2017 Lexus LC 500 & LC 500h First Drive Review | One Coupe In Two Distinct Flavours
Although both the V8-powered and hybrid versions of the new flagship Lexus LC coupe may wear identical price tags, the differences when driven back-to-back couldn’t be more pronounced.
There’s no real surprises there given the vast technical differences between a free-revving naturally aspirated V8 and an electrically-boosted drivetrain system better known for its green credentials rather than its performance merits.
But whichever version of the LC you choose there’s no escaping the polarising looks - where once a Lexus might have been the low-key luxury choice, this latest prestige two door is unmistakable from any agle.
Vehicle Style: Luxury coupe
Price: $190,000 plus on-road costs
Engine/trans: 351kW/540Nm 5.0-litre 8cyl, 220kW/348Nm 3.5-litre 6cyl hybrid | 10sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 11.6 l/100km (V8) 6.7 l/100km (hybrid)
OVERVIEW
There’s only one specification of LC coupe, though you have a choice of two engines of course: the LC 500’s V8 or the LC 500h’s V6 hybrid. Both are paired to a 10-speed transmission but in different ways - a traditional hydraulic auto for the LC 500 and an unusual four-speed auto plus an electrically-driven CVT unit in the LC 500h that operates through 10 steps to give a more ‘traditional’ shift feel.