Does The Lexus LC500 Still Live Up To The Hype?

[@_droptopis_]

The LC500 has been my dream car since its release date. I never had an actual dream car until I laid eyes on this car and that is what started my journey in the Lexus brand. One day I hope to own this in my dream spec .

[@russellmurphy7109]

A good, honest appraisal of a very misunderstood car. It’s a GT not a supercar so needs to be appreciated as such.

[@2ZZGE100]

I have driven LC500 several times. I own an RCF CF/TVD myself that I track once in a while. It is an awesome car, but one should remember to understand what this car is and what it is not. LC500 is a great luxury GT car, but needs to understood as such. If someone sees it as a luxury high-performance sports car meant to be taken to the track to run hot laps then this is totally not what Lexus designed it for. Realistically, it is 4400 lbs, softly sprung GT car meant for comfortable long distance driving with some sport performance in it and a very good dual stock exhaust system.

[@Liam-rl3ed]

Exactly right. It's much more of a budget & reliable bentley alternative than a competitor to performance-centric cars, I mean it'll lose to an a90 in a drag race

[@2ZZGE100]

@@Liam-rl3ed That is correct analogy. It is a wonderful GT luxury car that show cases all of the best in terms of Lexus craftsmanship, but it is not a proper high performance car as it is reasonably quick for being mildly sporty, but far from being fast and full-on sportiness as it does not crack even the 12s and definitely something you don't want to count on to take to the track for frequent trackwork.

[@esthetics4512]

💯💯

[@rarespopovici4402]

It's not even good at that. There’s no trunk space, the back seats are useless, and the V8 sounds too aggressive. It doesn’t suit the car at all because it makes you want to push it, but you can't play too much with it, or it's going to overheat. So, you have an overpriced, reliable car that sounds good but no go, and that's all. The engine is inefficient, barely faster than an 840i. Lexus intended to make an F version but gave up because it didn’t sell as they expected. They should’ve put the 3.5T from the LS instead of that hybrid garbage, it would’ve sold much better, and they could’ve made an F version and maybe even brought that V10 back in....

[@2ZZGE100]

@@rarespopovici4402 You are correct on most account. It is great as long as you are driving up to 6/10ths or so. The sound and the chassis behavior contradict each other. It goes floaty and rolls excessively once you start going past 7/10ths. To your point about the LCF, the LCF was abandoned due to weight issues. Not due to sales as it would not sell in big volumes just like any other high end Lexus anyway. From what I have heard, the LCF was going to be 4600+ lbs since the LC500 already weighs 4400 lbs and they could not bring the weight down. Akio Toyoda stick a fork in it.

[@sts8657]

I agree with almost all the points you mentioned. 03/2017 build first batch LC owner myself and i still own it. I used it as a daily for a while, a 250miles bi-weekly travel car, and lately late night rides car. It is still special to me despite lacking many mechanical and technical features, it got unique personality especially in the looks and sound. You will enjoy it once you stop comparing it to anything else and realize it’s just a grand tourer, not a “sports” car. i got several minor oem-ish looks and sound related mods that i will suggest in another post soon to those who own it. To be continued…

[@andyburnett8012]

What a fabulously honest review, spoken from your heart, thank you. After 42 driving years of all sorts of cars, including three Supras, ten (yes, ten!) Celicas, numerous other Toyotas, an early LS400 with the most sublime V8 engine, several lexus since, and now in a VERY slow RC300H, which by the way I love for its looks and quality, I'm ACHING for an LC500 🤩🤩. My meagre income may not allow just yet, but I'm determined to get one, one day, even if it's an early one with high miles. I just have to have one before I'm too bloody infirm to get in and out of one 😂

[@daviddarmanin2188]

It’s one hell of a car to own, and it’s always an occasion to take it out for a long drive.

[@lmsprojekt7741]

Fantastic video! The car and setting are both stunning. Thanks for using my music-it gave me goosebumps.

[@abovenbeyondlimits81]

💯 agree I would love the touchscreen bc I hate that track pack .. however no clock no lights is everything !!

[@LouisA.Lazarus]

Very good review. Wouldn’t it have been cool if we never had to use the trackpad? Oh! Wait a minute! We almost never do have to use the trackpad. Those of us who have read the owners manual and took the time to learn about 20 voice commands are in that select group of people. I like to keep my eyes on the road while driving so talking to the car and telling it what I’d like it to do seems like Safe, and smart thing to do. I’ve had my LC 506 years. I hardly ever use the trackpad and you can take this to the bank, it is the perfect car. There is plenty of power for driving on public roads. The car is beautiful, safe and reliable. It’s the best car of its kind in production today.

[@pharmd718]

Was in the market for the LC during the summer. I rented the car for the day before deciding to buy it. Looked at a 2024 convertible and the touch screen looked out of place. It was identical to the one found in the lexus RX. Seemed like an afterthought and ruined the beautiful lines of the car. While driving around in the rental It was a bit difficult going through the nav system using the touchscreen, however you get used to it quickly. And with apple carplay available, it basically turns into a touch screen with voice commend. I ended up purchasing a 2023 LC convertible from a lexus dealership (lexus certified) with 3k miles on the odometer. This car is something special. Even at low speeds you really get to enjoy the car. Still gets lots of looks. Driving it is like therapy

[@pinkipipe]

Still a nice car today

[@abovenbeyondlimits81]

Nice brotha I have the same exact one 2018 performance package same red interior on silver carbon fiber package , rims and rear steer . Yessir

[@chris0628]

It’s a GT and it’s perfection 👌🏾

[@العلمللجميع-ح1ف]

Review inspired by my favorite KZbin car channel TH .... you did great ❤❤❤❤ nice car and review i love this car

[@ជួងសុវណ្ណគីរីរាជ្យ]

This car design still looks new to me It’s so beautiful and elegant

[@dasgelbevomei1]

great video. i always liked the looks.

[@RandenMontalvo]

Great car. . Love that Lexus gives this for a cruiser option based of the LS and Full F cars for those who want to hit road and the track. Cant get better than that. Options for all. Kudos Lexus.

[@canoeshoe]

The touchscreen looks like a complete afterthought. The original screen is what makes the design a timeless design.

[@Hythe01]

Ironically, though, the touchscreen cabin looks closer to the original concept car…

[@edmundcharles5278]

Still, 99 out of 100 LC 500 reviewers hate the touch-pad and it should have been changed in 2019 or 2020 at the latest along with provision for better cup holders and sunglasses holder. Just compare the interior space the 2024 Mercedes AMG GT 55/63 series and you will see have both cabin and trunk space can be fully utilized in a GT car.

[@sly9263]

​@@edmundcharles5278 99 out of 100 LC reviewers spent a few hours with the car and need to find little things to nitpick for their content. If you're balls deep in your infotainment on a regular basis then you're not enjoying the car. I rarely ever use the infotainment on the LC (and it's not a big deal to use anyway). It has climate concierge to auto adjust temps and I run music or GPS through android auto. Would I take i-Drive over the Lexus touch? Absolutely, 100% no questions asked. Does the infotainment actually matter when the car itself is wholly unique and enjoyable? Absolutely not. Would you rather have a copy paste exterior/interior from the competition or a wholly unique vehicle? I find it funny people get so caught up about Lexus infotainment when they're sitting in a $80-120k BMW or Mercedes that looks the exact same inside and out as their entire lineup; it's not special. The truth is that most people chase performance numbers and those same guys will be selling their car in 1-2 years anyway. The LC is wife material- AMG and M series are short term flings. If I want performance I'll buy a GTS 4.0+ or a 911 over BMW or AMG anyway.

[@filterec1698]

The plastic window and cheap recessed screen certainly don’t look timeless. There is still a screen, it’s just dated and recessed. Looks like an 80s setup.

[@sly9263]

@@filterec1698 name another vehicle with a more unique and better looking interior under $100k. Actually, I'll give you $130k- go.

[@frax77]

Fantastic video! The LC500 has been on my wish list for years. One of my biggest regrets was selling my RC-F, and so now I find myself in a similar position to you, considering selling some of the fleet to finally make this a reality. And I think the timing may be about right - as these start to become more appreciated, values will hold, and even start going the other way. Sub'd :)

[@michaelberke9709]

Very nice review from a genuinely happy LC owner 🙂. I too sat in one in late 2017 and my heart rate about doubled. For the last 2.5 years I’ve had the extreme pleasure of driving a 2022 nori green over tan convertible. Coming from the IS 250C, the LC is all could ask for and more. I gave the Maserati GranTurismo a serious look, but just had to have the LC 💚

[@khhoaiii]

Got a 21 lc500h and love it. Lx470 for winter snow and daily lc when there is no snow.

[@jdmclassicsnz]

You know... making videos using your own cars isn't a super viable long-term financial strat. Reach out if you're in NZ (ideally Wellington region) with a cool Japanese car you think deserves a feature 🎬

[@Fuji_isf]

👀

[@gearhead9828]

Wonderful car and well made video 👍👍

[@JJ-wi2uw]

Great video, brilliant car and nice watch .... what's the watch?

[@jdmclassicsnz]

Thanks mate! It's one of the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time collection.

[@EliotRecords]

Awesome video :)

[@binhbentleydang2863]

Igot this bad bi as well, I love this machine so much. It's not so flashy but if you know you know type of car :)

[@lmmedia35]

Super nice video . I’m really surprised you don’t have more subs. I’ve been considering the lc500 but currently I have a r35 gtr

[@jdmclassicsnz]

Much appreciated! The LC is amazing but it really depends what you want out of a vehicle. There's no way it'll compare to your R35 if performance is your top priority, but it's a great GT. Think of it like a Japanese Aston Martin

[@lmmedia35]

@@jdmclassicsnz yeah definitely I think it might be my next car . I live in Japan so the only downfall is I see lc500 everywhere here . I wish it was more limited here

[@johngorrie4245]

Loved the review! How’s the handling feeling compared to your IS F. I still have my Is F and would love to add an LC to the fleet or trade in, but scared I’ll miss the feel of the F. What’s your opinion having owned both?

[@jdmclassicsnz]

Honestly, quite different and pretty hard to definitively say which I prefer - but for the reasons I gave in the video I might lean towards the F. I'd say the ISF is more predictable and gives more direct feedback. I also had an easier time putting power down in the F. At the end of the day the LC is an amazing GT, but there's a reason Lexus didn't badge it an "F" model. It's missing a bit of that performance focus.

[@TerminatorProducts]

Like you, I have wanted one for ages & received one earlier this month, I'm moving on three cars to get one (not enough garaging etc), still getting my head around the auto, my Supra has spoiled me. Can't beat that engine noise though. If I bring it up to Wellington I will contact you, certainly an amazing car ;-)

[@domaineducesari8523]

I drive one. It`s really a two personalitty type car: a luxury car when you want and a competition car. It`is absolutely fantastic. I have a friend with a Porche Panamera and this car its well over the design of the Porche: inside and outside. Almost evreything it` absolute best over the Porche. The Porche have better competition feeling and its faster but not for dailly driving. When you buy Porche you buy for the Porche badge...when you buy the LC you buy it for you, for the way its makes you feel...very special.

[@JDM_Fanatic]

I'm getting one if I ever have the money.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hoho I would love to drive one of them. So excellent

[@jdmclassicsnz]

Cheers mate. I'm sure that can be arranged - always enjoy watching your stuff. Shoot me a DM or email via insta 👍

[@GoHighOctane500LC]

It is difficult to live with a supercar but easy to live with the LC. This is a car that won't punish you but reward you. You can't say the same about "super cars".

[@ToraxReborn]

Knew it was near welly, hahaha

[@SalvatoreP-d9r]

Very Nice😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@JamesBrown-ny2dw]

you just need to swap for the differntial from lc500h for an additional 15% ish torque

[@filterec1698]

The touchpad and plastic window look like a 90s dell laptop. There no getting around how dated it looks. The touchscreen made the car look modern. Almost everyone else on KZbin reviewing these things understands that.

[@edmundcharles5278]

Note: If you do not have the annoying run-flat tires, you are screwed 'when not if' you get a flat tire!

[@jdmclassicsnz]

I'll take my chances 😅

[@edmundcharles5278]

@@jdmclassicsnz Okay, you'll do that only until (not if) you do get your first flat tire! Spare tires had a definite purpose, barring that, so do the run-flat tires!

[@jdmclassicsnz]

In all seriousness - yes it's a risk, but there are mitigations. I wouldn't risk it on a daily driver, but for an occasional car a puncture repair kit is often enough to limp you to a tyre shop. Big caveat - I'm basing this from a New Zealand perspective. We have good roadside assistance here and it's pretty rare to be far from a town. It might be riskier in the States!

[@edmundcharles5278]

@@jdmclassicsnz Thank you, in the USA we have some bad roads and a lot of road rubbish- both dangers to producing a flat tire and those fix-a-flat repair kits do not always solve a flat tire problem and s=also you best to be equipped with a portable air inflator device too. I have had flats before and it takes many hours out of your day, maybe even an overnighter. Give me the run-flats please!

[@jpnphom5470]

Yeah, if you like slow cars…I've not met anyone who likes slower cars. …even women love fast cars….not for that prices

[@origaminefretami3480]

Of course coming from someone with American garbage cars as his Pfp lol.

[@sdlausen1]

Literally nobody has ever said this car was bad.

[@jdmclassicsnz]

You'd be surprised - there's even a few in this comment section! 😅

[@origaminefretami3480]

Just two comments under this one is someone who said that already

[@drstevej2527]

It’s was a flop when it was introduced. It’s remains a flop.

[@domaineducesari8523]

this coming from a boring Porsche interior owner. How you feel when you drive the car for daily driving? You dont need to answer. I know ...comfort lacks for dailly driving.....This LC its y fantastic for dailly driving and its absolutly a head turner every single time when I drive it. Yes its not as fast and not the same perfomance feeling as the Porche but...I need something for daillly driving that make me feel special.

[@drstevej2527]

@@domaineducesari8523 Which explains why people are on wait lists to buy the Porsche models whereas the LC missed its sales target by over 50%. Unlike Lexus the Porsche has a highly rated infotainment system, great interior, better built quality and far far better driving dynamics! Then again Porsche is the global standard for sports cars according to those who get paid to evaluate sports cars but what do they know.

[@jdmclassicsnz]

911s are great. LCs are great. They're very different cars. It's okay to like them all 👍

[@drstevej2527]

@ Except that only one is a success while the other is an abject failure. They didn’t sell half as many as they hoped, discontinued plans for a high performance version and exiting LCs depreciated more than any other Lexus.

[@danipetrovschi44]

​@@drstevej2527That happened because of people like you

[@racebannon2332]

The LC 500 is a touring coupe that has stunning looks and reliability. No, it’s not a race car nor is it a true performance car