What's New
The 2021 Lexus LC receives suspension updates aimed at enhancing both ride quality and handling. The sport coupe's electronic stability control system also gains active corning assist, while transmission shift timing has been tweaked for snappier response. Also of note, Android Auto compatibility finally arrives as standard.
The first-ever LC convertible is scheduled to arrive later in the model year. Focusing on performance-minded handling, the LC convertible is slightly heavier and has a more rigid chassis.
Choosing Your Lexus LC
The Lexus LC is available in two trims: the gas-powered 500 and the hybrid 500h. The LC 500 starts at $93,975 including destination, while the LC 500h is priced from $98,535.
Engine Choices
The LC 500 carries a gasoline V8 engine, while the 500h gets a hybrid setup consisting of a V6 engine and two electric motors.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
5.0L V8 | 471 hp | 398 lb-ft | 19 mpg |
3.5L V6 Hybrid | 354 hp | Not Rated | 29 mpg |
The V8 comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid system uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All LC models feature rear-wheel drive.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The LC provides seating for four passengers, although the back seat is barely adequate for adults with 32.5 inches of rear leg room, or only 28.04 in the convertible. Even so, the LC provides more interior space than the average sport coupe.
The trunk is downright tiny with 5.4 cubic feet of cargo space. This drops to 4.7 cubic feet in the hybrid and 3.4 in the convertible.
Safety Features
The Lexus LC comes standard with a plethora of driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
An automated parking system is a $500 standalone option. However, it is standard on the convertible.
Connectivity
The LC gets a 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, HD radio, satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay integration. A 12-speaker audio system, two USB ports, wi-fi hot spot compatibility, and an 8-inch driver information display are also standard.
A head-up display can be added to any LC for $900, while a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system costs $1,220.
In addition to the 5.0-liter V8, the LC 500 comes with an adaptive sport suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, and a sport-tuned exhaust system. Comfort and style features abound, including heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, a fixed glass roof, and magnesium paddle shifters.
For a comprehensive upgrade, buyers can tick the box for the $2,540 Touring Package. This includes semi-aniline leather front seats, an Alcantara headliner, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, the automated parking system, and the Mark Levinson audio system.
The hybrid-powered LC 500h shares most of its equipment and options with the regular LC. However, the hybrid gets dark graphite-finished wheels, a fixed spoiler in back, an interior with a satin metallic finish throughout, and an Eco Driving Indicator in the gauge cluster.
The 2021 Lexus LC is better than ever thanks to its host of improvements. According to the automaker, the 500h is just three-tenths of a second slower to 60 mph than the V8 500. We bet most buyers will be willing to make that concession in return for the 500h's 10 mpg fuel efficiency advantage.