Behind the Wheel

LC 500 prices start at $92,000 for one with a 471-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC 500h hybrid model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and better fuel economy and a $96,510 base price. There’s no F-Sport package yet, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lexus adds one with a few boy racer frills and perhaps a performance upgrade.

I tested a well-optioned LC 500 that had precollision alert and braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lanekeeping assist, forged aluminum wheels, Torsen limited slip rear differential; Mark Levinson audio; navigation, and more.

The LC 500’s competitors include coupes like the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Jaguar F-type R AWD (all-wheel drive), Maserati Gran Turismo Sport, Mercedes SL 550 and Porsche 911 Carrera.

The LC’s a bargain compared to most of that group, offering more features for the money than all but the Stingray, which remains a shockingly good value.

Step inside

The LC’s interior is comfortable and accommodating, if you ignore the rear seats. That’s easy to do because they offer virtually no leg or head room, and are not even easy to reach into to stash grocery bags or a briefcase. The trunk is also very small, offering just 5.4 cubic feet, less than all the competitors. The trunk opening is wide, but the compartment is very shallow. I recommend soft-sided luggage, and not much of it.

The front seats — let’s just call them the

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