Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Lexus LC500 – performance and 0-60mph time

Doesn’t feel as fast as the numbers suggest thanks to the atmospheric V8’s peaky delivery. The hybrid feels sluggish and inert

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

With either the hybrid or V8, the LC is not the fastest GT car in its class, that’s for sure. The hybrid, despite a reasonable 359bhp combined power figure, takes a leisurely 5sec to reach 62mph. Performance is hardly electric, but as a cruiser the hybrid’s powertrain does just about enough to make it feel sufficiently fast for cruising situations. Top speed is pegged at 155mph. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The LC500 V8 is only 0.3sec quicker, reaching 62mph in 4.7sec, despite the generous bump in horsepower. The V8’s 458bhp isn’t that accessible either, thanks to its arrival way up at 7100rpm, but this is not quite the disadvantage it might seem; we’ll get back to that later. The heavier LC500 Convertible takes longer still to reach 62mph at 5sec, and in this case does feel a tad underpowered thanks mostly to the extra weight it has to carry around in comparison to the V8 coupe.  

If you’re expecting supercar performance from this sporting coupe then, one might need to look elsewhere, but the LC’s magic doesn’t reveal itself on paper. Instead, it’s sometimes because of this lack of performance that the LC feels like it offers something unique.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head
Golf GTI v GR Yaris Aero v Civic Type R
Group tests

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head

Volkswagen and Toyota have just released the best versions yet of the GR Yaris and Mk8 Golf GTI. Does either have what it takes to overcome the brilli…
2 Aug 2026
I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying
Cheap tyres
Opinion

I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying

Skimping on tyres may save you a few pounds, but at what cost, ponders Barker
30 Jul 2026
A week in a Porsche 911 GT3: why the world’s best sports car isn’t quite perfect
Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Long term tests

A week in a Porsche 911 GT3: why the world’s best sports car isn’t quite perfect

A week in the Porsche 911 GT3 reveals why even the world’s best sports car can’t get it all right
3 Aug 2026