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On par with Bentleys but costing a fraction, the Lexus LC 500 is an alluring yet heavily underrated package in today's grand touring lineup.
If you’re talking unparalleled levels of luxury and reliability, Lexus is the only name that fits the bill. The brand is so tied up with those words that whenever it experiments by adding performance into the mix, people are often confused.
The Lexus LFA left the audience in awe with both its performance and price tag. Lexus’ second attempt at a luxury sports coupe was the relatively affordable LC 500. Although it wasn’t a bestseller, it did manage to stir up the segment. The recipe proved perfect for successful doctors and lawyers who were already customers of the brand. Needless to say, the Lexus LC 500 moved inventory, albeit at a slow pace.
Venturing into territories ruled by Porsche, Jaguar, and BMW is not an easy thing. And when buyers are fully aware of their options, Lexus made a bold move with the LC 500. Though performance is appreciable by 2022 standards, what we can say in confidence is that the LC 500 is hands-down the most attractive car in the $100K ballpark. The Lexus LC 500 is by no means perfect—nothing is. But despite its underrated status, it does embody the grand tourer ethos to a near-perfect degree. Here’s why.
Anyone who's laid eyes on the LC 500 will have no two ways about it being attractive. Further adding to its curb appeal are the rather large spider grille and the beautiful triple-lED headlights. The sculpture, as we move to the rear, is enhanced by its muscular haunches flaunting the rear three-quarters. Surprisingly, the rear is rather sedate versus the design up front.
Bespoke 20-inch rims followed by dual-exhaust surrounds complete the luxury yet sporting appeal of the LC. Opting for the convertible should get you an open-top experience, which is understandable in a car with a sumptuous V8. However, the coupe not only looks more cohesive, but it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the design.
Regardless of the body type, make sure you select the optional Touring package. It further improves the LC experience with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a faux-suede headliner, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system, and a windshield wiper de-icing feature.
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Regarding the luxury inside the LC 500, Lexus has brought its A-game. From soft-touch materials to plush leather seats, Lexus has once again proved its might in dealing with all things luxe. Additionally, the LC 500 comes with tons of electronic gadgetry to make life easy. From collision avoidance to Lane-keep assist, expect all the latest driver aids in the LC 500.
Further touching on its side of luxury reveals the several design elements emphasizing craftsmanship. Akin to Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, the attention to detail in the LC 500 like its generous use of aluminum, carved creases, and fancy stitchwork, are all worth pointing out.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Enform infotainment is still not the best out there. Though it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the controller-based infotainment system is a step below the touchscreen units of its German counterparts.
RELATED: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
If the looks got you motivated, wait until you hear the LC 500 start up. Unlike the LFA, this mainstream LC makes do with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8. Though the LFA’s V10 was a screamer, the LC 500 prefers to rumble away, in line with its grand touring ethos.
Regarding drivetrain, the LC 500 makes use of a slick 10-speed transmission and is exclusively rear-wheel-driven. Power figures stand at 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Though the figures remain confident, it doesn’t translate that well on the road. The reason, you ask? The LC 500’s poundage. Weighing in at 4371 pounds, the LC is anything but a featherweight.
The extra heft it carries around does take a toll on its performance. That’s not to say it’s a slouch either. 4.7 seconds to 60 mph is still competitive, although it could’ve achieved more if it wasn’t for its size. Despite its weight, the LC 500 does have athletic dynamics. Pair that with its comfy seats and melodious V8, and you have the perfect companion for long-distance motoring.
Yes, some bits need attending to. Its heft is apparent, as is the underwhelming infotainment unit. Also worth mentioning is that the LC isn't as heavily inclined towards technology as its German competitors. What we find attractive about the LC 500 is its design, craftsmanship, and that V8. On par with Bentleys but costing a fraction, the Lexus LC 500 is an alluring yet heavily underrated package from where we’re standing.
A relatively naive bloke in every aspect other than cars. The nuances of the motoring world fascinated him ever since he was a toddler. Fast forward 20-odd years, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering, and now pens down on all things motoring.