Stunning Lexus is a thing of beauty
New LC500 a designer masterpiece
WE were just passing under the George Washington Bridge on the Hudson Parkway in New York when it went past us.
A stunning blue coupe that stood out from the rest of the commuter traffic like a giraffe in a greyhound race. And the new Lexus LC500 looks just as good parked in our street as it did with a Manhattan backdrop.
Born out of the striking 2012 Detroit motor show concept car known as the LF-LC, it’s hardly been watered down at all on its journey to the showroom and is one of the most visually impressive and exciting cars that I’ve ever driven.
You have two choices of LC: the 500 or 500h. The latter, as you can probably guess, is a hybrid. The former is powered by a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 producing 471bhp.
The hybrid version, which is the one we’re testing, is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 295bhp, plus a 177bhp electric motor.
The conventional powertrain gives you 0-62mph in 4.4sec, whereas the hybrid does it in 4.7sec. There’s not much in it. There is in fuel consumption however, with the hybrid managing 43.5mpg to the V8’s 24.5mpg.
Quality, as you’d expect from Lexus, is superb. The cabin is beautifully finished with a mixture of leather, Alcantara and other high-end materials.
Mind you, our car in Sport+ spec costs £88,565 (both versions
of the car cost the same £79,950 basic price) so it’s up against Porsche’s 911 and a few other prestigious motors, including Jaguar’s F-Type.
I have only one serious criticism of the LC500h so I’ll get it out of the way first. The infotainment system and its controls are a complete joke.
It’s possibly the most difficult, random and distracting system I’ve ever used.
You have a pad which you scroll with a finger to select between functions. Even if you take great care moving your finger across the pad, the cursor darts around the screen like a crazed flea.
The instrument binnacle is thankfully much simpler, even though it has a fancy arrangement by which the circular rev counter slides to one side to reveal another screen. It’s clear and easy to use and there’s a heads-up display.
The driving position is perfect and there’s plenty of space for tall drivers. The Lexus is really a 2+2 assuming that the +2 are children. Adults, especially tall ones, will be uncomfortable in the back. Also, the boot is tiny.
Being a bit old fashioned I’d probably choose the V8 but somehow a hybrid powertrain suits the image that this futuristic and svelte car projects.
You can always save half your money and buy a Ford Mustang if you want simple V8 bangs.
Your neighbours will like the hybrid because the car starts off under silent electric power.
The LC500h is fast and quiet. With the Sports+ pack you get a limited-slip differential and fourwheel steering.
It’s a big heavy car weighing in at two tonnes so you can’t expect pin sharp sports car handling with girth like that.
What you do get is a smooth ride, plenty of performance and predictable handling.
Lexus has been criticised for making boring cars. The LC500 changes that. It’ll be decades before I can afford one, but I shall enjoy watching those who can.
It is a thing of great beauty – one of the few modern cars that has the glamour of a great classic.