Version review

Lexus LC 500 5.0 [464] Sport 2dr Auto Review

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The old-school naturally aspirated 467bhp V8 in the LC 500 is undoubtedly the more special of the two engine choices on offer. It would be even better with a bit more low-rev torque, but in full-blooded acceleration it is riotously good fun and suitably dramatic sounding.


500 5.0 [464]

Coupe

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

For our money, Sport trim’s sports front seats, part-Alcantara upholstery, carbonfibre-reinforced plastic roof and 21in forged alloy wheels seem only a modest gain for the extra money required. We’d stick with the entry-level trim.

Sport

500 5.0 [464] Sport 2dr Auto

500-50-464-sport-2dr-auto

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert

Driver and front passenger 2 stage airbag

3 spoke heated leather steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifts

Anti-theft system with siren, alarm, intrusion sensor, glass breakage sensor, tilt sensor and engine immobiliser

Driver and passenger 2 way electrical lumbar adjustment

Dual zone climate control air conditioning system with auto recirculation, pollen removal mode, nano technology and climate concierge

8 way driver/passenger electrically adjustable front seats

Heated, auto-folding door mirrors, auto dimming with rerverse tilt and memory

Lexus LC

The Lexus LC has stunning looks inside and out, with an exquisitely built interior. Of the two versions available, the LC 500 V8 is the obvious pick, thanks to its thunderous engine and more agile handling. The hybrid LC 500h doesn’t offer enough of a financial incentive to make it the pick of the range, and doesn’t offer as much driving excitement, either. Overall, though, the LC doesn’t have the satisfying crispness of handling on offer from the best sports cars, nor the beautifully cosseting ride of the best grand tourers.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Lexus LC 500 5.0 [464] Sport 2dr Auto Review

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262

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