The LC 500h is an impressive addition to the Lexus stable, with avant-garde styling, top-notch craftsmanship and ground-breaking engineering and technology
The LC 500h is a 2+2 coupe which has been built from the ground up, with every aspect of performance, responsiveness and comfort honed to deliver a uniquely enjoyable driving experience. Many of the “Takumi” (Lexus’ master craftsmen who apply their highly respected expertise to every aspect of design and development) and skilled workers who built the LFA supercar transferred to the LC project, with their precision approach enhancing both the intricate details of its fittings and finishes and also in the way the car rides and performs.
Performance + power
The hybrid-powered LC 500h delivers combined output of 264kW from its 348Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, 300Nm motor generator and compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. It is also the first model to benefit from a 10-ratio multi-stage shift device that advances the smoothness, efficiency and environmental performance for which Lexus is renowned, sipping just 6.7 litres/100km compared with an 11.6 litres/100km for the V8 LC 500 (which delivers maximum power of 351kW @ 7100rpm and peak torque of 540Nm @ 4,800rpm in comparison). The electric motor generates superior acceleration compared with a conventional engine, with 0-100km/h times well into the sub-five second range while maximum cruising speed on electric-only power sits at 140km/h.
To improve the power-to-weight ratio, Lexus has used advanced materials and fabrication techniques throughout the LC 500h, including ultra-high-tensile steels, aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic, which ensure an optimum combination of strength, light weight and balanced front-rear weight distribution.
Lexus‘ LC 500h is a beautiful car, with front and rear wings that house wide, large diameter wheels flare away from the central position of the occupants, while the door sides are pulled inwards to create a powerful, three-dimensional form. The front design also features Lexus’ signature spindle grille with chrome trim and a radical new mesh design, while the rear is defined by a sweeping cabin roofline that tapers between broad, muscular rear wheel arches to reinforce its wide stance.
“The introduction of active noise control also quietens the cabin by detecting the sound of the engine coming into the vehicle and cancelling certain frequencies, using antiphase sound from the audio speakers”
Bells + whistles
Standard features on the LC 500h include full LED lighting, glass panoramic roof, flush door handles, large colour head-up display, two-zone climate control, new adaptive variable multi-link front and rear sports suspension and 21-inch forged alloy wheels with run-flat Michelin sport tyres.
Also on the interior, Lexus has fitted the LC 500h out with leather-accented upholstery, a single instrument dial with an eight-inch multi-information display, heated and ventilated front seats with 12-way power adjustment and memory function, sports pedals, magnesium alloy paddle shifters, six drive modes, and stainless steel scuff plates.
The LC 500h also includes an audio and multimedia system with a 10.3-inch display, enhanced voice recognition, satellite navigation with SUNA Live Traffic, Lexus Enform connected mobility and, with compatible smartphones, Siri Eyes Free and Miracast.
A bespoke Mark Levinson premium sound system was developed by specialists who measured sound frequencies throughout the cabin to determine the precise locations of the 918-watt system’s 13 speakers. The introduction of active noise control also quietens the cabin by detecting the sound of the engine coming into the vehicle and cancelling certain frequencies, using antiphase sound from the audio speakers.
The LC 500h is also fitted as standard with the “Lexus Safety System+” (LSS+), which is designed to help prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions across a wide range of traffic situations. This system combines a camera and millimetre-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, as well as pre-collision safety system, all-speed active cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic high beam technology.
All-in-all, the LC 500h is a remarkably impressive addition to Lexus’ current automotive stable, and is another great example of this brand’s commitment to superlative quality and a superior driving experience.
Image source: supplied
