2018 Lexus LC500 Review - Why It's My New FAVORITE GT

My old man energy shines brightly in this one.
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[@pol.86]

I love the ‘dated’ gauge cluster, perfect blend of digital and physical, and it moves haha

[@absaly]

quality beyond common bmw mercedes line up

[@TeaVR]

I’m two years in to LC500 ownership. Your review is actually very accurate in that you concentrate on the drive ability of the LC500. It’s a driver’s car - no doubt. It’s more sports car than people give it credit for. As a road car, it’s very very capable. Also, for the money - I don’t know anything that sounds as good.

[@edmundcharles5278]

All you say is true, but after looking at the Mercedes SL series, I think that the LC needs a major upgrade in performance , braking, and steering -especially the convertible model.

[@Alpha-1111]

​@@edmundcharles5278compared to the performance Z06 it needs everything upgraded.

[@Ezero8]

Same. As a lover of GT cars, this is the only Lexus I would consider buying...if I had the money. And it's still one of the best cars I've ever driven.

[@ARentz07]

As an IS 500 owner who has driven an LC 500 on track, I totally agree with most of what you said. The car handles amazingly for how big and heavy it is, and its transmission is more responsive than the 8-speed in the IS 500. However, when it comes to steering, I don't really like the LC. It is somewhat numb, even on track when pushing hard. The IS 500 doesn't have particularly fizzy steering, but it somehow feels more natural. Maybe that's the ~400 pound weight difference talking. Either way, I think I'd still take an LC as a third car if I had the means. It is just so special to look at and experience. It is one of the best cars I've personally driven, easily.

[@ARentz07]

Oh and those brakes are awesome. We hauled it down from 130 or more MPH on the back straight at Road Atlanta three laps in a row without issue. I'd say it is pretty cool for a GT car to be able to do that!

[@blu_is500]

At the Lexus Performance Driving School, our track segment was with the LC. Lexus did it on purpose to show off its chops and to surprise all-of-us. 😍 Huge brakes, that amazing 10 speed transmission, and the special V8 soundtrack; you can’t beat the emotional experience! Thanks for posting, your surprise was hilarious. 😎

[@edmundcharles5278]

Ah….yes you can if you test drive the SL55/63 series- the low end power is instant and amazing- onboard with the 911, but it comes at a $40,000 price increase over the LC500.

[@Jessica-xo4wu]

I drove everything but when I sat in this - I knew I had to have it. The most underrated car I can think of.

[@pgn1993]

The f type is the most underrated imo!

[@daviddarmanin2188]

Definitely a car to enjoy, it will put a fixed smile on your face every time you drive it, own a 2022 model LC500 Convertible and it’s unbelievably fantastic.

[@ciello___8307]

Lucky man!

[@CapELarry]

I have a 2018 coupe and have had it since new. I still adore it and will never sell it. Build quality is still rock solid. Ditch the crappy run flats and get MPS4s and it’s sublime. The speed of the upshifts depends on how much throttle you’re applying. Flat out the upshifts are snappy.

[@corey31]

A Nori Green LC500 with LSD is my dream attainable car

[@likunjian1850]

performance package Nori Green LC500 is also my dream

[@stocksxbondage]

This guy in my apartment has that exact spec but in convertible 🤤 have to walk past it every couple days. There’s also a mid-2000 V8 Vantage near it (different guy). Very happy with my GS 350 but man if I could just joy ride the LC…

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Black inspiration series with the red Alcantara interior 🙏

[@ouch9326]

a handling prius inline 3 1.6 liter carbon fiber engine where optimal fuel level is well above 2/3 max torque in cvt with first gear

[@wot48320]

Love the design of this car, future classic.

[@MrLUXATL]

I was thrilled to see your reaction to this car, especially considering your affinity to the s2000 and NSX. I have a s2000 and a LC500 and they are beautifully complimentary of each other

[@bearclaw5115]

Great combo!

[@Gman-109]

I've had both a 2018 and 2022 LC500 - Lexus made a lot of changes to the car after the 2018 model year, I think you would be even more impressed with a 2022 or later model. When I test drove the 2018 before going to BMW/MB dealers, as soon as I heard that V8 roar, and then felt the serenity of comfort mode, I was sold before we got back to the dealership. Such great cars. I live in a small city in a small Province in Canada, and I get looks by every car I go by daily, still to this day.

[@Chandroth]

You put it through its paces. Every one else slept on its handling capabilities.

[@Shyamjavvaji]

Glad you drove this-when you were debating selling the NSX for a “special” car, this came to mind

[@kevinherndon4509]

Just picked up my LC500 last week, 2019 Flare Yellow Inspiration Series with the bespoke white/yellow interior and performance package. I have been daily driving my ISF for the last 3 years. The LC has exceeded my expectations as a drivers car, and it is so enjoyable to just drive on the street.

[@bearclaw5115]

I looked it up, amazing color combo. Love the yellow suede on the doors!

[@kevinherndon4509]

@@bearclaw5115 thank you so much, when it came out in 2019 I knew I had to have it! My first favorited photo on my IPhone I’ve had for 5 years is the interior of the car showing the doors too 🔥

[@hamsterbrigade]

You definitely should give one with the rear steer a try.

[@edmundcharles5278]

Yes, but that option is not available in the convertible while that option does exist in the Mercedes SL series!

[@craigyirush3492]

Didn’t know about this car. Love that V8. Plus the digital screen/display is integrated into the dash. Much better than the tablet stuck on the dash look of too many modern cars.

[@HarryBaalzach]

Don’t get a new LC500, they ruined it by doing just that. Lexus shoulda just ignored the BMW kids crying about the trackpad!

[@dominicscalise]

I MUST have one.

[@Soh90]

Raw speed and power isn’t everything, and there is no better example than this car. 7 years later and it’s still stunning and that sound never gets old.

[@JFlogerzi]

the LC500 is a fantastic and the V8 sounds so good.

[@Alexi0]

timeless cult classic, glad u did this one !

[@mohammadal-abbasi7247]

Great quick review. You captured the essence of the LC pretty well 👌🏼

[@1ROCKY89]

Great to finally see the LC on the channel! This will be a nice addition to your garage. That interior is something

[@commonduck10]

I think I told you to review this car and you did. I feel special…

[@Zygrene]

specialduck10

[@ouch9326]

@@Zygrene i hearing new miata has limited slip diffrential and electri cpower steering is porsche level now, lucid air is also porsche level , this is supposedlty the best eelectric power steer , mclaren stil doe shydrallic and toyota made their acclerator pedal gives some feedback more like old school pedals

[@georgerenstrom4348]

When I buy one, the first thing I'll do is put every theft protection device possible in it. Such a gorgeous vehicle.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

God they really scored huge with this one. It's both pretty and aggressive. I don't know how lexus pulled this one off but I'm glad they did.

[@joeracer302]

It also looks a lot like the concept car, which is a welcome departure from other Toyota design studies that they departed from to make production (I’m looking at the FT1 -> Supra … so sad)

[@bearclaw5115]

@@joeracer302 The Supra is still a very daring design, best part of the car IMO. But yeah this LC really nailed the transition to reality.

[@aaronwilliams6165]

I love my 2019! The rest wheel steering is strang at low speeds but it is awesome in a corner and makes the car feel smaller. It feels sporty to me with comfort more than a porsche. Thanks for the video!

[@bemoremad]

They’re really fantastic and unique cars. I can’t afford one now, but I’m hoping in the future I’ll be able to pick one up. I hope they keep the LC500 with the V8 for a long while. I’m guessing though that it only has 2-4 more years.

[@Slu54]

I will have this car, seriously, super attainable, absolutely stunning to look at, and that all tan interior really works for me. Oh I forgot to mention, NA V8. Auto is fine or maybe even preferred for daily or GT.

[@UtahJohnnyL]

4 years with my LC500 so far, can't seem to fathom the thought of parting with it. They truly are amazing vehicles; one of the best cars i've owned (over 100+ cars). Reliable, nearly 500hp, 30-33mpg on long road trips, an more comfort than you can imagine. Made in the same Motomachi, Japan plant as the LFA, by the same senior craftsmen. These are diamonds.

[@BlackjackLover]

So shall I buy the convertible or the coupe one?

[@UtahJohnnyL]

The big question for yourself! 😜@@BlackjackLover

[@ryanb8736]

My favorite Lexus made these days.

[@ARentz07]

My goodness, that scrape on the front bumper made me upset. I guess the LC is still just a car and won't look perfect forever, but still, I swear most of the time, if I see an LC at a meet or even in the wild randomly, it always looks fabulous.

[@Zarifzar4]

Sorry yeah, it is a daily driver and it lives in SF, so it does get used and abused a ton. I’ll have the bumper replaced and maybe get a plate underneath for my next go around.

[@joeracer302]

Better used and loved than kept in a bubble “perfect.”

[@bearclaw5115]

@@Zarifzar4 Thanks for letting your car be reviewed. First time I've seen one driven properly!

[@ARentz07]

@Zarifzar4 Having driven in SF a couple times, I do understand. It was scary driving a rental 911 in some places.

[@SlickSniper3]

Awesome analog luxury sport cruiser. That V8 is phenominal. My friends dad has one and the interior quality is top notch. What a ride.

[@realRichHunting]

The LC500 is fun enough when you want to play, but it really shines on a long distance trip. No one ever talks about the MPG. I like to take mine on long road trips. These cars can drive across the entire state of Texas on 1 tank of gas. I average 38MPG on long trips. It's big, heavy, and loud... it's no sports car, but if you want to drive 500+ miles in absolute comfort, the LC500 is the car to choose.

[@nodrogkam]

The transmission and the sound the IS500 needed. (dual intakes make it sound better than the other cars with this engine)

[@bradfranklin5135]

These cars are definitely sweet. Gorgeous too. You should get your hands on an F-Type, these two cars are often compared and would love to hear your thoughts.

[@ggates2500]

Yep, very much from the same ideals.

[@kennetha.1937]

Wonderful review. I've gone from an RC-350 F-Sport, to now having an RC-F, but the LC-500 is my end goal.

[@jeffl1484]

Have one in infrared with the performance package. Perfect GT Car.

[@maximus9401]

TheTopher and Tedward have compared this to the Jag F type so please try to do a comparo between those! I'm curious which one you think is the better driver's car!

[@snowsenses]

I've owned both (F-Type was an R) & it's faster and sportier, no doubt it's a better driver's car, but it's also infinitely less reliable (can't overstate this) and it's not like the LC isn't a GOOD driver's car. Both look and sound incredibly good and feel very special

[@alphabeta8403]

2:20 Start up 4:30 Way more sports car than expected 6:00 In love 😊 7:40 Quick downshifts 8:30 *Dual personality*

[@coralchopper]

I did see one at a trackday. Oh wait, it was me. Lol. Great review! Absolutely LOVE the car!

[@KevGoesRiding]

I own the LC500 sport package with the rear wheel steer. I honestly think the rear wheel steer makes it a better car (and the low speed understeer thing simply isnt true at all) but not having it would not stop me from buying the car, because like you said its just a wonderful ownership experience and does both slow relaxed cruising and aggressive canyon road carving so well without compromising either. Gets a TON of attention too because it looks so good Did the owner have any mechanical issues with his mileage? Im at 32000km (2022) at the moment and its been flawless so far

[@bearclaw5115]

Yes, the low speed understeer makes no sense at all except as a coping mechanism for those that didn't get it!

[@livewoutlimit]

The LC reminds me of the e92 M3 in its fundamental characteristics. I've owned the e46m (and now the e92m) and they're totally different animals. I said to myself the e9x leans a lot towards a GT than a lively, ready to go puppy that the e46 was. More so since LC and e9x both has a V8, and DCT on the M3 downshifts in similar fashion. Excellent review, bud. BTW - very off topic, I also wear glasses and I've recently come across sunglasses that sits on top of my glasses and that changed my life especially when driving! Figured good time to mention is since your old man energy is starting to seep thru. (my eyes don't like contacts, changing to prescription sunglasses while driving is annoying, lasik sounds terrifying.)

[@kuruptzZz]

I've had an IS 250 for ages...but it still runs beautifully, so I have no reason to get a new car lol. I didn't know much about this model. That NA V8 sounds so good! And you know it is a fantastic daily driver that will last forever

[@DC5Brandon]

This is a cool GT, but you should try to drive a Merc GT-S (R) AMG. I hear they're also great. I'm wondering what a used one costs now...

[@Will_ShakesBeer]

Coincidentally..I admire the interior of my 91 ls400 the same way 😅😅.. I know lexus has rarely skimped on materials.. excellent drive video. Great review.

[@barrydraper]

You'd never know this is a 6 1/2 year old Lexus, as of the date of your upload. These LC500s will eventually become collectable, as they don't make very many. Very impractical, but what's not to love about them...

[@tristangreen5695]

Yup lc500 is one of my favorite gt cars to date

[@kevinkyser1274]

This car is my second favorite car to the NSX.

[@NhanLe-xg5gy]

Love this review. Since you drive alot of cars, could you tell me how this would compare to an M340i interms of handling dynamic? I drove miata,e46, and own a b9.5 S4. But i dont know if the handling of this is as good as a M340i or even M3. I know it's a weird comparison but my preference is limited. Thank you

[@Kevin-xz4jq]

If you were set on selling the NSX, i think this would be a nice long term trade off. Similar price too.

[@DQ-su6qf]

That’s what I’m seriously considering…

[@nlxsteve]

Aston: fighting words Fenton.. fighting words.

[@Zygrene]

I said that fully knowing this comment would appear today

[@ciello___8307]

Id say it looks better than a vantage

[@ggates2500]

Aston Martins have been my thing for about 20yrs & I'd have this LONG before any current AM.

[@masterofdisaster666]

Love these

[@benperiod]

beautiful car

[@greglynnpatterson4487]

Love it . Great combination of luxury and performance!

[@NDEEZMiata]

Love these, poor rich man’s LFA lol. The styling is fantastic, it looks like a concept car in the best way. I’d be happy to have one of these as my future boomer mobile. 😂 My friend has an RCF and while the engine is great, the transmission is such a let down. The downshifts were slow and sometimes jerky. Almost felt like a a non matched downshift in a manual. It would have been the perfect car to have a manual…there’s a lot of good things about it. The LC500 trans looks like it’s way more responsive and the engine seems to have a better sound as well. More induction noise?

[@DAShanin]

Not connected to this review but would you do an Audi R8 review for 2020-23 Gen 2 car? Preferable RWD coupe. Thanks and nice done!

[@FreshYoungDude]

Has to be one of the best sporty dailies.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, I have the lc500h and its a great daily

[@DQ-su6qf]

Great review..I’ve been seriously considering selling or trading my 95 NSX for an LC500…

[@ZDY66666]

To me, the LC 500 really is the baby LFA. Great interior, and while other things many people don't like, they also don't matter, the engine sound and characteristics completely dominates the driving experience like nothing else. NO performance numbers matter. Exterior is a hit or miss depending who you are, and the interior technology is definitely terrible but none of those things matter once you drive it because that engine dominates and washes everything else out

[@anthonykiedis1765]

Great review! If I ever trade in my C8 this would be at the top of the list. You said you are missing a RWD dedicated track car. Do you still have the Cayman? I'd imagine that would fit the bill nicely.

[@Zygrene]

I do but I won't be tracking it. Not worth the risk with any M96/M97 car.

[@pedrot1152]

Would you consider the LC500 instead of the ITS? I have the ITS and wondering if worth it the "upgrade"

[@Gchang54]

Props to the owner driving it

[@samueldowney2806]

Imagine if this was 400-500kg lighter, with hydraulic steering tuned for feedback, no leather but alcantara and cloth, and a 6 speed manual with manual clutch. That would really be something. With the ride unchanged, it would be just as effective a GT also.

[@HarryBaalzach]

As a long time owner, I understand the misconception that the steering is lacking in feedback. I thought so too at first. But over time, you realise it is hidden by the lightness of the steering. There is an abundance of feedback, although more subtle than most people are used to.

[@bearclaw5115]

So just imagine a completely different car then. LOL.

[@kingJim4]

This car is highly underrated. I want to buy one before more people start to notice and price goes up.

[@HarryBaalzach]

They just discontinued it in Europe, but not yet in USA so get moving before it gets out of reach!

[@georgerenstrom4348]

@@HarryBaalzach Wow! Thank you for the information!

[@milesfathi]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I think Toyota should have made a cheaper version of this the new Supra. Yes it would have been slower, and no it's not an inline six, but it would have had tons more character. Listen to that V8 sing!

[@bearclaw5115]

That makes zero sense. The Supra is a sportscar, this LC is a gt. And a cheaper version of the LC? How would that be done? Decontent the interior? No thanks. Now to your point, I could totally see a Supra with this V8 stuffed in it as a highly welcome variant!

[@drivingpsyche]

I always loved how this car looked and sounded - I'd love to buy one but was always worried it will be "too slow" for my driving style. Glad you disproved this idea. How is it against Vette C7GS? or rather SL550 from similar year?

[@georgerenstrom4348]

We know how reliable the LC 500 is. The cost of servicing a BMW or Mercedes is ridiculous.

[@bearclaw5115]

This isn't a car you put up 'against' anything else. This car either screams to you or it doesn't.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Wow never expected you to try this car It's always been under the radar but very special If only the prices could come down a little,still out of reach even used

[@bearclaw5115]

The used prices will never come down. Easier to just figure out a way to make more money!

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

They spent a lot of time in R&D working on the handling to be "sporty" and enjoyable without beating you up

[@benperiod]

hey just curious, what road do you drive on? it seems like the same road every time and it's beautiful but so quiet... where is it?

[@bearclaw5115]

Main st. Don't ask, don't tell.

[@zurikin]

Do the back seats fold down?? cant find any info on this

[@jonasbaine3538]

Wow it is indeed more sporty than expected. Rapid up and down shifts. Curious whose insurance covers a potential crash during these drives?

[@bearclaw5115]

Potential crashes are definitely not covered strictly speaking.

[@kkeshav74]

Love all rev limiters on Lexus' Even my 07 IS350 has a nice hard limiter that I love bouncing off of haha

[@big-R]

Wonder if you can chip / tune the gearbox to up shift faster also, to make it a perfect Yota

[@HarryBaalzach]

It upshifts incredibly fast at higher revs, there’s racetrack tech from the RCF gt cars in the camshaft and flywheel to make the RPM drop between shifts to increase speed, it’s faster than any twin clutch paddle shifter from when it was released on 2017

[@nevadapatrick]

Beautiful color.

[@A_guan]

I'd love one of these one day. I'll be in the market for a GX460 in the next 12 months so maybe (call me crazy?) I'll trade my integra type s for an lc500 or rcf to have alongside the GX. Thoughts anyone?

[@martyn_g]

No one can touch the build quality of Lexus.

[@Birmingham_racing]

What a gorgeous car

[@avery4528]

I don’t understand how this class of car has a 111-114” wheelbase, is the size of a Camry or Accord, and doesn’t have any rear legroom. Why not go the Corvette route and make it a 2 seater or make it a usable 2 door 2+2 like an old Golf or 3 Series

[@bearclaw5115]

This car is all about the looks and the feels. Practicality has no standing here.

[@leechavarie4675]

I would love one but I just bought a v8 Miata and it is too much fun .

[@bearclaw5115]

Not something you hear every day. Aren't you concerned it may be underpowered?

[@humza4779]

i drove one and its very nice. the brakes are impressive and the engine is a song. pdk, ferrari f1, and m-dct spoiled me for transmissions, and at this price point the lack of dct can't be excused. i could hear the few times you hit the limiter on upshift. front end felt ponderous, but maybe my Turo car had crap tires. I also worried about how easy it would be to sell when i was done with it... cars like this are extremely niche like you mentioned and dont hold value well. for the money it would be hard to pass up c8 vette.

[@hamsterbrigade]

These cars hold their value very well.

[@A_guan]

What road do you test all these cars on?

[@nicolibe4766]

You may not buy the car but you will remember driving it❤❤

[@fsabau]

Dat interior!

[@edmundcharles5278]

I was enamored with the LC500 UNTIL I started to look into tbd Mercedes ST Roadster series. While the LC500 possesses superior cannon workmanship and materials, it sorely lacks in low rpm power acceleration deliverance! Every KZbin video comparing the LC500 vice ST55/64 state that the LC500 is luxurious but barely adequate in low power availability and imprecise responding steering and just adequate braking! ‘Yes’ the ST is a lot more money, but it’s a lot more car to drive too. Mercedes has decided to stick with the twin turbo V8 due to consumer demands, while Lexus is traveling down the doomed twin turbo V6 and hybrid drivetrains - fit high end performance cars this is not going to be a selling point!

[@lexusrcf2441]

The brown color just look like inside a nursing home I prefer the black white or red interior

[@HarryBaalzach]

I hope I end up in such a classy nursing home 😂

[@georgerenstrom4348]

@@HarryBaalzach Me too. It is gorgeous. I will buy one, but not sure if used or new. Can save 50K buying used.

[@ouch9326]

the non drop top has limited slip diffrential

[@RandyLe-cb2eb]

I wish i had money to buy lexus gx 550 😢 and this LC 500❤ TAILLIGHTS

[@fauxvier8519]

This feels like an equivalent to the R35

[@carboydorifutoparty3976]

Very different cars for very different markets/audiences. I wouldn't compare them at all.

[@ogarzabello]

Try the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

[@Zygrene]

Somehow I haven't even sat in a Maserati yet.

[@ouch9326]

@@Zygrene hagerty made a video on vw xl1 , seems it could be a much better car if designed for mass market , said it handles like lotus elise despite small tire

[@93455Driver]

Does a RCF feel more sports car than a LC500?

[@computerhelpcc]

GSF does, all of them come with torque vectoring diff. Interior isn’t at LC or LS level. If I had to sell my 3 cars incl 911 manual, LC500 yeesss

[@LONGWALDO]

Is500 is a great car, even if you don’t appreciate it.

[@wojtekp3212]

Why not drive the nsx, rear wheel drive on track?!

[@georgerenstrom4348]

Nobody would track an LC 500. It is made for cruising.

[@bearclaw5115]

@@georgerenstrom4348 Actually people do track the LC but he was asking about Zygrene's cars (essentially why doesn't he use the NSX on track).

[@royaltyallen1162]

Road name?

[@good2help]

"Favorite all time GT car" reviews a 2018 LC500 for the first time in 2024 lol haha Suspension is much improved from 2019 and up. Best car for what it is at that price point.

[@mikedurling2111]

People need to stop reviewing these. I’m trying to scoop one up for 40-50k

[@bearclaw5115]

Good luck, that's a used IS 500 which unfortunately is no where near as good.

[@stance46]

In my opinion, aesthetically, this looks way more like a new ‘Supra’ than the new Supra.

[@bearclaw5115]

Line all three up and no, not even close.

[@fabianmendoza61]

Im waiting for the heel toe guy to show up here

[@anthonys.3129]

Beautiful