2022 Lexus LC

The 2022 Lexus LC offers a masterful blend of performance, style, and pampering. The 2022 Lexus LC lineup comes in coupe and convertible forms to rival the BMW 8-Series, Mercedes-Benz SL, and Porsche 911, among others.

The 2022 Lexus LC is a stunning choice with spectacular performance matched by runway style. A few packaging tweaks and the new availability of a Bespoke Build custom order program mark 2022 for this coupe and convertible lineup.

The 2022 Lexus LC comes in coupe and convertible form, though the latter is offered only as an LC 500 with the V-8 engine. Gorgeous styling outside marries a spectacular interior awash in fragrant leather in most versions.

While Lexus doesn’t offer the maddening degree of customization that Porsche does with its 911, the designers chose well with the handful of combinations available.

So too did engineers. The base V-8 puts out 471 hp through a 10-speed automatic transmission for thrilling acceleration matched to a spectacular soundtrack.

The LC 500h is nearly as quick, even though its hybrid V-6 setup is down to just 354 hp. Credit there is due to a slick CVT paired with a 4-speed automatic. This unique setup works seamlessly to make the most of all that power.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The beating heart of the standard LC500 is Lexus’s high-performance 5.0-liter V-8, which belts out 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.

Paired only with a quick-shifting-yet-smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, it produces glorious internal-combustion rock ‘n’ roll that is as pleasing to the ears as the rest of the LC is to the eyes.

The other powertrain offered is the LC500h‘s 354-hp gas-electric drivetrain, which combines a 3.5-liter V-6, a pair of electric motors, a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a unique continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that somewhat mimics the action of a 10-speed automatic.

There’s minimal body roll and good balance to the 2022 Lexus LC‘s handling, and the ride quality is excellent considering the huge 21-inch wheels that our test cars wore.

The variable-steering and adaptive rear-wheel-steering systems included with the Performance package notably enhance the quickness of the LC’s helm and the car’s general responsiveness.

Yet the standard chassis setup is a better fit for the car’s GT comportment and feels more natural without impeding the LC’s tactility. We’d advise saving the money and sticking with the base chassis. Throwing out the LC’s anchor comes via a firm and progressive brake pedal and big, fade-free brakes at each wheel.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The LC500 tips the scales more like a three-row SUV than a sports car and is hundreds of pounds heavier than its main competition—which means its EPA estimates are not that impressive.

Despite the LC500h weighing even more than its sibling, being a hybrid earns it much more favorable figures, particularly in the city where its electric assistance comes into play.

With the LC500 exceeding its highway estimate by 4 mpg in our testing (29 mpg observed) and the LC500h falling well short of its 34-mpg figure at 30 mpg (as hybrids usually do on the interstate), the fuel-economy difference between the two in cross-country travel was largely a wash. For more information about the 2022 Lexus LC‘s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Lexus LC500 interior is a special place, with a great driving position, rich materials, beautiful craftsmanship, excellent front seats, and loads of technology.

Some of its ergonomics can be fussy in practice, but the overall ambiance suits the LC’s concept-car looks. Fit and finish are excellent and the optional sport seats are true thrones of spinal support.

Certain elements require some acclimation, including the funky, Toyota Prius–like electronic shift lever. The 2022 Lexus LC‘s compact trunk and the non-folding rear seats limit its storage space to 5 cubic feet, which is only enough for holding two of our carry-on cases.

As attractive as the LC’s cabin is, there are not many cubbies for stashing loose items. The center console, however, is adequately sized, and its lid can be adjusted to reveal a second cupholder.

Infotainment and Connectivity

While 2022 Lexus LC‘s infotainment system may be packed with features and tech, it is one of our least favorite systems on the market due to its clunky touchpad controller, which requires too much attention from the driver to operate safely while driving.

Navigation and a host of apps are all standard fare in the LC’s Enform infotainment suite that includes a mobile hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Along with eight airbags for its relatively compact cabin, the 2022 Lexus LC boasts a healthy roster of standard and available driver-assistance technologies.

For more information about the LC’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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Full Specifications