Lexus LC, the epitome of luxury
Unveils the 2025 model of the LC 500
Featuring a rare naturally aspirated V8 engine
Lexus has officially unveiled the 2025 model of its rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, the LC 500. First introduced in 2017, the LC 500 caused a sensation in the automotive world, having evolved from a concept car shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. At the time, many thought, “Will they really bring this to production?” Four years later, Lexus shocked the industry with its bold debut.
Fast-forward to today, and the 2025 LC 500 arrives without a major redesign, continuing the lineage that has remained visually unchanged for eight years. While its price has slightly increased, this grand tourer remains one of the few vehicles still equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 engine, something car enthusiasts are increasingly grateful for in an era of downsizing and electrification.
Inheritance of design? Recycling?
An unchanging design
The overall design of the Lexus LC500 has not changed. The smoothness and luxury that are unique to Lexus remain intact. In some ways, you might think that they are worrying about the original design, but in other ways, the design of the original model may have been well chosen. This time around, the lineup consists of the base model, the hybrid model LC500h, and the convertible model.
Although no significant design updates exist, the chassis has been reinforced with underfloor braces at the front and rear, improving rigidity and handling responsiveness. If the design hasn’t changed, color seems to be Lexus’s go-to method for refreshing the model. A new Iridium Silver color option has been added across all trims, adding some visual variety.
The essence of the Lexus LC, the V8 engine
New Iridium color added
The powertrain that keeps the Lexus LC500 alive is the same as the previous model. All lineups are equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine, and with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it can generate a maximum output of 471 horsepower and a maximum torque of 52.78 kg.m. Based on this powerful performance, it can reach 100 km/h(62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds from a standstill. However, in the case of the LC500h, it can generate a maximum of 354 horsepower by combining a 3.5L V6 engine and an electric motor.
The interior features a clean dashboard typical of Japanese vehicles, an 8-inch digital screen for the driver, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The driver can also control vehicle functions with just their voice. Starting with the 2025 model, the passenger seat will also be finished with Alcantara. Along with adding a new iridium color, the convertible model now offers red and blue roof color options previously only available as bespoke options.
Still feels too expensive
Lexus seems to need a change
Pricing for the 2025 Lexus LC 500 starts at $104,250, up by about $625 from the previous model year. The LC 500h is priced at $103,575, while the Convertible model comes in at $107,625. Given the already high price point of the LC lineup, these increases may not sit well with potential buyers.
Despite its high cost, the LC 500 stands out as one of the last remaining grand tourers with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. While this may appeal to enthusiasts, the lack of significant design changes or engine improvements—coupled with an aging platform—raises questions about how well the LC 500 can compete in a market increasingly dominated by electrified grand tourers led by brands like Porsche.
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