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

How a pointless drive in my neighbour's Volkswagen Golf Mk7 made me a better driver
Volkswagen Golf
Opinion

How a pointless drive in my neighbour's Volkswagen Golf Mk7 made me a better driver

Taking a neighbour’s car for a spin has given Richard Porter a new perspective on driving
25 Jun 2026
Polestar cars banned from sale in the US. Will Lotus be next?
Polestar 5 side
News

Polestar cars banned from sale in the US. Will Lotus be next?

The United States of America has shut the door on Polestar, the Department of Commerce removing the company’s authorisation to sell cars from the 2027…
26 Jun 2026
Porsche confirms no electric 911 as it revises product plans
Porsche 911
News

Porsche confirms no electric 911 as it revises product plans

As it works through one of the toughest patches in its history, Porsche announces an action plan designed to revive its lineup
24 Jun 2026