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In-depth reviews

Lexus LC500 – MPG and running costs

Lexus’s legendary reliability should keep running costs to a minimum

Evo rating
  • Superb chassis balance; engine; interior; design
  • Transmission the weak link; iffy infotainment; hybrid nothing like as good as the V8

The obvious answer here is that if economy and running costs are an important consideration, then the LC500h is the better bet. The hybrid will achieve around 35mpg depending on its driving environment, with the V8 some 10mpg off that figure. Drive gently with either and these figures are achievable, mind, and thanks to a lack of forced induction, they won’t drop quite as dramatically as in other cars if you drive hard. 

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If build quality and reliability are a big draw, then Lexus's typically flawless record is another plus point within the package. The 2UR V8 engine is also noted in all its global applications as superbly dependable, be that in a Lexus saloon in the USA or body-on-frame SUV. Parts pricing is also therefore reasonable, and the engine's relative simplicity also helps in this regard.

Lexus’s impressive warranty coverage is also a big plus. If you service your car at a main dealer each year, the warranty gets extended by 12 months and 10,000 miles, for up to ten years and 100,000 miles. It makes the LC that much sweeter as an ownership proposition. 

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