Why the Lexus LC 500 Is a Future Classic
The Lexus LC 500 represents such a meaningful time in the Japanese luxury brand’s history that, more than seven years after its introduction, it still represents the high-water mark in Lexus’ portfolio of products. It was a revelation, and a car we called the best of the best when it was introduced.
Don’t expect the Lexus LC 500 or its hybrid counterpart to occupy space in the automaker’s showrooms forever. It received an update for the 2024 model year that gifted the coupe with a more modern infotainment system that makes it a little bit nicer to live with on a daily basis, but we’re not so sure there will be any more significant changes. Coupes that live in the $100,000-plus bracket are never going to be big sellers, and while Lexus has managed to move more than a thousand of them each year, the beauty has only crested the 2,000 mark twice (2017 and 2021).
Exclusivity breeds collectibility. But the fact that they are relatively rare isn’t the only reason the Lexus LC 500 is destined to fill a space in our garage of future classics. Here are five more reasons why you might want to grab hold of the LC 500 before it’s too late.
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It’s a Flagship Coupe in a Sea of Crossovers, Sportbacks and Sports Activity Coupes
Image Credit: Lexus Automakers have invented all manner of narrowly defined segments in order to add even a small dose of practicality to the traditional two-door bodystyle. In the face of the simple coupe’s mutating genetic tree, the Lexus LC stands firm as a proper grand tourer. Its two back seats are tiny, as you’d expect considering its taffy-like bodywork that looks like it was heated up and poured over the LC’s chassis and powertrain before being shrink-wrapped to hug every bulge and bustle.
Lexus’s so-called Spindle Grille doesn’t work across all applications with equal aplomb. But as the face of the flagship LC, the massive intake that’s both pointy and portly fits with the car’s mission statement perfectly. The LC looks equally attractive in dark hues and light, earth tones, and pastels, which speaks to the effectiveness of its designers’ chalk and clay.
Did we mention the LC 500 is sold in both coupe and convertible forms? Either way, it’s a true beauty.
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It’s Powered By a Large, Naturally Aspirated V8
Image Credit: Lexus Lexus’ 2UR-GSE engine displaces 5.0 liters and spins out 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Those ponies are sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The blast from 0-60 takes just 4.4 seconds and the quarter mile is dispatched in 13 seconds. Those figures aren’t going to embarrass any C8 Corvette owners, but that’s hardly the point of the LC.
As a grand touring car, the Lexus’ burbly V8 exhaust note never hits a rumbling bass note like some loping American V8s. It’s more of a tenor, but it will happily take a seat at the Soprano family table when it’s properly wrung out. There’s a worryingly small number of naturally aspirated V8 engines left for sale in America. Lexus’ 5.0-liter is one of the best.
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You Can Also Buy a High-Tech LC Hybrid, if You’d Prefer
Image Credit: Lexus It would be a difficult decision to eschew the LC 500’s V8 in favor of the LC 500h’s 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor combination. The performance disparity is minor – it takes a couple tenths longer to hit 60 in the hybrid – but the melodic harmony of the 5.0 is lost in the LC 500h. On the positive side, the rest of the LC presentation remains intact, including its jaw-dropping looks and sumptuous interior.
If you’re looking for a good reason to choose the hybrid over the standard LC 500, its highway range may be the answer you’re looking for. The EPA says the Lexus LC 500h gets 33 miles per gallon on the highway; coupled with its 22.2-gallon tank, this hybrid-powered grand tourer can travel more than 700 miles between refills.
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It’s Backed by Lexus’ Well-Deserved Reputation for Reliability
Image Credit: Lexus Lexus may not be known for its lusty and luxurious grand touring coupes—though our LC 500 subject certainly qualifies—but it is most certainly known for reliability. In fact, Lexus consistently ranks up near the top of every quality ranking known to the automotive world.
While some owners may not give a lick for quality and reliability scores, there’s something beautiful knowing that you can garage a beauty like the LC 500 for a week secure in the knowledge that it’s going to start back up and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Got a golfing trip? Count on the Lexus. A romantic weekend getaway? The LC’s got your back.
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Its Design Will Stand the Test of Time
Image Credit: Lexus The Lexus LC coupe is just as drop-dead gorgeous today as it was when it was first shown close to a decade ago, when it debuted as a near-perfect replica of the LF-LC concept of 2012. The LC Convertible is a looker, too. In fact, the coupe won the EyesOn Design award in 2016 and the droptop added another to the trophy case in 2019.
Since the LC series can still be bought brand-new at your nearest Lexus dealership, procuring one isn’t an issue. Desirable used examples are also plentiful. For now, at least. The Lexus LC 500 is the rare machine that we feel comfortable calling a future classic even while it’s still on sale.
