1 Jun 2017
Lexus launched its LC coupe in June 2017 as a rival to the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz SL grand tourers, but with a rear-wheel-drive chassis benchmarked off the Porsche 911.
The Japanese-built two-door 2+2 promised to combine the comfortable touring qualities of the BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with the racetrack-honed dynamics of the Porsche. It was presented with either a 351kW/540Nm 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, called the LC500, or a 264kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and electric motor hybrid duo, tagged the LC500h.
Both versions included different 10-speed automatic transmission set-ups and rear-wheel drive as standard, with the LC being underpinned by Lexus’ new Global Architecture-Luxury (GA-L) platform shared with the new LS. However, while the LC500 was three-tenths-faster from 0-100km/h than its sibling, with a claimed 4.7 second sprint, the LC500h was significantly more frugal, having claimed 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres versus 11.7L/100km.
The LC500 and LC500h both featured 21-inch alloy wheels, active cruise control, LED headlights with auto on/off high-beam, semi-aniline leather-trim, 12-way electrically adjustable heated/ventilated front seats, 8.0-inch driver display, and 10.3-inch centre screen with satellite navigation, head-up display, and Mark Levinson 13-speaker audio. A $15,000 enhancement package further added four-wheel and variable electric steering, active rear spoiler, carbon-fibre roof (replacing the standard glass roof) and Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, plus a limited-slip differential on the hybrid (already standard on V8).
