Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Lexus LC500 – design

Distinctive, aggressive yet elegant and underpinned by spectacular proportions

Evo rating
  • Superb chassis balance; engine; interior; design
  • Transmission the weak link; iffy infotainment; hybrid nothing like as good as the V8

The LC is a car of extremes, and the design is no different. For a sub-£100k car it turns heads like few others. The shape itself is delicately honed, the bonnet low, the surfacing full, the tapering cabin accentuating the wide hips. 

Look closely and the myriad of different finishes and materials can jar, but on the road, once moving, it’s elegant and aggressive – in perfect partnership with its overall character. There are some awkward angles, and if a subtler method of travel is preferred then the LC might be a little much. But credit where credit’s due – the whole package is perfectly accentuated by its design. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The LC is brilliant – it follows no lead, it wants for little and has such a strength of character that on looks alone it makes for a fascinating alternative to the European opposition. It looked like a concept car when it launched in 2017, and it's telling that Lexus never needed to overhaul its design until it went out of production. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The engineer so good he got banned, and designed a £30k sports car you can buy
Richard Hall Great British Sports Cars
Features

The engineer so good he got banned, and designed a £30k sports car you can buy

From 1:10-scale beginnings via building kit cars, Richard Hall’s passion for engineering led to the creation of his own modern‑day Lotus Seven interpr…
27 Sep 2026
This forgotten ‘90s Subaru rally car is one of the rarest and only costs £15k
Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA
Reviews

This forgotten ‘90s Subaru rally car is one of the rarest and only costs £15k

The first Subaru Impreza WRX ever sold to the public happened to be the lightest, and a truly engaging rally-derived saloon to boot. We drive the ‘93 …
28 Sep 2026
Honda Prelude goes (very) red for Europe with the 2027 Limited Edition
Honda Prelude 2027 Limited Edition
News

Honda Prelude goes (very) red for Europe with the 2027 Limited Edition

The Honda Prelude has been given a special edition for the 2027 model year, but the makeover isn’t exactly what we were hoping for
29 Sep 2026