Top Gear Review: The 2018 Lexus LC 500

Based on feedback from the survey, readers are looking for more reviews about more cars -- in that spirit, I'm going to start collecting reviews into single threads.

This EVO one is great, though it's weird to read about NVH being an issue. This was the same criticisms about the LS, is this a British thing? :D

krew

Based on feedback from the survey, readers are looking for more reviews about more cars -- in that spirit, I'm going to start collecting reviews into single threads”

Yay!

I get so tired of reviewers wanting to redesign every little detail. Just comment on what it is, not what it isn’t and take the time to learn how things work before pushing buttons. Other than that, it was a good read none the less.

John Strange

I get so tired of reviewers wanting to redesign every little detail. Just comment on what it is, not what it isn’t and take the time to learn how things work before pushing buttons. Other than that, it was a good read none the less.

Absolutely!!! I thought I was the only one who realised the nitpicking in reviews of every Lexus model. Reviewers always look for a downfall in Lexus vehicles to blame their reason for not liking it. Have you seen the brief Consumer Report review of the LS? When Lexus builds a full sized sedan that is fast, beautiful, luxurious with GT driving dynamics they go on a rampage about the infotainment calling it a "deal breaker" and saying the LSs' tech is "half baked." I guarantee half the review is gonna be on the touch pad- not explaining how to use it but complaining how much they don't like it.

I would really like to see some more in-depth review of the 500h. Ok nobody really wants it, but Lexus China has just launched the LC and the only option is the V6 hybrid. Of course I want the V8, but it's not like it's practical in China. The media praises the 500 all the time, and didn't really bothered discussing more about the hybrid.

Oh, and the 500h starts at RMB 1.3M (USD 200k, okay I know it sucks), which is a steal considering for the same price one can only get a BMW 640/E400 Coupe. The price is a no-brainer for somebody shopping for a luxury GT.

SteVVT-i

I guarantee half the review is gonna be on the touch pad- not explaining how to use it but complaining how much they don't like it.

I have to agree. It seems like a requirement for every review to go on ad naseum about the Lexus controllers.

Top Gear Review: The 2018 Lexus LC 500

Compared favorably to the LFA and original LS 400.

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ssun30

I would really like to see some more in-depth review of the 500h.

The Belgian press at the European dynamic press launch event was more positive on the hybrid version than on the V8. They critisized the V8 of trying to be too sporty for a GT, being a bit too heavy and having too much understeer in fast and short corners. They felt that the V6 hybrid was more adapted to the mission of the LC as being a luxury GT. On top of that, they very much appreciated the fact that the hybrid has more torque at low revs than the V8.

But I'm afraid that it has no real added value if I would post a copy of a press article in Flemish here in this topic ;)

GSCT

I have to agree. It seems like a requirement for every review to go on ad naseum about the Lexus controllers.

I know. Frustrating sometimes.
But this specific Top Gear article is very honest on that specific item, to my surprise: "This is one of those things you have to take time to get used to. I’m not saying it’ll ever be brilliant, but after a few days you do get used to it." Ollie Marriage is one of the only journalists who aknowledges that the system itself is not really bad, it just takes time to get used to. Most of these journalists just drive the car for a few days not taking enough time getting used to the system. Apart from encoding a destination address while driving (which, by the way, is dangerous) the system works rather well... if you know how to use it.

Joe

I know. Frustrating sometimes.
But this specific Top Gear article is very honest on that specific item, to my surprise: "This is one of those things you have to take time to get used to. I’m not saying it’ll ever be brilliant, but after a few days you do get used to it." Ollie Marriage is one of the only journalists who aknowledges that the system itself is not really bad, it just takes time to get used to. Most of these journalists just drive the car for a few days not taking enough time getting used to the system. Apart from encoding a destination address while driving (which, by the way, is dangerous) the system works rather well... if you know how to use it.

I have been using the mouse pad in my RCF for over a month (until the car went into hibernation) and I have no issue with it. It takes some getting used to, but the haptic feedback really helps. Also, I never use the MMI while driving so it is not an issue as to whether you can drive simultaneously with the mouse pad.

krew

Some perfect fall colors with a splash of Infrared.

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Lexus LC: 2018 Motor Trend Car of the Year Finalist

A design that's impossible to ignore

We Like: Bold exterior, gorgeous interior, and the car’s overall audacity
We Don’t Like: Bizarre hybrid powertrain strategy, pathetic infotainment system

If Car of the Year were awarded solely on the basis of design, the Lexus LC would drive off with this year’s Golden Calipers. “The design has a lightness and proportion that is nicely gestured and blends with some beautiful surfaces, ” Tom Gale said. Added Chris Theodore: “The Lexus LC 500 is a startling sight on the road, with great proportions and a sleek profile.” However, many questioned the goofy grille, Insane Clown Posse headlights, and bizarrely shaped A-pillar.
View attachment 2652
Design however, encompasses both the outside and the inside, and the LC 500’s gorgeous interior is about as good as cars get. Said Frank Markus: “I find the finished product striking and engaging—especially on the inside.” As a group, we were smitten by the blue and orange interior trim with white leather seats on the LC 500h. This interior excellence falls apart when it comes to the infotainment system, though. “Congratulations, Lexus, you built the world’s worst user interface,” Christian Seabaugh said.

Although we all loved the potent naturally aspirated thrills from the brawny 5.0-liter V-8, we decided to take the futuristic hybrid version along as a finalist. Probably a mistake. “Peculiar powertrain strategy in this car,” Frank Markus noted. “I fail to see the payoff of this incredibly complex hybrid. It doesn’t feel anywhere near as fast as the V-8, yet the real-world fuel economy doesn’t seem that impressive either.” Did we mention that the hybrid costs almost $5,000 more than the V-8?

For being nominated for Car of the Year, doesn't seem like the Motor Trend crew really care for the LC. Super weird backhanded compliment.

This is the second review that's complaining about 500h fuel efficiency. Are they crazy or they just stomp it all the time? My guess they didn't even drive it. My only contact with 500h got one of the very first deliveries in Germany and he gets 8-9l/100km in city normal driving conditions. There is no way in hell V8 gets anything less than 15l/100km in city driving. There could be some different gearing between EU and US hybrid specs but still.

The LC is really doing a great job in reviews. And I agree, one hell of a good looking car inside and out. I also do agree the infotainment had me scratching my head