Most of the times, production models are a far cry from the concept cars that preceded them. So when Lexus wowed us with the LF-LC, back in 2012, we were expecting a much more down-to-earth production model to follow. We were in for a surprise.
The 2017 Lexus LC looks as similar to the LF-LC concept as is it can, while still being a feasible product. And it has the muscle to back up its looks, to the tune of a naturally aspirated, 467-horsepower V8. In keeping with Lexus tradition, it also has a hybrid sibling.
This car is Lexus’ answer to the full-size coupe segment, even though it is closer in size to the E-Class Coupe than the S-Class Coupe it is priced against. It replies the German models with all the technology and style the Japanese automaker could install.
Lexus’ LC is a superb coupe, which seems to have learned from the LF-A and the LS and become a summa cum laude graduate of design.
Just look at the Lexus spindle grille on the LC. This car wears it with pride like it was born to have it, and that the rest of the cars in the portfolio were there just to explain the existence of the LC.
The bold design continues with triangular triple LED headlamps, and with the L-shaped daytime running lights that complete a very dramatic front end design.
The profile reveals the ideal modern 2+2 coupe/grand tourer proportions, with a small greenhouse placed midway between the two axles. Discreet air inlets provide a flow of air to the rear brakes. Standard wheels are 20-inch, with 21-inch alloys available. The long, sloped roof can be ordered to be from carbon fiber.
At the rear, the LED taillights echo the design of the headlights. A diffuser, an optional active spoiler, and large dual tailpipes are the other notable features. In short, a fabulous design made by Lexus, which stands out in the segment.
Lexus offers to seat four people in the LC, and the choice is more than reasonable.
The Japanese brand could have decided only to seat two people in this car, because it is the flagship of the range, which gives engineers and designers more room to be eccentric.
The result is a cockpit that is elegant and luxurious, with a touch of sporty character. The front seats are beautifully crafted, while the rear bench has been split into two individual seats that also look like they were made for racing.
Lexus stated that it designed the interior to keep the driver’s hips as close as possible to the vehicle’s center of gravity, which is meant to provide the highest level of communication possible between man and machine.
The dash is covered in leather and focuses on simplicity, while also integrating the latest technologies available on Lexus passenger cars. If we look at what the automaker has announced it will unveil at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, it is evident that the brand if focused on providing the best possible user experience through smart design.
Lexus has not mentioned the capacity of the trunk of the LC500, but we do not expect this to be an essential feature for the customers interested in this model. Instead, it might just be a bonus. Expect to discover out more about this car, especially when referring to specifications, when it comes to market.
Lexus fitted the LC with the latest technologies it had developed for its cars, because this coupe is the flagship of the automaker’s range.
On top of the new graphic user interface shown on the infotainment screen and gauge cluster, Lexus fitted a state-of-the-art audio system from the specialists at Mark Levinson. The latter is only available as an option, while a premium unit from Pioneer is standard equipment for the LC 500.
Lexus has stated that it worked closely with specialists from both audio companies to develop the sound systems that will be integrated into this model, so every little bit was considered when the systems were put together and configured. This means to think twice before you mess with the equalizer in the setup of the audio system, but there’s still a possibility to revert to default.
The LC is the Lexus passenger car with the most advanced technology available today, so it has the best of the company’s top systems. Evidently, the LC has regular features as well, including things like keyless entry and start, dual climate controls, and many things that you would expect from a car in this segment.
The beating heart of the Lexus LC is a five-liter, naturally aspirated V8, which is derived from the unit used in the RC F and GS F.
It develops 467 HP and 389 lb-ft (527 Nm) of torque. Peak output is delivered at 7,100 rpm, but the redline is slightly higher, at 7,300 rpm. The maximum torque is available at 4,800 rpm, typical for an aspirated unit.
Lexus expects the LC500 to deliver a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of under 4.5 seconds, achieved with the help of a 10-speed automatic transmission. It monitors acceleration, braking, and lateral g-forces so it can anticipate the driver’s inputs and needs.
The hybrid version, the 500h, uses a 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor, for a combined 354 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission is offered on this model on top of the e-CVT, and they provide a complicated powertrain setup that is supposed to be better than a twin-clutch solution. Lexus also says that the transmission is smaller and lighter than some eight-speed automatics on the market today.
The LC achieves a near-perfect 52/48 weight distribution and is only available in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. It’s the first Lexus to use the new GA-L platform, which will provide the underpinnings for all future front engine/rear-wheel-drive Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Fuel economy figures or estimates have not been published.
The 2017 Lexus LC has not been tested by any organization specialized in crashworthiness evaluations.
We expect a test to happen someday, because this is an all-new platform, which will have to be proven so that all of the models that will share it will receive proper credits when it comes to occupant protection.
On the active safety side, the LC 500 comes with the Lexus Safety System +, which is a bundle of technologies developed by the Japanese automaker. It included a dynamic radar cruise control system that is available at any speed, including stop-and-go traffic.
Lexus fitted this system with a millimeter-wave radar on top of a camera, so that it can provide reliability and performance without any bugs.
There is also a Pre-Collision System, which helps prevent and mitigate frontal collisions by warning the driver and applying the brakes if necessary. The car also has a lane-keeping assistant, as well as an automatic high beam function for improved visibility at night.
Concerning passive safety, Lexus has not mentioned the number of airbags fitted to this car, but we think it has a full suite of them. Evidently, there is also ABS, traction control, vehicle stability assistance, and other systems that are common in modern automobiles.
Lexus says that the LC marks the dawn of a new era for the brand, and we can agree with this affirmation.
The Japanese company has given this coupe a stunning look, its best technology, and an exciting powertrain configuration. You can also get it in hybrid guise, which would make for an unusual choice.
In theory, it has all it would take to compete with BMW’s 6 Series Coupe, as well as models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, even though the latter is significantly larger and slightly more expensive than the Lexus proposition.
Speaking of price, Lexus has not specified how much the LC will cost, but we do know that it is the brand’s flagship, so it must be as expensive as an LS, or even more costly than the full-size hybrid sedan.
It is important not to confuse the LC for an LF-A for those that got left out, but as an independent model, as it was designed from the beginning.
Sure, it is the most expensive coupe from Lexus, but it is a Gran Tourer, instead of the all-out sports car that was the LF-A. We are using past tense here because Lexus no longer makes the LF-A, sadly.
