The Lexus LC 500 is visually stunning, which is why it regularly receives admiring looks from men, women and people of all ages.
This luxury sport coup sits low and long and the bright red colored model really enhances its visual appeal, yet so does the black LC 500 that was driven here for a week. An optional carbon fiber roof is another cool facet for this sleek sports car. Curved and muscular, the LC 500 rear end is wider than the rest of the car.
The LC 500’s sporty appearance lures one in right away, and makes one want to get behind the wheel. And getting behind the wheel of the 2019 Lexus LC 500 is certainly an exhilarating experience. The folks at Lexus decided to surprisingly equip their latest vehicle (it debuted in 2018) with a V8 engine. Once you realize how heavy the LC 500 is – 4,378 pounds – it’s understandable why Lexus decided on the V8 over a more typical V6 engine.
Although it gets some criticism from auto reviewers because it’s not as powerful as some foreign rivals, it’s unlikely most drivers will depart the LC 500 complaining that it doesn’t have enough power. Note that there’s also a hybrid version of the LC 500 (not discussed here).
The lone engine is a 5.0-liter, V8 that generates 471 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed transmission, the LC 500 elicits a tantalizing growl while it speeds down the road. It certainly gets there in a hurry, capable of going 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That’s frighteningly fast for most drivers, who may feel a bit overwhelmed with that type of power. There’s a learning curve to handling the LC 500 while also trying to stay within the speed limit, an admittedly difficult task.
Like most upscale sports cars, the Lexus LC 500 offers an excellent ride. The steering is quick and precise, the braking is strong, and the car really hugs the pavement when cornering at high speed or taking on a challenging country road.
Equally impressive is the LC 500 cabin. It features an elegant layout and materials are built with extreme quality, just what one expects from a luxury brand. We loved the audio from the 12-speaker Pioneer sound system. What’s not so great is the lap-top style touchpad that controls the infotainment. It’s not easy to sift through various menus while driving the car. Lexus now offers standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
2019 Lexus LC 500
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- Performance: 5.0-liter, V8, 471horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 16-25 mpg
- Price estimate: $92,400
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/unlimited; corrosion: 6 years/unlimited
The front seat sits low and provides a snug fit that’s comfortable and roomy for a sports car. Upholstered with synthetic leather, the back seat is neither roomy or comfortable, and is best suited for small children. The trunk is only 5.4 cubic feet, so storage space is limited.
The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is an attractive, athletic sports car with considerable performance, and possesses a throaty engine that adds to the driving enjoyment. We’re a little perplexed why sales of last year’s LC 500 were only 1,979 and this year’s sales have been tepid as well. We suspect the $92,000 price tag is the reason.
Weidel on Wheels is featured periodically on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
