Lexus LC

LEXUS LC – Overview

The Lexus LC is Lexus’ expression performance, elegance and luxury embedded into a grand touring coupe. There has not been any volume production flagship coupe or sportscar by the company since the demise of the SC 430 in 2010. The LEXUS LC was launched in 2017 and the first of the Lexus vehicle to adopt the new chassis architecture called GA-L.

The LEXUS LC is built with the Lexus trademark quietness, riding comfort, precision as well as much added driving involvement in this new generation. The LEXUS LC 500 in 2021 is available in two variants with the same engine, the coupe or convertible. Fully imported from Japan, the LEXUS LC 500 is priced at RM 1,205,216.50 for the coupe and RM 1,302,815 for the soft-top convertible. 

Competitors include the Porsche 911, BMW 8 Series, Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe as well the ageing Maserati GranTurismo and Audi R8. The Nissan GT-R is not be a direct competitor, as the Nissan is much more focused on all-out performance and less on comfort and luxurious features. 

LEXUS LC – Exterior

Originally showcased as the LEXUS LF-LC concept car in 2012, the LEXUS LC is one of the rare vehicles that went to production form with minimal alterations from the concept car. The large and simple spindle grille continues to dominate the LEXUS LC 500 with a pair of ultra-slim 3-beam LED projector headlamps at the sides. A brow with an arrowhead motif is used for DRL in the LEXUS LC, but designers are quick to point out that the DRL extends seamlessly into the compact headlamp which seems captivating.

Almost everywhere you look, from any angle, the LEXUS LC 500 looks like a true piece of art. The compact headlamps take up so little space up front, while the side profile has just a strake to direct air to the corner slit for aerodynamics. The handles are flush with the door and only extend out once the driver approaches the LEXUS LC 500. On the LEXUS LC 500 coupe, the roof panel is made of carbon fibre material, while the convertible features a high-quality electronically retractable soft-top roof.

Opening and closing time of the LEXUS LC 500 convertible soft-top roof is 15 and 16 seconds respectively, and the driver can operate at up to a maximum speed of 50 km/h. The taillamps are another engineering treat, which Lexus called Infinity Mirror Effect. Devoid of traditional reflectors, the taillamp in the LEXUS LC 500 glow at a reducing intensity as the ‘L’ light beam concentrates to the centre. They are also made as compact as possible, allowing for a practical boot volume- 197 litres for the coupe and 149 litres for the LEXUS LC 500 convertible.

Aerodynamics have also been refined on the LEXUS LC 500 convertible, where the edge of the windscreen has been finely shaped and perform in conjunction with a transparent wind deflector behind the rear seats. This allows for a calm cabin atmosphere for conversation with the soft-top roof down. On the LEXUS LC 500 coupe, an active rear spoiler automatically deploys for improvement in downforce levels. 

LEXUS LC – Interior

Dashboard

The LEXUS LFA-inspired meter hood continues here too, with control dials (drive mode and traction control) at both corners of the cowling. Directly next to the meter hood is the 10.3-inch widescreen infotainment system. Every switchgear operates with a consistent weight/resistance and illuminates in a soft glow. An analogue clock is fitted next to the screen.

A decorative ‘grip bar’ at the lower portion of the centre console creates a passenger and driver separation in the LEXUS LC 500. The door panel in the LEXUS LC 500 meanwhile features one of the prettiest door handles in the industry, sculptured from solid magnesium alloy. 

Lexus says the flowing line on the door trim is an extension of the exterior line that flows from the bonnet and through the windscreen. Carbon fibre is used on the door sills as well as the inner door skins, behind the handcrafted door panel of the LEXUS LC 500.

Instrument cluster

A coloured head-up display further complements the instrument cluster by displaying key driving information such as the operation status of the Lexus Safety System Plus.

Space and practicality

LEXUS LC – Features

Safety features

There are 6 airbags in both the LEXUS LC 500 coupe and convertible models. For the roofless LEXUS LC 500 convertible, large side airbags protect the chest and head too. Active roll bars meanwhile extend the moment sensors detect a collision or rollover to further protect the occupants. Visual assistance during parking is aided by the simple rear-view monitor in the LEXUS LC 500.

Comfort features

The get into the rear seat, the front passenger seat of the LEXUS LC 500 has a one-touch walk-in function. Anyone below 150 cm (5-feet) should fit at the back seat without too much complaints. The air-conditioning in the LEXUS LC 500 features a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a negative ion generator and Lexus Climate Concierge that works in conjunction with the ventilated seats. 

The system also changes according to the operation of the soft top, with a different airflow pattern used for top-down driving comfort in the LEXUS LC 500 convertible.At night, LED ambient lighting lines the door trim to contribute to the feeling of luxury and craftsmanship in the LEXUS LC 500. It provides a different atmosphere compared to daytime.

Infotainment

It is certainly the weakest point in the Lexus LC 500 in terms of user-friendliness. The interface has too many sub-menus and controlling via touch or remote pad is not intuitive/specific. Surround sound is channelled to the opulent interior via the Lexus signature Mark Levinson system. 

The 13-speaker setup has high-performance speakers placed strategically in the interior of the LEXUS LC 500 for a 3D surround sound and driven by the proprietary Reference Surround system and an 11-channel amplifier. In the LEXUS LC 500 convertible, the Mark Levinson Reference Surround system automatically compliments and adjust the sound architecture for the best clarity, distinctively blending music and engine note. 

LEXUS LC – Powertrain

Engine

Hidden under the intake system is a sound generator plumbing, where it transmits selective frequencies directly into the cabin for an amplified engine noise that is pleasant to hear and only when the V8 engine is being worked.

Transmission

In Sport modes, the transmission uses just seven ratios and shifts at a much faster speed. Lock-up is also performed at every gear ratio for a direct connection between engine and transmission.

Chassis

The Malaysian specification LEXUS LC 500 is standard fitted with the Lexus Dynamic Handling Package. This includes a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) combined with variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) at the front and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) for agile and precise handling. Large brake discs with multi-piston aluminium calipers are tasked to stop the LEXUS LC 500 with confidence and assurance.

There are five selectable driving modes, including Sport S and Sport Plus plus a sixth custom mode that allows individual setting of the suspension, powertrain and steering. The wheels on the LEXUS LC 500 are 21-inch, made from forging technique and finished in a dual-tone black-on-polished appearance. Run-flat tyres are used on the LEXUS LC 500, with the fronts in 245/40RF21 size and the rear in 275/35RF21 size.

Drivetrain

LEXUS LC – Driving Performance

Engine performance

Powertrain smoothness is a Lexus hallmark and the decade-old V8 engine that first served the Lexus IS-F continues to deliver buttery-smooth performance with ample supply of torque and musical notes. Large displacement means the LEXUS LC 500 cruises effortlessly at low speeds, easily picking up the pace without the need to push the engine and transmission.

Transmission performance

Lexus has carefully tuned the engine and transmission to deliver instant acceleration and a constant build-up of torque toward the engine’s redline. When driven in manual mode, the transmission upshifts in a rapid and engaging sensation, while in downshifts, the V8 engine barks with the ferocious blip of the throttle accompanied by a bark from the exhaust.

Steering and handling

LEXUS LC – Ride Comfort

The LEXUS LC 500 seems to have the suspension insufficiently tuned to soak up bumps on uneven roads at low speed, transmitting a rather undelightful riding comfort. Soundproofing is near perfection in the cabin, aided by plenty of insulation materials, precision building process as well as speaker-activated Active Noise Controller.

Even in the soft-top convertible, the LEXUS LC 500 is well-insulated from wind noise and other environmental noise, clear proof that fabric soft tops can also provide the low harshness levels a retractable hardtop is perceived to. 

LEXUS LC – Fuel Economy

LEXUS LC – Conclusion

Driving the LEXUS LC 500 is also a surprise and rewarding, not just from the glorious engine notes, but a chassis that is capable and certainly well-calibrated. The engine and 10-speed automatic also work in good harmony, covering all aspects of urban driving to the open highway and the occasional enthusiastic driving.

While the interior is a great place to be, the usability of the infotainment system in the LEXUS LC 500 is a real letdown. A lower speeds, the ride comfort is poor over uneven road surfaces, which could highly be contributed by the large run-flat tyres. The LEXUS LC 500 still offers a great alternative of beauty and comfort for those who have already been familiar with German offerings.