Overview

Even though the 2021 Lexus LC has looks to kill, its driving demeanor is more luxury car than exotic sports car. Going head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 8-series and the Porsche 911 in terms of price, Lexus's signature two-door offers little in the way of their sportiness. The LC can be had with either a naturally-aspirated V-8 or a V-6­–hybrid powertrain. We prefer the former. The LC delivers a, smoothly agreeable ride, and both of its powertrains provide considerable power, but its rivals offer much sharper reflexes. What they can't match is the Lexus's designer interior, which features elements borrowed from the LS luxury sedan and the iconic LFA supercar. While the LC technically offers seating for four, the cramped rear seat is better suited for personal items or puppies; the car's trunk is also quite limited in terms of space, so pack light.

What's New for 2021?

The big news for 2021 is the addition of the LC500 convertible, which features a power-retractable soft top for luxurious open-air cruising. The LC lineup otherwise sees a few minor changes, including a reworked suspension that Lexus claims has smoothed out the ride while a feature called Active Cornering Assist is said to improve handling by lightly applying the brakes to the inside wheels through a corner. Inside, Android Auto is now standard, joining Apple CarPlay in the LC's infotainment system; a new Flare Red leather interior replaces last year's Rioja Red option, and the Bespoke White leather option has been discontinued. New 20-inch wheels adorn the LC's exterior and two new paint colors are offered: Cadmium Orange and Nori Green Pearl.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We're not sure what makes the hybridized LC500h desirable to affluent folks seeking a flashy sports car. It adds weight, costs more, and diminishes the LC's otherwise svelte demeanor. But what do we know? Instead, we prefer the non-hybrid V-8 version. The question now becomes whether to stick with the hard-top coupe or go for the convertible. The answer to that lies with your own personal preference, because we can see the appeal of both. We would, however, recommend the Touring package, which includes semi-aniline leather upholstery, a faux-suede headliner, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system, parking sensors, a windshield wiper de-icing feature, and a heated steering wheel.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The beating heart of the standard LC500 is Lexus's high-performance 5.0-liter V-8, which belts out 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Paired only with a quick-shifting yet smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, it produces glorious internal-combustion rock 'n' roll that is as pleasing to the ears as the rest of the LC is to the eyes. The other powertrain offered is the LC500h's 354-hp gas-electric drivetrain, which combines a 3.5-liter V-6, a pair of electric motors, a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a unique continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that somewhat mimics the action of a 10-speed automatic. There's minimal body roll and good balance to the Lexus's handling, and the ride quality is excellent considering the huge 21-inch wheels that our test cars wore. The variable-steering and adaptive rear-wheel-steering systems included with the Performance package notably enhance the quickness of the LC's helm and the car's general responsiveness. Yet the standard chassis setup is a better fit for the car's GT comportment and feels more natural without impeding the LC's tactility. We'd advise saving the money and sticking with the base chassis. Throwing out the LC's anchor comes via a firm and progressive brake pedal and big, fade-free brakes at each wheel.



View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The LC500 tips the scales more like a three-row SUV than a sports car and is hundreds of pounds heavier than its main competition—which means its EPA estimates are not that impressive. Despite the LC500h weighing even more than its sibling, being a hybrid earns it much more favorable figures, particularly in the city where its electric assistance comes into play. With the LC500 exceeding its highway estimate by 4 mpg in our testing (29 mpg observed) and the LC500h falling well short of its 34-mpg figure at 30 mpg (as hybrids usually do on the interstate), the fuel-economy difference between the two in cross-country travel was largely a wash.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Lexus LC500 interior is a special place, with a great driving position, rich materials, beautiful craftsmanship, excellent front seats, and loads of technology. Some of its ergonomics can be fussy in practice, but the overall ambience suits the LC's concept-car looks. Fit and finish are excellent and the optional sport seats are true thrones of spinal support. Certain elements require some acclimation, including the funky, Toyota Prius–like electronic shift lever. The LC's compact trunk and the non-folding rear seats limit its storage space to five cubic feet, which is only enough for holding two of our carry-on cases. As attractive as the LC's cabin is, there are not many cubbies for stashing loose items. The center console, however, is adequately sized, and its lid can be adjusted to reveal a second cupholder.

View Photos Michael Simari Car and Driver

Infotainment and Connectivity

While Lexus's Enform infotainment system may be packed with features and tech, it is one of our least favorite systems on the market due to its clunky touchpad controller, which requires too much attention from the driver to operate safely while driving. Navigation, Bluetooth, and a host of apps are all standard fare in the LC's Enform infotainment suite that includes a mobile hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The LC has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Along with eight air bags for its relatively compact cabin, the LC boasts a healthy roster of standard and available driver-assistance technologies. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

Standard adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring

Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lexus's warranty plan for the LC is pretty solid among luxury coupes, with substantial powertrain coverage for both internal-combustion and hybrid components. It's short of the best in terms of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles

Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles

Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs