Introduction

Timid introverts and the unadventurous probably aren't the principal customers for the 2020 Lexus LC, a formidable flagship coupe whose sharp lines command attention. Prodigious power transports the LC into full-fledged sports car territory. Though it leans toward comfort more than performance, straight-line acceleration approaches supercar levels. 

Blind-spot monitors are newly standard, and Flare Yellow is a new body color for the 2020 model year. An LC Inspiration Edition has also been launched, which comes with an exclusive Nori Green exterior color. Only 100 are to be built. 

The lineup could hardly be simpler with the two available models: the gas-engine LC 500 and the hybrid LC 500h. The LC 500 unleashes a 5.0-liter V-8 that's reminiscent of Detroit-style power as it whips up 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. A slick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission teams with rear-wheel drive. 

In the hybrid LC 500h, propulsion comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 teamed with an electric motor and a battery. Combined output totals 354 horsepower. Note that specifications apply to use of 91-octane gasoline or higher. The hybrid employs an unusual transmission: a 4-speed automatic transmission tied to a continuously variable automatic transmission. 

Tapping a button selects drive modes that can invigorate or soften the powertrain. There's even a custom mode that can be tailored to individual preferences. 

In hybrid form, the Lexus LC is thrifty for a performance car, EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined. The standard LC 500 is an outright guzzler at 16/25/19 mpg. Premium gasoline is recommended. 

Now including blind-spot monitors, the LC's ensemble of standard active safety technology is commensurate with the coupe's lofty price. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warnings, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-departure warnings are all standard. 

Options include a head-up display and a system that can park the LC automatically. Adding the latter might be prudent, to avoid scratching the coupe's big wheels during parking maneuvers. 

Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has crash tested a Lexus LC, and probably won't do so because of low sales volume. 

Lineup

The Lexus LC is available in just two trims: LC 500 and LC 500h. Prices include a $1,025 destination charge. 

The gas-powered LC 500 costs $93,975 to start and comes with an adaptive suspension, active sport exhaust, Sport S/S+ drive mode, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, navigation, 12-speaker audio, and a 10.3-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

The $98,485 LC 500h Hybrid substitutes the gasoline-electric powertrain with the 3.5-liter V-6 and electric motor. Outside of a rear spoiler, its features mirror those found on the standard LC 500. 

Walkaround

Only a handful of contemporary automobiles look as if they would be at home in a museum, rather than on the street. Introduced as a 2018 model, the Lexus LC is emphatically a member of that rarefied tribe. A sheer knockout, it's the kind of vehicle that can bring an onlooker to a halt in an instant. Not many are dashing around ordinary streets and highways, but an LC practically demands a closer look. 

With its angular exterior, the LC demonstrates kinship to its LFA predecessor. Even though it costs one-fourth as much as that supercar, the current coupe looks far more refined. 

Details are what make the difference. Complex elements and fine surface finishes make the LC worthy of intense study. Up front is a broad, distinctive mesh grille that could be Lexus' best interpretation of the “spindle” configuration. Blacked-out rear pillars help create a “floating roof” appearance. Headlights and taillights are intricately designed. 

Interior

Every LC flaunts a rakish, futuristic cabin that complements the striking exterior. Fine interior finishes rank with the world's best automobiles. Adventurous in appearance, with superior front seats, the luxury coupe trails in practicality, suffering from near-useless rear seats and trunk. 

Sitting low, the dashboard is oriented toward the driver. Soft leathers cover every surface that's not fitted with striking trim panels, but the potential for customization is limited. Spending more for softer leather and museum-quality finishes is worth considering. 

Front seats provide all-day support, with a vast array of adjustments. Toddlers are about the only family members who might be comfortable in the back, though mounting a child seat presents a formidable challenge. 

Mounted high on the dashboard is a 10.3-inch display screen, but the infotainment system connected to it is a disaster. A balky mouse-like controller, baffling interface, and distracting menus are made only slightly more tolerable by standard Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa integration. Android Auto isn't included. 

Not much beyond a briefcase fits into the trunk, which offers a mere 5.4 cubic feet of cargo space, or 4.7 cubic feet in the hybrid. 

Driving Impression

The Lexus LC strives to undertake dual roles: highway cruiser and agile, curvy adventurer. Hefty curb weight restrains performance, even though ride comfort approaches sheer perfection. Even so, the LC coupe scores highly on acceleration, ride quality, and impressive roadholding through curves and corners. 

As expected, the LC 500 takes off faster than its hybrid sibling, accompanied by a raw ? perhaps a tad unrefined ? undertone. Push hard on the pedal, and the LC 500 blasts to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The LC 500h hybrid needs 4.7 seconds. As a rule, the conventional LC 500 delivers stronger thrust and passing power, all while emitting some delectable sounds. 

Although the 10-speed automatic transmission behaves especially well, it can sometimes feel like it's a bit dazed by an excess of ratios. When passing on the highway, it can shuffle between gears. 

The LC 500h is certainly no wallflower when the gas pedal hits the floor, as the unique transmission behaves sharply to deliver outstanding acceleration. Even so, the hybrid-powertrain experience is less visceral than the big V-8 delivers. 

Ride comfort excels as the gentle, compliant suspension overpowers rough pavement better than even the softly sprung Lexus LS sedan. Handling competently, the big LC coupe benefits from some of the best steering to hail from parent company Toyota in years. It's even better than the revived Supra. Wide tires provide immense grip, once the LC transitions its heft. Both LC versions are heavyweights, but handle sharply on all but the tightest rural canyon routes. Large brakes stand ready to demonstrate their value in spirited driving. 

An optional Performance Package tweaks the steering ratio, adding active rear-wheel steering and a rear wing. 

Summary

Dazzling design blends with ferocious performance in the 2020 Lexus LC coupe, which seats two comfortably but fails to extend that courtesy to a potential rear-seat passenger. Both LC models have a strong roster of features, though prices approach six figures even if no options are added. Choosing between the gas-powered and hybrid versions isn't easy. Both handle many roadgoing tasks exceptionally well. They differ only modestly in acceleration figures, but the hybrid is far more frugal, while the LC 500 delivers a traditional V-8 experience, with sounds to match. 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.