2021 Lexus LC 500

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 stands with its flagship nameplate, offering a charming look and utmost safety. Both LC 500 Base model and Inspiration Series set a strong stage in the segment. To add more excitement, look at the exterior of the LC 500. The attractive headlights, signature Lexus grille, and massive alloy wheels all on a coupe-body are enough to make it to the top. The 2021 LC 500 rivals the likes of 2021 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, 2021 BMW M850i, and 2021 Nissan GT-R.

There are two exciting trims under the LC 500 umbrella. The base trim enters at $93,050 featuring massive 20-inch machined painted alloy wheels, new smartphone connectivity, dual-zone front automatic air conditioning, navigation system, and performance steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters. The higher-end Inspiration series is lighter and more robust with a carbon-fiber roof. 

The expensive $110,420 price tag gets you a head-up display and an upgraded Bose or Burmester sound system. Performance underpinnings are similar. There is also a hybrid variant named LC 500h that comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors, however, it will be reviewed separately. The complete distribution of features across the two trims is given in the table below.

Which Trim should you buy?

Both the trims add a variety of premium features and exceptional style. A wide range of safety features are included in the new LC 500, but the base model is also handsomely equipped. Going for the base version costs you less, and you get most of the luxurious features and similar performance specs.

The new 2021 LC 500 Coupe houses a 5.0-Liter V8 engine that cranks out around 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. It ensures optimum power delivery at all RPMs with the efficient 10-speed electronically controlled direct-shift transmission system. A standard RWD configuration maintains good traction during high speeds and cornering. There is also a 354-horsepower hybrid V6 engine and two electric motors in the LC 500h. The hybrid powertrain is hesitant and not as powerful as the Naturally Aspirated V8.

The acceleration capability of the sports car is enthralling, with 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds and runs a quarter-mile in 13 seconds. The coupe comes with a top speed of 168 mph. Promising power numbers and design offers a unique drive experience every time. A Naturally Aspirated V8 on coupes and sedans is a rarity now, so make sure to grab one while it is available.

The fastest of the lot is the Nissan GT-R with maximum power output, and its lighter weight sure does help. It covers the 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The Lexus LC 500 equips a bigger engine but generates the least power output in comparison. However, the driving experience and acceleration potential of the car are still commendable. When comparing the price tag, the Lexus LC 500 is the least expensive option in the competition.

How well does the 2021 Lexus LC 500 handle?

The refined powertrain pumps tremendous power, while the design keeps the dynamics in control. Tackling high speeds and cornering is easy in the new cohort by Lexus. As it sits very low, body rolls are kept to a minimum. Poised handling in every situation maintains calm and keeps you safe. 

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 features a newer retuned suspension system and lighter body weight. Even with the large 21-inch alloys, you don’t feel undulations hit you as the suspension does a good job in absorbing those shocks. While it doesn’t offer track performance like the GT-R, it maintains a proper balance between performance, ride and handling, and comfort.

Braking Performance

Braking performance is equally important as performance in sports cars. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 equips a high-performance disc braking setup with ABS technology and traction control. As standard, you get 15.7-inch brake rotors at the front and 14.1-inch brake rotors at the rear. The vehicle’s dynamic stability control and a lighter body at 4,280 pounds help in stopping quicker without much loss of road grip or nose dive. When the brakes are slammed, the vehicle stops from 60-0 mph in just 105 feet which is impressive.

The most effective braking performance comes from the Nissan GT-R. A major reason is lower weight and the large 15-inch brake rotors. The new Lexus LC 500 also delivers equally impressive braking performance for its class. Jaguar F-Type R is the lightest of the lot, but its smaller rear brake rotors do affect its performance, and it takes 109 feet to stop from 60-0 mph.

Sports cars housing massive V8 blocks generally offer scanty fuel economy. Not that this is a primary concern in this segment because an economical ride is here for your perusal. The 2021 LC 500 coupe delivers a city economy of 16 mpg and highway mileage of 25 mpg. Thanks to its massive 21.7-gallon fuel tank, you get over 540 miles of driving range on the highway on a full tank.

The sports car with the maximum driving range in the lot is the Lexus LC 500 Coupe, all thanks to its decent fuel economy and a large fuel tank. The best-combined mileage comes from the new BMW M850i as the brand has always kept fuel economy as one of its primary concerns along with performance and power. In short, the LC 500 takes the crown home here and is completely fit for long tours.

The interior cabin of the 2021 Lexus LC 500 reflects a luxury setting with comfortable seats and premium infotainment. The luxury sports car features a tech-savvy cabin with plush seating. On paper, it holds seating for four people, but the rear seats are crampy for adults. However, the front seats are spacious with ample legroom and headroom. The extensive use of top-notch materials and impeccable craftsmanship offers you a luxurious feeling in this sports car. The seats are wrapped in leather, while the interior is covered in Alcantara. The seats are 8-way power-adjustable and come with multi-level heating and ventilation functions. 

As standard, you get a Dual-zone automatic climate control system. The steering wheel wraps in leather and gets mounted controls for easy accessibility. Moreover, you can upscale the interior even further with optional packages. The Touring package gets you a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, and a microsuede headliner while the Sport package adds sport seats with microsuede inserts and carbon-fiber or glass roof panel. For a more charming look, you can add carbon scuff plates, a head-up display, or illuminated door sills as options.

The interior space of Lexus LC 500 is spacious for two adults in the front. The back seats are crampy but can fit kids. Competitors like BMW M850i and Nissan GT-R offer more interior room. The Jaguar F-Type R can only seat two people. The BMW M850i is the most practical sports car here, offering a spacious interior and 14.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity. Ultimately, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 offers an extravagant appeal. Standout interior features include:

• Front bucket seats with 8-way power adjustment
• Leather and Alcantara with wood accents
• Optional carbon scuff plates
• Optional head-up display
• Dual Zone automatic climate control
• Optional illuminated door sills
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 LC 500 gets the latest rendition of the Lexus Enform. It is improved significantly over the 2020 version. Moreover, Android Auto’s smartphone configuration debuts this year. At the center of the dashboard, you will find a high-resolution 10.3-inch display. The display is not touch-sensitive, and you need to operate it via a touchpad controller. The touchpad would feel cumbersome to few and takes a learning curve to get used to it.

For your music needs, you get a 12-speaker sound system as standard. You can also upgrade to a premium 13-speaker system by Mark Levinson. Other infotainment features include real-time weather display, Wi-Fi connectivity, Destination Assist, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, navigation, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Standout infotainment features include:

• 10.3-inch high-resolution display
• 13-speaker sound system by Mark Levinson
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Enform Wi-Fi connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Real-time weather display
• Optional Heads-up display

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 gets a more compelling exterior design with sharper LED headlights, massive 20-inch alloy wheels, and a sleek body structure. The huge front grille pops up to give a sporty and premium outlook. The body is quite low to the ground, which induces better traction when it feels sportier. The rear end is more charming with a closing roof design and attractive tail lights. 

The 2021 LC 500 is quite a gladiator to look at. Rear spoiler with mounted solar panels adds sporty vibes to the car. The Inspiration series of LC 500 adds a carbon-fiber roof and attractive wheels. Also, the Dynamic Handling package on the base trim gets you 21-inch wheels, rear steering and variable-ratio steering, speed-activated rear wing, torsen limited-slip differential for improved grip, and upgraded brake pads and suspension dampers.

The lightest of the lot is Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, followed by Nissan GT-R. All coupes present a charming fascia with a prominent personality and headlight design. The LC 500 comes with a large wheelbase at 113 inches, which translates to better interior space, but its shorter length does affect its cargo capacity. Standout exterior features include:

• Massive 20-inch Aluminum alloy wheels
• Rear spoiler
• Front massive grille
• Front LED headlights
• Rear LED tail lights

The 2021 LC 500 is built on the TNGA: GA-L platform that resonates with a reliable chassis and good dynamic stability. Since it is expensive, NHTSA and IIHS did not crash test it, nor ever will. There is a range of active safety features inside the new Lexus LC 500 that add convenience and ensure a safe ride. Some of these include Adaptive cruise control, Front collision warning, Lane-keep assist, and Intelligent High Beam headlights under the Lexus Safety System+ package. Standout safety features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Rearview camera
• Adaptive cruise control

2021 Lexus LC 500 vs 2021 Jaguar F-Type R

The powertrain underpinnings of both cars are similar. The Lexus LC 500 is more charming with sharper LED headlights and a sleeker body structure. Interior space of the LC 500 upgrades to the next level with the latest connectivity and premium seats. Moreover, an array of advanced safety features are available for a more convenient and safe drive. Between the two, we prefer the Japanese over the British.

2021 Lexus LC 500 vs 2021 BMW M850i

BMW M850i is the flagship performance car in its lineup, and it delivers thrilling acceleration with athletic handling. Interior space is plusher in the LC 500 with premium seating wrapped in leather. Moreover, both cars are compelling from the outside with massive alloy wheels, sleek body structure, and distinct LED headlight design. If you are concerned about fuel economy and practicality, then the BMW M850i is a better choice.

2021 Lexus LC 500 vs 2021 Nissan GT-R

The 2021 Nissan GT-R is the fastest car in the lot with a smaller V6 block and lower weight. But the fuel efficiency of the LC 500 is better than GT-R. Never mind, in this segment, fuel economy is not a priority. Both cars set an uncanny charm in terms of exterior design and performance. But if you ask us, get the Godzilla to get the ultimate experience.

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 upgrades to a more exciting version with a sleeker body structure and a re-tuned suspension system. A potent V8 under the hood of the Lexus ensures an ice-breaking acceleration. Moreover, you can opt for the Inspiration Series for a sportier outlook and better overall dynamics. The vehicle also comes with a bevy of advanced safety systems and driver aids. Overall, if you are looking for a sporty ride to spin around the weekend, the 2021 LC 500 is a good option.