg (LC 500 Convertible)

3.5-liter V6 + two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors (LC 500h)
354 total horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34 mpg