2018 Lexus LC500h Hybrid FIRST DRIVE REVIEW (2 of 2): Was it the right alternative choice?

[@christschool]

Ok, you asked. I'm the owner of an LC500h. I don't want a full electric vehicle. Otherwise, I would have bought a Tesla, which is faster. I like the Hybrid and don't want to spend any time at a charging station. The trade-off for pure speed is worth it to me. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for the quality and styling of the LC500h is worth it to me.

[@jml9550]

Well said. I don’t want to deal with range with a EV. For the price, you could’ve just get a Model S, but it sure does look as stunning as the LC.

[@roger9280]

Agreed. That is why I bought a 500H

[@Jrbettis]

Infrared is gorgeous especially once you lift the hood and see the Al strut mounts.

[@JrDumptruck]

Hi Motoman love your show. Big Toyota & Lexus fan here, I own an lc500h in nightfall mica

[@louislazarus2734]

You're getting more "lean" because you have more sidewall on the tires with the 20" rims. Those useless, except for the track, 21" rims have almost no sidewall. You're essentially riding on a wheel with painted on rubber. If you drive in California, those 21" rims WILL get damaged or destroyed by the potholes that number in the gazillions out here. As far as speed goes, the LC 500 is plenty fast for everyday driving. I'll never understand why people care if the car does 0-60 in 4.4 seconds or 4.7 seconds. This is a luxurious ride built for people who want and can afford to get from A. to B. in comfort and style. It's not a race car with 700 h.p. that will kill you, the average moronic driver, in .5 seconds if you're not careful. This LC 500 is beautiful to look at, like a work of art and enjoyable to drive with more than enough get up and go for the public roads.

[@Toyota4Life]

You also need to drive the now discounted V8 ISF the first F car... or even the LFA of you can get your hands on it. I will say you have been sleeping on Lexus for far too long. Days of the GS400/300, SC300 and the IS300 5 speed has passed you by.

[@cpfb68]

Completely agree regarding Moto-Man testing an ISF! I have a 2011 and its a fantastic daily driver!

[@MotoManTV]

Could not agree with your more . . . But to my defense . . . I was an early *Toyota* guy. I have been very upfront that I was a proud second gen Supra owner (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHzJf3SVn6Znfqc) and by association of that and being a design nerd, still love the original SC! Now here's a fun fact I have never shared: My first ever, official press car loan . . . An IS F!

[@NuclearGrizzly]

Toyota4Life Have you noticed that LFA owners aren't quick to part with those magnificent beasts? Hyper car performance with Toyota reliability and downright reasonable maintenance costs. I have a coworker with one and an '06 Carrera GT. He can't decide which one he wants to be buried in. :-)

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Currently waiting on "the right" is300 manual to come up for sale, I want to run that car for a long time.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Can you imagine if they put the LFA motor in the LC-F?

[@StephenButlerOne]

I drove the Rav4 hybrid a while back, and was amazed how good the system filled in torque. My first thought was, this is a great diesel alternative. Diesels are huge in the uk.

[@sgt0331able]

And I have one now! Great review and thank you for sharing.

[@mr.buddah6004]

Great review and honestly the LC is one of the Best looking vehicles out there. Lexus has definitely steeped up in the styling category. Now to answer your question. I believe there WILL be a full EV of this however at best its 25-50 years away and for a good reason, the Battery tech and market share is just is not there currently. In the Next 25-50 years pretty much all new vehicles will be some sort of Hybrid and then after that full EV's , thats just human progress in technology, the next big advancement in Battery tech will more than likely kill the gasoline powered car. Imagine if you would have told someone in 2005 (Nokia 1110 and 2600 was the biggest seller 2004-5 at a cost of $150 average) that in a few years cell phones will be touch screen only, no buttons , only last a day instead of several days, will have add on Programs like a PDA but will cost you for each one, and the mainstream must have phones will cost as much as a real cheap used car ( iphone x and Galaxy S9, $1k price tags) . People in 2005 would laugh and say Never I'd stick with what I have, But here we are and progress in tech has taken over the market. Cars will follow suit. I'm only disappointed the LC500h does not get better MPG, with the new ES rated at almost 45 mpg and the Prius rated at 50 I'd expect this to average close to 40 mpg ( doubling the regular V8 versions average ) to attract the fuel conscious buyers. Most would pay and extra 5K over the V8's cost for that. In closing YES Cars of the soon to be future will be all Hybrids and then all EV its just how progress will happen. Proof? you can see it coming as almost All the big Oil companies ( 15 of the top 20) are already investing heavy into Green energy and ways to charge you for it, they see the writing on the wall and they don't want to go extinct. If you know a person who says it will never happen were always going to use gas cars forever, just think of them as the same persons who said that the cars will never catch on, or replace a horse and buggy. It will Happen maybe not tomorrow or next year, but soon enough.

[@briandubin8278]

The back of your driver’s seat was shaking so furiously during your drive, it looked like it was going to break off!

[@amarcelino82]

There is no reason to go full electric,toyota has 0 full electric cars,only 1 plug-in so why invest a ton of money on something that is alredy a "niche"car is very low volume...i can see in the near future a more powerful hybrid version,no v8 and a hydrogen powertrain like in the mirai but with more hp,i would bet on it. 😉

[@plumwolf280]

Toyota doesn't like full electric, because they think their hybird system is MUCH BETTER than any plug-in hybird. let's face that fact: plug-in hybird and full electric is not a really high-tech things and almost every manufacturer could make it easily. For some reason toyota think plug-in just a transitional product of the emissions policy which it is. Toyota is very cautious about the future. In fact, Japan has no right to speak in the direction of automobile development. Toyota doesn't know what the future automobile will be, electric motor? hybrid? fuel cell? but no matter which trend, Toyota can handing it easily like daddy.

[@n1ckotene]

I see it as a GT, not a sports car so full electric wouldn't suite it - there's not enough range or flexibility in all electric. With a car like this it has to be the V8 surely? I'll qualify my opinion by saying that alas, I am not in the target market for this car financially - my IS 250 is where I'm at! As always, very interesting review. Keep 'em coming.

[@Toyota4Life]

sussuration it's a GT that can dance like a sports car when you need it to.

[@StephenButlerOne]

Toyota4Life it can't. It's to heavy. It's a good gt, but no sports car.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

I am an extremely picky driver, so I'm skeptical that I would ever want an LC due to its weight (more than 2 tons to me is no longer a viable car, unless it can tow a car that weighs less than 2 tons), but I've sat in one at auto shows and I really dig the seating position. I think I would want the hybrid over the V8, because there is no manual option. I hate torque converters. I also am not a fan of V8 engine sounds, but I'm also not a fan of how any Toyota engines sound since they stopped making the 2JZ. All Toyota V6's I've heard thus far sound like they are unhappy to be working hard for you. I have to say that, compared to the 08 Lexus GS450h (which I liked more than an auto Chevy SS) they seem to have made the V6 in this thing sound happier, but not fully on board with the activity of driving fast. But because it is technologicaly interesting, and the V6 won't piss off my ear drums every time I ask for power like the V8 will, and because of the 4-speed between the engine and the "CVT" (planetary gearset) making it less moany, I'd take the hybrid. Would I prefer a full EV to the hybrid? Hell yes. That body style tells you it's from 2049, and as much as I like gas engines and manual gearboxes, I'll be damned if the fastest cars in 30 years are still powered by internal combustion. The problem with making it an EV is that it lacks drama, which is probably a great draw to the LC for most buyers. I couldn't care less about drama.

[@MistahWorldwide]

For my preference I want a fully electric car to attempt to match the ludicrous tesla. But I also want a higher performance hybrid more akin to the INFINITI hybrid sedans or Porsche 918/Panamera hybrid. The hybrid, I think, suits the grand touring nature of this car by allowing you to grand tour more. The electric car version would just be fun to go fast. But most importantly... Still waiting on the LCF.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

I saw one in red with the tan interior. Really nice color combination.

[@StephenButlerOne]

NuclearGrizzly classic Ferrari colours.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

Stephen Butler There's a reason it's a classic. :-)

[@StephenButlerOne]

NuclearGrizzly defo, I wasn't trying to have a dig in any way. I don't like the interior design in this car, but having all one colour, Especially tan, would do wonders for it. A nice dark blood read on the outside always looks good on Coupe. So tan and red, is defo up my street.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

Stephen Butler I didn't take it as a dig at all. There's a reason red on tan is a classic. It's beautiful. The interior looks much better in person. The interior quality and materials are second to none. But I'm 6'7" so I don't quite fit. Otherwise I'd have a red LC500 in my garage. But I'm still relegated the American Muscle Cars or 911s. :-)

[@dlg5485]

I too am changing my tune about Lexus. Despite the fact that Lexus vehicles have always delivered undeniably superior quality and longevity, I had pretty much written them off because they were so damn boring. However, the new LC and LS models have led me to adjust my attitude. I love them both, particularly the LS. SO much so that I can see my self owning one at some point. And yes, this car should have been a plug-in electric with at 40-50 miles of electric range. That recipe would've made more sense than a traditional hybrid, especially for a luxury car. As far as price, I think that much range would be worth up to $5000, depending on how well it was implemented. Also, being a car enthusiast and a tree hugger are NOT mutually exclusive. We already have enough brainless tribalism to deal with these days, so please don't highlight arbitrary divisions.

[@2old4allthis]

Ironically, your finishing commentary suggests you’re an apoplectic, tree hugging tribalist. Or perhaps it’s not ironic at all.

[@dlg5485]

@@2old4allthis Elaborate... because is seems like you're being pointlessly contrarian for its own sake.

[@2old4allthis]

@@dlg5485 If I’ve misread your commentary and drawn the wrong conclusion, I apologize. But . . . Arguably, at least in today’s misguided zeitgeist, hybrids make the most sense. Regarding EV’s: the metal required for lithium and NiMH batteries, the reliance on a communist country for so much of the materials and tech, the improbability of a sensible solution for disposal, the severe limitation of range, and the sheer inefficiency of the transfer of energy from initial source to output at the wheels, makes an EV the worst choice. Again, that’s in today’s world of ‘settled science’. In the real world, increased atmospheric CO2 brings us closer to the most fertile periods in the earth’s long history. Cold kills, naturally moderated heat brings life. Only those who wish to profit from doomsaying, hope to reduce the earth’s population, or both, along with those who are being duped, would argue for a reduction in atmospheric CO2. In an objective world, hydrocarbons would be heralded for their usefulness in providing cheap energy around the world and for restoring to the atmosphere the CO2 that helps plants grow and resultantly provide food and fodder. That preamble brings me to my point. Your ad hominem comment about brainless tribalism, your take on the superiority of plug-in EV’s, and appearing to be offended by the implication of arbitrary divisions between tree huggers and car enthusiasts, reeks of smug indignation. Most often, smug indignation and open mindedness do not go together. Not always, but usually. Pointlessly contrarian? No. The opposite side of the coin? Apparently.

[@67Bigsby]

Your content is great it deserves more views!!!

[@USARAY1947]

Six figures with range anxiety, no thank you to full electric.

[@michaeldimarco226]

We are considering a 2020 500h with only 5000 miles. Obviously, someone wasn't pleased. Our needs are looks and mileage. This seems to fit the bill. Any thoughts since two years ago?

[@MotoManTV]

Only thing to add is that resale has held up surprisingly well. One of the very few GT/Sports cars I would suggest owning past five years. That said, I would suggest the V8.

[@michaeldimarco226]

@@MotoManTV Thanks for the reply. The LC is $77k loaded and we are looking at EV also. With a choice between a $119k loaded Taycan 4S Extended battery and the LC500h, which way would you lean? Btw I mistakenly referred to your Sukhoi as a Yak. Sorry.

[@Novice2Expert]

I love the interior color, but I rather have a V8.....

[@timothygray4643]

I think u are 100% right they should of went full gas with a little more power and a full ev. That would have been a win win. I get why people buy hybrid and if the lc500 drove like a hybrid, (918 or p1). Then it would of been a hit. If it can’t go in full ev then it doesn’t make sense. A mid hybrid makes sense (Like the new cls) but, then a full gas version doesn’t. If the price o both would have to be way less for the lc500 and the lc500h to live together.the lc500 price is fair where it is. But the lc500h makes it confusing

[@swanblake]

V8 or bust. Hevy as is, needs to shed all the weigh it ca, an EV adds about 200lbs and a full ev would be over two tons.

[@pharmon1418]

you need to remember this car is sold worldwide. tax laws and emissions regulations are far different in Europe than in the USA for example. the hybrid would be the car of choice in most European countries, did i mention the cost of fuel

[@douglasdonatien7044]

I’ll definitely take the V8 version of this and call it a day 🤟🏾🤟🏾

[@Jrbettis]

Li-On for weight saving vs NiMh

[@louislazarus9253]

Are there any adults left? Does everyone want a race car? Isn't the point of all this to buy something that will get you safely, reliably, comfortably and enjoyably from Point A. to Point B. WITHOUT killing anyone? Only an immature person would be concerned with a lack of power in a car that goes from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That's not fast enough? That's simply nuts! The LC's do everything they were designed to do better than any car on the market. When you're weaving in and out of traffic like a stupid teenager, passing car after car and obviously exceeding the speed limit, then maybe you really should be driving a SmartCar so the rest of us don't have to worry about getting dead. Lexus didn't design and manufacture this wonderful machine to be used as a hot rod. If you wanted a stupidly fast car that would fall apart before you got out of your neighborhood, go buy a McLaren. You can't get a dumber car than that. If you think this post is not to your liking, go ask some people who thought they were racecar drivers and wound up killing sombody. How about Henry Ruggs? He drove a faster car, a Corvette, at 157 mph and wound up losing control of the car and killed a woman. Is that fast enough or should he have wished for even more power? How about Paul Walker, a passenger in a FAST Porsche Carrera GT? He got dead. The driver, like you, thought he was some kind of race car driver and as it turned out....he wasn't. Like you!! Maybe when you review a car, you shouldn't worry about how fast it is? Maybe you should learn about the features of the car and then let your followers know what you've found out? We don't want to see a bozo whipping in and out of traffic complaining about lack of speed. I hope you never experience an animal or little kid jumping out in front of your car as you are horsing around Mr. Lewis Hamilton Wannabe. We all use the public roads. We all want to "get there" safely without having to worry about morons killing us because they want to see "what it'll do". Grow up!!

[@TheStimie]

Love this guy and those cars too

[@z28camaro79]

Aren’t we about due for an LF-A 2?? 👀

[@dash-ryan]

It's too heavy for a full electric. I hail from Canada and the difference between V8 (without performance package) and hybrid (performance package standard) is around $20K. Price is nearly the same when you include the performance package with the V8. The hybrid needs the gas engine to kick in earlier and the gas engine needs to be more powerful to make the $20K difference worth it. Otherwise, this hybrid is just not as compelling as the V8. If driven back-to-back, a customer for this class of car would likely choose the V8 over the hybrid, esp since the base V8 is $20K less and with perf pack same price as the hybrid. The V8 is a no brainer for us in Canada IMHO. $20K would be worth it for a full electric version ONLY if it's way faster and more powerful. But my gut is saying it's too heavy for a full electric.

[@markrussell24]

Hopefully it sound better in-person, but when you're planted on the go-pedal it sounds painful.

[@davepaturno4290]

Toyota is working on solid state batteries which are lighter and more power-dense than current lithium batteries. They would be perfect for this car. In the meantime, the LC500h is perfect for commuters who tend to experience periods of high traffic density. Plug in hybrids make little sense if your commute causes the engine to fire up 3 miles from work or your house. That's a recipe for oil sludge buildup. And finally, the LC500 may be perfect for retirees who occasionally go for a country ride and who aren't concerned about $5.00/gallon gas.

[@sgt0331able]

In today’s gas prices “YES”!

[@carmangeek8882]

A hybrid LC. Why? What does that accomplish?

[@eleganz]

rich people like having more tech and green bragging rights. You are not rich so its understandable you don't understand why these vehicles exist.

[@jml9550]

@@eleganz exactly. I can afford this car in cash, but I don’t want to be loud all the time. I want something that is stylish and sophisticated without being loud.

[@ShizaP]

I just want the 2jz to come back idc about the rest 😂😂😂

[@TheSaltLakers]

Jesus man, ever try doing a video without your Showbusiness voice, How do you speak with your good friends, no the cool ones? I like the part when you are having fun behind the wheel mocking the Subaru driven hikers. Try That.

[@Cchichester]

I don't get why Lexus/Toyota are so far behind with their drivetrain, they are last to go turbo and will be last to go all electric. It's embarrassing considering how big of a company they are.

[@eleganz]

wtf why go turbo when you're one of the last companies using pure v8

[@christschool]

Turbo's have lag and are higher maintenance,

[@dipsyfriday]

U of Florida gator interior colors!

[@001spring]

Best looking coupe on the road. V8 though

[@kennyrmrz]

IF....i had the money, i wouldnt even cross shop with BMW i8. U cant compare the Japanese quality and reliability that you get with a Lexus.

[@StephenButlerOne]

I love the idea of this car. But hate the interior so much. It isn't the colour that puts me off it.

[@Tully3674]

I scratch my head why this car couldn't be offered as a pure EV. Take out the engine, replace with batteries (or whatever is needed to be done for weight balance) and get 250 miles in range. Why can't this be an option - especial l with 240V charges at 80% being done in less than one hour.

[@gtb5]

Seen one in Okinawa

[@gixsix6270]

If I wanted a full electric roadster, it would be the Tesla. Judging by the comments, America loves the V8, and kudos for them catering to the climate change deniers. Now watch the haters go crazy.

[@christschool]

Lexus V8's are very clean, so you can own guilt free.

[@erikhaw7313]

V8 for me

[@johnzheng2007]

I would pay it like it was a Tesla Roadster $200,000 to $250,000 www.tesla.com/roadster

[@Skneese]

Sounds like poop. Good looking car like that should have good sounds. V8.

[@eleganz]

it already has a v8 and he said it in the video, you dum?

[@Skneese]

hellopuppy00 obviously there is already a V8 version. I was saying that the only choice really is the V8. And it is spelled dumb, so who here really is?

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Its a Toyota. Since they stopped making 2JZ, all their engines sound like poop. V8's sound like God's flatulence. Impressive, but not something you really want to listen to every morning on the way to work. I can count all the V8's that sound good to my ears on one hand: 1: 1UZ-FE, Lexus SC400 2: LT1, Chevrolet C7 Corvette (none of the predecessors) 3: AMV8, Aston Martin V8 Vantage 4: Maserati 4.7, GranTourismo/Cabrio