That is where the 2018 Lexus LC 500h comes in. The LC (Luxury Coupe) 500h is one of the few coupes in its price range that offers sporty performance with a hybrid powertrain.
There are very few cars in the current luxury car market, which satisfies both connoisseurs and environmentalists alike. The ever-evolving conscience for the environment and need of reducing emissions has got manufacturers taking the Hybrid/Full Electric route. Lexus has tried to go the same way and afford the above-mentioned characteristics in a proper sports coupe in the form of the all-new LC 500h.
The Lexus LC 500h is the luxury flagship hybrid offering from Lexus which is priced at $97,505. It has sharp looking exteriors and has interiors that oodles with luxury. The Lexus LC 500h has a Multistage Hybrid Drive System which consists of 2 Powertrains, namely 2 Electric Motors and a gasoline motor. The 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and the electric motors work in tandem to provide a combined output of 354 horses of power which is transferred to the rear wheels.
The 2018 Lexus LC 500h comes in only one trim but gets all the bells and whistles, one would ask from a luxury coupe in this segment. But the mediocre infotainment system is one of the negative points in Lexus’s manufacturing, which can be seen in the 2018 LC 500h as well. But the hybrid-coupe coupe comes with almost 5 additional packages to make the experience better.
Trim |
LC 500h |
---|---|
MSRP |
$97,505 |
Features |
20" Alloy Wheels |
|
LED Headlamps with DRL's |
|
Heated Exterior Mirrors |
|
Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror |
|
Adaptive Cruise Control |
|
8' Driver information Screen |
|
Heated and Ventilated 8 Way Powered Seats |
|
Memory Setting for Driver Seat with Lumbar Support |
|
Leather Upholstery Seating |
|
10.3" Central Display for Infotainment |
|
12 Speaker HD Audio System with 2 USB ports, HD and Satellite Radio |
|
Interior Ambient Lighting |
|
Keyless Ignition and Entry |
Buying Advice
The Lexus LC 500h is available as an individual trim which is why it is the only trim that one can go for. But this car comes with all the luxury one can ask for. But you can choose any of the five optional packages to customize your car based on your wants and needs. We would suggest you go for the interior upgrade package or the accessory package to make your LC 500h more sophisticated.
The 2018 Lexus LC 500h has a multi-stage hybrid system in place. A longitudinally mounted 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 forms one half of the powertrain and delivers 295 horsepower. Two electric motors then add up their additional 59 horsepower and work in tandem with the gasoline engine to generate a total output of 354 horsepower. Like most hybrids, there is a CVT but there is also a four-speed automatic onboard. How this works is basically that three simulated CVT shifts correspond to one gear on the four-speed automatic.
This has an effect as a 10-speed automatic but only four of the shifts are real. All that power is transferred to the rear wheels. What makes this powertrain unique is that this hybrid system is very different than the ones Lexus has used before. On the go, the engine offers decent power delivery while the CVT's rubber band effect is pronounced at lower speeds. The dual transmission however adds a benefit of expanding the range of the hybrid system's operation using the pre-installed Kinetic Energy Recovery System.
Models |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$97,535 |
$82,500 |
$99,990 |
Engine |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.0L Supercharged V6 |
3.8L Turbo V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
Continuously variable automatic |
8-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
354 hp @ 6600 rpm |
380 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
565 hp @ 6800 rpm |
Torque |
369 ft-lbs |
339 ft-lbs. @ 3,500 rpm |
467 ft-lbs. @ 3300 rpm |
The Nissan GT-R zips to the top of the table for boasting as the most powerful car but at the same time most expensive as well. On the second spot is the Jaguar F-Type with 380 horses. With the lowest engine output in this segment, the LC 500h sits at the last.
Despite having a hybrid powertrain, the Lexus LC 500h manages to outrun some of its other competitors in terms of outright performance. What makes the hybrid more of an enigma is that acceleration is the only area in which it lags. Also, it does not sound as good as the V8 in the LC 500 as you accelerate.
The LC 500h does the 0-60 stint in just 4.8 seconds while demolishing the quarter-mile in just 14 seconds. It can charge up to 168 mph in hybrid mode or 86 mph in EV mode.
Models |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
4.8 |
4.8 |
3 |
Quarter mile (sec) |
14.0 |
14.1 |
11.1 |
Engine |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.0L Supercharged V6 |
3.8L Turbo V6 |
Top Speed (mph) |
168 |
186 |
200 |
The Nissan GT-R is the fastest in this comparison because of its powerful drivetrain which offers instant acceleration with little/no lag from the transmission. Meanwhile, the Lexus LC 500h is the surprise contender here and gives a good challenge to the Jaguar F-Type.
The LC 500h from Lexus is touted by the manufacturer as a sports car with a hybrid motor. When considering this fact, the handling is relatively supple and inspires confidence at high speeds with very little body roll. Step on the das on a motorway and you can feel the chassis maintaining the highway speeds with great poise.
In terms of the ride, it will be comfortable for most passengers on most of the roads that Lexus traverses through. The seats are well-bolstered with high levels of cushioning while the suspension soaks up all the undulations with ease. Lexus has a history of creating vehicles with very precise steering and that is true for the LC 500h as well.
In terms of braking performance as well, the Lexus LC 500h manages to outrun its rivals with its superb braking performance. Despite having a comparatively low size of brakes, the lower weight of the LC 500h helps it to come to a standstill from 60 mph in just 112 feet. The LC 500h also has something called a regenerative braking/kinetic energy recovery system connected to its braking system. This system absorbs the energy generated during braking and transfers it to the Batteries for charging and providing additional power boost when needed.
Model |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
13.3 |
15 |
15.3 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
12.1 |
12.8 |
15 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4435 |
3691 |
3929 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
112 |
112 |
118 |
The Lexus LC 500h and the Jaguar F-Type display their true ability in this field. They achieve a braking distance of 112 feet which is impressive for a performance coupe. On the other hand, the Nissan GT-R took 118 feet to halt from 60 mph.
One of the biggest differences between the LC 500 and the LC 500h comes in terms of the fuel economy figures. The naturally aspirated engine of the LC 500 delivers a lot of performance but compromises on the fuel economy. On the other hand, the LC 500h compromises slightly on performance but yields great returns in terms of MPG figures. The 2018 Lexus LC 500h, despite being a sports coupe, delivers an outstanding overall mileage of 30MPG.
Model |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
26 |
NA |
16 |
MPG (highway) |
35 |
NA |
22 |
MPG (combined) |
30 |
NA |
18 |
Fuel capacity (gal) |
22.2 |
18.5 |
19.5 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
577/777/677 |
NA |
312/429/370 |
The driving range offered by the LC 500h is pretty decent for a hybrid vehicle. The Nissan GT-R offers a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg. The fuel estimates of the Jaguar F-Type are not available but it has an underpowered engine than the GT-R, it may flaunt better fuel economy than the GT-R.
The Lexus LC 500h, despite being a 2-door coupe, offers a seating capacity for four passengers. Unfortunately, the LC does not benefit from the latest Lexus LS luxury sedan because this car was designed before that. But the seats themselves are well-bolstered and have plenty of cushioning for both the front and rear passengers. The Lexus LC 500h offers a generous amount of front shoulder room as compared to the "sedans" in this comparison.
The lumbar supports and the armrests offer good support to both the driver and the front passenger as well. Passengers sitting in the rear of the LC 500h won't be satisfied with the space on offer, making it more suitable for kids or smaller people. It's probably best to think of the rear seats in the LC 500h as a good place to stick your Louis Vuitton handbag because it has a very tight seat. These are quintessential definitions of emergency back seats.
Model |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
4 |
2 |
4 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.2/56.5/42.0 |
37/56.5/43 |
38.1/54.3/44.6 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
32.2/49.0/32.5 |
N/A |
33.5/50/26.4 |
Both the Lexus LC 500h and the Nissan GT-R have a decent seating capacity than the Jaguar F-Type. The rear legroom offered by the GT-R in the front-row is the best in this segment while the rear seats of the LC 500h and GT-R can only be occupied by kids or pets. Even the F-Type has a decent interior room. Some of the interior features include:
The Lexus LC 500h's interiors are a geek's paradise. 8-inch driver infotainment greets the driver and sits behind the steering wheel. This provides a whole plethora of Information including tire pressure, power delivery stats, and much more. In terms of the infotainment system, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen does duty in the 2018 Lexus LC 500h. It supports all kinds of connectivity options like Bluetooth Telephony, Voice Recognition, USB, and AUX inputs.
We do however miss Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is being offered by some of the competition. A special mention has to be given to the standard 12-speaker audio system that delivers a superb sound experience and adds to the occasion while driving. Some of the infotainment features include:
One of the big disadvantages of a hybrid coupe is in terms of cargo capacity. The LC 500h offers just 4.7 cubic feet of space in the back and the electric powertrain doesn't help Lexus' cause. This is because the internal combustion motor resides in the front-end of the coupe while the two electric motors have been placed at the rear end of the car for better weight distribution. This cargo room can swallow two 22-inch roller bags and if struggled, one set of golf clubs.
Model |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
4.7 |
11 |
8.8 |
The Jaguar F-Type offers the most space in the cargo compartment in this comparison. Despite being a two-seater, the Jaguar F-Type offers pretty decent storage volume for a sports coupe. The nearest rival to Jaguar is the Nissan GT-R. Meanwhile, the Lexus LC 500h is the least practical vehicle in this segment.
The Lexus LC 500h is an aggressively handsome slab of Japanese metal origami. The LC 500h is a compact coupe in proportions when compared to the other rivals in this segment. Talking of the design, the Lexus LC 500h definitely looks apart. The finest engineers of Lexus and Japan called Takumi’s, as they call them in Japan, have ensured that the LC 500h looks outstanding from every angle.
Like every other model of Lexus, the LC 500h uses the brand’s signature spindle grille The sharp triple LED headlamps in the front and the sharp lines running across the coupe accentuates the design of the 500h and its presence. The overall length comes in at 187.4 inches which are about halfway between an IS and a GS. This all makes the LC an eye-catching athletic stance. The LC 500h sits on 20-inch alloy wheels with black contrast spokes.
Model |
Lexus LC 500h coupe |
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic coupe |
Nissan GT-R coupe |
---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
4435 |
3691 |
3929 |
Length(in) |
187.4 |
176 |
185.4 |
Width(in) |
75.6 |
74.2 |
74.6 |
Height(in) |
53.0 |
51.6 |
53.9 |
Ground clearance (in) |
5.5 |
NA |
NA |
Wheelbase (in) |
113.0 |
103.2 |
109.4 |
Track width (in) F/R |
64.2/64.4 |
NA |
NA |
In terms of ground clearance, the LC 500h beats the competition and offers the highest in the segment. Due to the added hybrid system, the LC 500h adds 200 pounds more than the regular LC 500. Still, it is the lightest vehicle in this segment. It also has the widest wheelbase that mirrors its interior room. Some of the standout exterior features include:
Like the interiors and the exteriors, Lexus has not skipped on adding safety features in the 2018 Lexus LC 500h. The body itself has been designed with a lot of engineering precision and expertise to ensure that it absorbs a lot of impact in case of a fateful incident. Both the federal safety agencies didn’t rate the new Lexus LC 500h for its crashworthiness. The list of safety features on offer in the 2018 Lexus LC 500h includes
The only full-gasoline car in this comparison, the Jaguar F-Type has been the torchbearer for true performance cars. With breathtaking acceleration and a superb range, the F-Type offers an insight into what the future should be.
The LC 500h however offers the best of both worlds. It offers luxury that the F-Type, despite a lot of effort, can't match. The Lexus LC 500h offers fun driving an engine car but gives you the versatility of switching to the electric mode when needed.
The Nissan GT-R is the most pricey car in this competition. The asking price misses the $100 grand mark by just $10. But that’s definitely worth it because its 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 makes 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque. In terms of performance, it is way ahead of the Lexus LC 500h.
But Lexus offers high levels of creature comfort and luxury as compared to the GT-R. The turbo sucks more fuel and hence, it is less fuel-efficient. On the bright note, the GT-R offers a better cargo capacity than the LC 500h. If you are looking for a pure performance car then switch your buying taste to the Nissan GT-R.
The 2018 Lexus LC 500h is priced at a rather modest $97,000. It gets a good gas-powered motor and a smooth electric drivetrain which works in perfect harmony with the multi-stage hybrid system. This allows the LC 500h to be far more eco-friendly than the other cars in the segment.
On the inside, Lexus offers a copious amount of luxury and is built with the best materials that one can imagine. All in all, if you want a luxurious coupe that offers the luxury of a BMW, the driving dynamics of a Porsche, and the performance of a Jaguar (Sort Off), the Lexus LC 500h is a great buy.