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In-depth reviews

Lexus LC500 – performance and 0-60mph time

Doesn’t feel as fast as the numbers suggest thanks to the atmospheric V8’s peaky delivery. The hybrid feels sluggish and inert

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

With either the hybrid or V8, the LC is not the fastest GT car in its class, that’s for sure. The hybrid, despite a reasonable 359bhp combined power figure, takes a leisurely 5sec to reach 62mph. Performance is hardly electric, but as a cruiser the hybrid’s powertrain does just about enough to make it feel sufficiently fast for cruising situations. Top speed is pegged at 155mph. 

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The LC500 V8 is only 0.3sec quicker, reaching 62mph in 4.7sec, despite the generous bump in horsepower. The V8’s 458bhp isn’t that accessible either, thanks to its arrival way up at 7100rpm, but this is not quite the disadvantage it might seem; we’ll get back to that later. The heavier LC500 Convertible takes longer still to reach 62mph at 5sec, and in this case does feel a tad underpowered thanks mostly to the extra weight it has to carry around in comparison to the V8 coupe.  

If you’re expecting supercar performance from this sporting coupe then, one might need to look elsewhere, but the LC’s magic doesn’t reveal itself on paper. Instead, it’s sometimes because of this lack of performance that the LC feels like it offers something unique.

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