2019 Lexus LC500h Coupe Review by David Colman - It's E15 Approved

Lexus has mastered the art of road holding with incomparable driver assistance aids

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to The Auto Channel

2019 Lexus LC 500h

Last year we reviewed the newly introduced Lexus LC500 coupe which matched its snazzy design to a very robust 471hp V8. That combination made for such a scintillating ride that the V8 powered coupe justified the Lexus tagline, "Experience Amazing." While the 354hp, V6/hybrid version of the same car merits many of the same accolades awarded to the V8, the driving experience is diminished by the loss of 117hp. In addition, the hybrid version replaces the V8's responsive 10-speed automatic transmission with a CVT unit that mimics the 10-speed with less than convincing results.

Regardless of powertrain choice, this sleek beast is still a thrill to behold. It's just about the only Lexus that doesn't rate demerits for its inverted trapezoidal grill. On the LC, that grill looks like an integral part of the design, not a tacked on brand identifier. On looks alone, the LC is the only Lexus that will stop you in your tracks with its low profile, exotically sculpted side mirrors, artfully integrated exhaust diffuser, and tiny greenhouse. If ever a coupe looked like it just escaped from an auto show display carousel, the dreamy LC is that jail breaker.

Our test sample, with a base price of $96,710, underlined its already exotic appearance with a couple of pricey options. The $5,960 Performance Package added a carbon fiber roof to the exterior medley. 21 inch Forged Wheels ($1,440) not only add bling to the wheelwells, but functionally improve handling as well. And a limited slip differential ($390) is a must have option for performance fanatics. Standard wheels and tires for the LC are 20 inch rims carrying 245/45 front and 275/40 rear cross section radials. Our test car's optional 21 inch forged rims (8.5J front, 9.5J rear) bore shorter sidewall Run-Flat Dunlop Sport Maxx 050 tires: 245/40RF21 front, 275/35RF21 rear. These very wide tires work especially well with the Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) component of the Performance Package to make the LC500h super responsive when pressed hard through curves.

2019 Lexus LC 500h

One particularly memorable drive on a backroad during a driving rainstorm convinced me that Lexus has indeed mastered the art of road holding with its incomparable suite of driver assistance aids. In addition to the usual traction control, our test LC included Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which independently controls shock absorber performance at each corner. Augmenting the AVS was Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), which is also part of the same Performance Package that provided the carbon roof. VGRS adjusts the front wheel steering angle in accord with vehicle speed, while Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) ups responsiveness by adjusting rear wheel angle according to steering wheel movement. All in all, the precision of the LC's steering and the sure footedness of its Dunlops made for one of the most rewarding wet weather drives I can remember.

2019 Lexus LC 500h

Inside the jet fighter-like cockpit, the Performance Package replaces the standard seats with Alcantara sport seats with 8 adjustment options. Our test car sported flashy burgundy Alcantara seats which added needed visual spark to the otherwise subdued Atomic Silver exterior color. The seats are remarkably ensconcing, offering the kind of support you require when pushing those fat Dunlops to their limit in hard cornering.

2019 Lexus LC 500h

Somewhat less comforting, however, is the operation of the hybrid's transmission, which Lexus labels "Multi Stage." This dual component unit marries a conventional CVT to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Theoretically this mutes CVT droning noise while improving manual shift operation via large magnesium paddles at the steering wheel. Although a "Manual" mode is included in the shift quadrant, it is only accessible when Sport or Sport+ mode are selected with the Driving Mode control knob. The Lexus Owner's Manual neglects to explain this eccentricity. In Normal Driving Mode, the only way to change gears manually is to flip the paddles. Manual shifting should be available in any driving mode. All in all, the hybrid's finicky "Multi Stage" transmission proved too Prius-like, and less fun to operate than the conventional 10-speed automatic on the LC500.

You will pay a substantial premium of $4,510 over the base price of the V8 LC500 to own the V6/hybrid LC 500h. For that extra investment your hybrid Lexus will redeem itself by chalking up significantly better mileage than the V8. In overall driving it rates 27MPG City/35MPG Highway versus the V8's 16MPG/26MPG. If fuel consumption is not your primary consideration, the one to buy is the LC500. If you value long term fuel economy, then opt for the greener version of this coupe, the LC500h.

2019 LEXUS LC500h COUPE

ENGINE: 3.5 liter V6, DOHC with VVT Intake and Exhaust plus 2 Electric Motor Generators
HORSEPOWER: 354hp
TORQUE: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 27MPG City/35MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $108.645

HYPES: Knock Out Looks, Fabulous Handling

GRIPES: Perplexing Gearbox

STAR RATING: 8.5 Stars out of 10