1st Lexus LC 500h
Dramatic looks and more modern feel give petrol/electric 2+2 the edge here
THERE are a number of intriguing details about the LC 500h, but it’s the styling that grabs your attention. With its concept car shape and sharp, heavily raked roofline, this is one of the best-looking coupés at any price.
Under that long bonnet, there’s no exotic, ultra-powerful, turbocharged engine. However, you still get a lot of tech thanks to the new GA-L Global Architecture – Luxury platform (making its debut here) and the hybrid powertrain.
It’s a 3.5-litre V6 linked to an electric motor giving a total of 354bhp as part of Lexus’s new Multi Stage Hybrid System, which is said to boost acceleration. That’s not a huge amount of power in a car weighing 1,985kg (thank the big battery pack for that kerbweight), but the advanced gearbox does its best to make the most of the performance.
In fact, the Lexus has two transmissions. The first is a CVT that can keep the revs at a constant point, whether for maximum performance or optimum efficiency. The second is a four-speed auto that changes the output in stages to provide a wider spread of usable torque, while helping to give artificial ‘steps’ to simulate real ratios.
There are 10 of these steps, making the LC more natural to drive. But at full throttle the box defaults to CVT mode, pushing the revs higher for maximum acceleration. It meant we couldn’t accurately record ‘in-gear’ performance times, although there’s still enough straight-line speed.
The LC 500h accelerated from 0-60mph two tenths faster than the Mercedes, in 5.8 seconds. Considering the car’s kerbweight, the electric assistance helps off the line and when going for overtakes on the road. However, the electric motor is also the cause of one of the LC’S faults.
It works in reverse as a generator to help recharge the battery when braking, but it means pedal feel is distant and doesn’t inspire confidence when pressing on. It also makes it harder to bring the car to a smooth stop in town; given the LC’S remit as a comfortable GT, it’s a small annoyance.
Still, elsewhere the Lexus fulfils that role very nicely indeed. Even on optional 21-inch wheels as part of the £9,300 Sport Plus pack, the LC rides nicely, while this Sport Plus model’s rear-wheel steering means that, despite the long wheelbase, it changes direction quickly, even if there’s not much feedback through the lifeless set-up.
Importantly, it is predictable, and combined with a limited-slip differential, the LC’S balance is safe – but the chassis can be coaxed into indulging in some welcome sporty behaviour.