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 |
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 |
![]() 2019 Lexus LC 500h |
![]() 2019 Lexus LC 500h |
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
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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