Lexus LC 500h 2021 Review

The LC 500h is one of the most distinctive-looking coupes on the road. But there's more to this alluring coupe than just its looks. The 2021 Lexus LC 500h is also a hybrid — hence the "h." To make it, Lexus removes the 5.0-liter V8 engine in the LC 500 and replaces it with a 3.4-liter V6, two motor-generators and a lithium-ion battery pack.

This powertrain nets the 500h an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's a vast improvement over the V8-powered LC 500 and one of the highest numbers you'll see for a high-end luxury coupe. We're not as impressed with how the LC 500h drives, but the well-appointed interior, supremely smooth ride and generous standard features are enough to make this Lexus pretty compelling.

Which LC 500h does MatoCar recommend?

For our money, this hybrid grand tourer is best fit with the Touring package. That will net you a heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed front seats, a faux suede headliner and a stellar 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system. It also throws in Intuitive Park Assist, which uses sensors to detect objects in close proximity while parking.

The LC 500h comes in just one trim level, but you do have several packages from which to choose. Each 500h has a 3.5-liter V6 engine connected to two electric motors, which are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack stored under the floor. The total system produces 354 horsepower and is mated to both a continuously variable transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission. Together they simulate the feeling of 10 gear ratios. Highlight features include:

The LC 500h comes standard with the following:

• 20-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Keyless ignition and entry
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Leather upholstery

Technology features include:

• 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Dual USB ports
• 12-speaker sound system
• Lexus Enform emergency and concierge communications plus onboard Wi-Fi

You also get advanced driver safety features such as:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the LC 500h and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the LC 500h back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

Touring package Adds several optional features, such as:

• All-Weather Package with a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Premium leather-trimmed front seats
• Faux suede headliner
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Parking sensors

Sport package Offers additional equipment, including:

• Power-adjustable front sport seats with faux suede inserts
• Glass or carbon-fiber roof
• Performance brake pads
• Parking sensors

Dynamic Handling package Includes performance upgrades, such as:

• Features from the Sport package
• 21-inch wheels
• Rear steering (improves steering responsiveness)
• Rear spoiler that automatically deploys at certain speeds
• Faux suede headliner
• Carbon-fiber doorsill plates