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2024 Lexus LC 500 review (video)

There are currently around 1698 new vehicles on sale today, including all makes and models (roughly). And out of all of those, just six models feature a naturally aspirated V8. Yep, just six. Three are sports cars and the other three are pickup trucks.

The Lexus LC 500 is one. Does that mean it’s out-of-date or long in the tooth? No way. If anything, the rare combination of eight cylinders and unassisted breathing means it’s actually one of the purest and most enjoyable cars to drive.

2024 Lexus LC 500-rear

2024 Lexus LC 500: Specifications

Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Output: 351kW@7100rpm / 540Nm@4800rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Wheels: F: 21×8.5, 245/40 R: 21×9.5, 275/35
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1910kg
Power-to-weight: 5.44:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 11.6L/100km
Our consumption: 14.3L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 82L/98 RON
Power efficiency: 30.25kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.03 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.70 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.53 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.85 seconds at 174.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.959g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.96m in 3.11 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.232g*
Decibel at idle: 43*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 93*
Starting price: $203,550

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Lexus LC 500: How much does it cost?

It doesn’t really have direct competition, aside from the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette. But the Mustang sits in the entry sports car class while this resides one level up, and the Corvette is mid-engined and more of a serious sports/track car.

Lexus stands for Luxury EXport to the United States. Keyword being ‘luxury’. That means it’s more of a grand tourer. What am I getting at exactly? Well, I’m basically preparing you for the price tag, which starts from $203,550 (excluding on-road costs). It’s that expensive because it pairs high-end luxury with muscle car appeal.

2024 Lexus LC 500-interior

2024 Lexus LC 500: Interior & packaging

From the moment you step inside, the LC 500 makes a statement with its design. The cabin is a showcase of Japanese craftsmanship, with leather, Alcantara, and brushed metal elements coming together in a driver-focused layout.

The 2024 update introduced a new 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, replacing the previous (fiddly) trackpad-controlled setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto now come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

Lexus has also refined the 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, offering even richer sound quality. Seat comfort remains excellent, with supportive yet supple cushioning in the front designed for long-distance cruising, yet they also provide heaps of lateral bracing.

2024 Lexus LC 500-rear seats

The two-seater layout feels intimate, though rear seats exist more as a decorative addition than practical seating. There is virtually no legroom in the back. And being a traditional long-bonnet coupe, the front seats are set back, so you sit just behind the centre point. It doesn’t leave much room behind the front seats, in other words.

Cargo space is on the smaller side as well, but that’s to be expected in a coupe of this nature. The spec sheet says 197L. That figure doesn’t tell the full story. The reach and width of the boot is fine, but the depth in terms of the floor height limits bulky items from fitting in.

For me, the best part about the cabin experience is the build quality and attention to detail. It feels special in here, sitting so low down and being surrounded by futuristic fixtures and shapes. But, yeah, the quality and refinement of this calibre is hard to come by. Hence its $200k price tag.

2024 Lexus LC 500-boot

2024 Lexus LC 500: Powertrain & handling

Yes, it’s not as quick in a straight line as it probably should be. But, honestly, it doesn’t matter one bit when you’re behind the wheel. The glorious bellowing note of the V8 and the superb chassis dynamics provide more than enough excitement and pleasure, without needing EV-style 0-100km/h times.

The heart of it is of course the godly 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, producing 351kW at 7100rpm, and 540Nm at 4800rpm. This engine is a rarity in today’s turbocharged and hybrid-heavy landscape, delivering a proper, old-school, high-revving character that rewards enthusiastic driving.

2024 Lexus LC 500-taillights

And the soundtrack tells a story, starting with a deep and sinister gargle, winding up to a belting metallic roar, and finishing with a jack-hammering V8 scream. You’ll have goosebumps rippling down your spine on every spirited drive – I’ve actually got goosebumps going down my arms and legs now just writing about it.

This ‘2UR-GSE’ engine was developed in part with Yamaha and features lots of exotic, motorsport-inspired details. It runs a high compression ratio of 12.3:1, with a redline of 7300rpm, for example, and uses titanium valves, forged conrods, and head flow designed by Yamaha, with dual-length intakes. It also uses Toyota’s D-4S injection (direct and port).

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the LC 500 delivers smooth yet responsive acceleration, shifting crisply when pushed and giving off a gunshot-like crack during loaded upshifts. It’s awesome. But, the inevitable 0-100km/h times. Lexus claims 4.5 seconds. I tried as hard as I could and the best the Vbox revealed was 5.70 seconds, with 0-200km/h clocked in 18.81 seconds, and the quarter mile conquered in 13.85 seconds at 174.3km/h.

2024 Lexus LC 500-Vbox testing

To put that into perspective, we recently tested the Hyundai i30 Sedan N auto in 5.73 seconds. And that uses a milk carton-size 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, with front-wheel drive. Obviously not a direct competitor, and obviously the LC will obliterate the i30 in the top end. However, owning one means you might have to deal with that conversation one day, with an i30 N (or equivalent) owner.

Despite weighing over 1910kg (tare), the LC 500 remains seriously composed through corners thanks to its well-balanced chassis and adaptive suspension. The available Enhancement Pack adds dynamic rear steering and a variable ratio steering system as well, further sharpening its response, agility and outright stability.

2024 Lexus LC 500-carbon fibre door trim

The ride quality is firm yet very compliant, striking the perfect balance between comfort and engagement – spot on for this grand tourer style of vehicle. Although, I would describe this as more of a super grand tourer than just a typical luxury-focused GT. It’s much more committed and confident in the corners than a regular GT car, and, when you want it to be, it’s significantly louder and more interactive.

Interestingly, fuel consumption is rated at a not-so-thirsty 11.6L/100km on the official combined cycle, which is quite a bit less than the LC 500 Convertible, stamped at 12.7L/100km. During this test we averaged around 14.3L/100km.

2024 Lexus LC 500-seats

2024 Lexus LC 500: Key attractions/reasons to buy

  • Exquisite design: The LC 500’s sculpted bodywork and attention to detail make it one of the most visually striking coupes on sale.
  • Naturally aspirated V8: A rarity in today’s market, the 5.0-litre V8 offers an unmatched combination of sound, response, and linear power delivery. It’s such an uplifting and exciting unit, it really does make your day.
  • Premium interior: High-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit ensure an immersive experience, with lots of Lexus attention to detail to separate it from more typical coupe sports cars.
  • Advanced technology: Lexus Connected Services, a revamped infotainment system, and expanded safety features for 2024-onward bring it in line with modern expectations.

2024 Lexus LC 500: Key considerations before you buy

  • Limited practicality: The rear seats are largely ornamental, and boot space is modest for a grand tourer.
  • Weight: At just over 1.9 tonnes, it’s not the lightest coupe in its class, though it compensates with composure and refinement.
  • Acceleration: Often seen as the elephant in the room, this V8, as glorious as it is, doesn’t quite match the acceleration that its sound, price and the LC 500’s design would suggest.

2024 Lexus LC 500: Video

How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Ride & handling
  • X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
4.3

Final word

The 2024 Lexus LC 500 continues to be a standout choice in the luxury grand tourer segment, offering a compelling blend of design, craftsmanship, and an awesome V8 driving experience. While it may not be the quickest track weapon, it delivers a sense of occasion that few rivals can match. Get in quick, as this is likely the last V8 from Lexus.

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.

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