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Jul 26, 2023

Here’s Why Makes The Lexus LC An Undisputed Future Classic

The LC clearly doesn't care about trends and here's why it remains a real Lexus with immense potential to be a future classic Amongst luxury brands, Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW, Lexus may not make the

The LC clearly doesn't care about trends and here's why it remains a real Lexus with immense potential to be a future classic

Amongst luxury brands, Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW, Lexus may not make the absolute best driver’s car. But they certainly make the most impressive machines when it comes to quality and craftsmanship. The philosophy of the Japanese automaker is the pursuit of perfection, and this can be observed in many of their models.

Now, the Lexus lineup, just like the Toyota lineup, doesn’t get updated very regularly – especially when it comes to their most expensive vehicles. This however, is a good thing. It is a good thing because it means that the Lexus LC 500 has remained mostly unchanged since 2018. This means that we get an old-school V-8 behemoth in 2023. The Lexus LC500 belongs to a dying breed; it is truly one of the last of its kind. It is a type of vehicle we will probably never get again, and this is why the LC is an undisputed future classic.

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The LC500 can be characterized as a sports car. However, it may be better suited as a grand tourer. It has vehicle has the incredible ability to be comfortable but also fun to drive. To begin with, under the hood, we get a glorious 5.0-liter V-8 that produces 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. In some sense, this is an old-school engine, but it also isn’t.

It is old school because it is a naturally aspirated large displacement V-8, but it is also modern thanks to a high-tech fuel system and variable valve timing. The 5.0 liter in the LC 500 utilizes Toyota’s D4 injection system which means that the engine is direct and port injected. Direct injection simply means that the fuel is directly sprayed inside the cylinder while port injection means it is sprayed before the intake valves.

The reason for this is that port injection keeps the valves clean from carbon buildup, helping the engine last longer. To achieve such a system, this engine has two injectors per cylinder and two high-pressure fuel pumps – one for each bank. Now, this might seem overcomplicated and unreliable, but it is a proven system that works well and doesn’t present issues.

In case you aren’t convinced that this engine is Lexus-like overbuilt. It has two radiators that are connected via a valve (just in case the vehicle needs extra cooling) and two oil pumps. The second oil pump is there for fast cornering and ensures that oil keeps circulating in the engine even during extreme side forces.

In addition to the fuel injection, we also have this engine’s clever variable valve timing system. On the exhaust side, it simply uses oil to make alterations; however, on the intake, timing changes are made electronically giving the engine’s ECU full control. This enables a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V-8 to produce the power it does and let’s not forget that all that power (and all those cylinders) make up for one of the best-sounding cars on the market.

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Of course, the big naturally aspirated V-8 plays a huge role in the future appeal of this vehicle. But what’s equally as important is the incredible attention to detail. Most new cars, and even Lexus vehicles nowadays, fill the interior with screens and tend to use cheaper materials on the inside. This isn’t the case with the LC. This model has been out since 2018 when huge screens weren’t as popular yet. Therefore, the interior of the LC is a true piece of craftsmanship. Nearly everything is covered in leather, even the lower part of the seats and the lower part of the centre console which in most high-end cars is plastic as it can’t be seen.

Aluminum also makes an appearance and the few areas that do have plastic use the highest quality plastic you will see in a car. The carpets are extra thick, the trunk lining is made from extremely high-quality material, and the inner structure of the doors is made from a special lightweight but strong composite. Also worth noting is the fact that the seats are some of the most comfortable performance seats you will find. The cabin in general (with the exception of the tiny rear seats) is a great place to be whether you're engaging in spirited driving or just cruising on the freeway.

Also, it is worth mentioning that the fenders and door skins are aluminum, while an option for a carbon fiber roof is available. The spindle grille is smaller and less pronounced here (which is a good thing) and the general design of the car is very elegant and futuristic.

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It is very rare that cars manage to be both sporty and comfortable. In most cases, they are great through the corners but too stiff during daily commutes, or comfy to cruise in and horrible to drive spiritedly in. This, however, isn’t the case with the LC500. The bellowing V-8 sounds incredible while the car handles well. Flick the switch back to eco mode and cruising on the motorway is silent, soft, and really comfortable thanks to the incredibly pretty and plush cabin. Sure, there are sports cars out there that drive better, but none of them blend luxury, built quality, comfort, and performance this well.

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All the above attributes of the Lexus LC make for a certain future classic. Firstly, the big V-8 is something that won’t remain in the Lexus lineup for long. You might be aware that the LC is also offered in hybrid form. While still a great vehicle, with great attention to detail and good performance, the hybrid variant is nowhere near as characterful as the V-8. So, the whole LC lineup but especially the V-8 will be greatly missed once gone.

Then, we have the attention to detail and build quality that just can’t be found on other vehicles. The craftsmanship and fit and finish found on this vehicle is a staple of Lexus and it is something that is very rare these days. Instead of screens and plastic, the LC gives you leather, design, aluminum, and quality – oodles of quality.

Finally, the LC blends sportiness and comfort in an incredible way. In sport mode, it is definitely a car that can be enjoyed on a mountain road or race track. However, as soon as you flip it back to eco, you can comfortably drive across the country without being uncomfortable. Very few cars manage to blend these two aspects and perform well at both.

5.0 Litre V-8

3.5 Litre Turbo V-6 hybrid

Horsepower (hp)

471

354 (combined)

Torque (lb-ft)

398

369 (combined)

Transmission

10-speed automatic

Multi Stage Hybrid

0-60 mph (seconds)

4.4

4.7

Top Speed (mph)

168

155

Fuel Efficiency (mpg)

16 city / 25 highway

27 city / 35 highway

So, if you can, we would definitely recommend you get one now. Starting price for the LC is $99,050 which is a lot of money. However, you can find used examples for much less than that. The concept car looks are an added bonus. But even if you buy new, this is a car that won’t disappoint and will serve you for decades to come.

Theo has dedicated his life to cars. He has studied the only Automotive Journalism course in the world located at Coventry University and describes this passion as a clinical obsession. Give Theo four wheels and he will drool over the piece of metal, plastic, and glass in between them for hours. Once he is done, he will let you know if it’s good or not.