Lexus has always been one of our favorite car brands to drive… and remains that way in 2020. We recently got back behind the wheel of their LC 500 model for the first time since we drove it back in 2017 when it was first released. Three years later, you know what has changed? Nothing. It’s still an impressive Lexus model that turns heads, is beautiful (inside and out), and most importantly, is fun to drive.
First impressions is how sleek and sporty it looks, but retains the luxury feel that Lexus is known for. During our week-long drive of the LC 500, more than once, we were told how cool it looks… and we couldn’t agree more. It has sleek lines and sits low to the ground, giving it the feel of a sports car. It also rocks 21-inch forged-aluminum wheels, and our favorite design feature: the massive spindle grille that has been a signature design element of all F-Sport vehicles within the Lexus lineup for years. Being completely honest, the LC 500 looks beautiful from every angle.
The pluses continue under the hood, as the 2020 LC 500 is equipped with a powerful 5.0-liter V-8 that boasts 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It’s also paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, giving it ample power and speed that you can feel. It’s no race car, but it has power. One thing we noticed is that it’s sometimes so quiet in the cabin and accelerates so quickly you’re driving a lot faster than you think you are. Please remember this, because you don’t want those speeding ticket (lol). It’s not going to save you anything on gas mileage, but who’s looking for that in a nearly 500hp coupe? There is, however, a gas-electric powertrain option. Something to keep in mind.
The interior of the LC 500 is just stunning, almost better than the exterior. Upon entering the car, you are presented with a stunning interior that’s almost like a piece of art. It boasts buttery leather with contrasting stitching detail and suede trim, as well as supportive and extremely comfortable front bucket seats that you just sink into. There is a backseat, but no one is sitting back there aside from small children. The craftsmanship, rich materials and detailing, and technology inside gives you a luxury feel that only Lexus can provide. Believe us when we tell you, these details make it hard to go back to a lesser vehicle once driving the LC 500 for just a week. There’s also a 10.3-inch, high-resolution display that looks amazing… but as we’ve pointed out in past Lexus reviews, the touchpad control to navigate the menu just hasn’t grown on us over the years, though you ultimately get used to it. It doesn’t seem like Lexus will get rid of his any time soon, but hopefully, it can be refined enough that we begin to like it. It’s literally one of the only gripes we’ve had about Lexus vehicles over the last several years.
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 is one of the most beautiful luxury coupes on the market. It may not be as fast as other sports coupes on the market, but it is a formidable option, due to its looks and stunning interior. It’s definitely a standout that anyone in the market for a new sports car should consider.
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 starts at $92,950, while the LC 500h has a base price of $97,460.
Special thanks to Lexus for providing us the vehicle, insurance and tank of gas for this review.
