2023 Lexus LC: reworked chassis and updated interior for flagship GT
The Lexus LC500 is one of evo’s favourite modern grand tourers, and it’s been revised for 2023 with a new top-spec Ultimate Edition
Japanese car manufacturers tend to tinker, tweak and refine their flagship performance cars far more frequently than others, and Lexus is following this trend resolutely with the LC500. The BMW 8-series rival has already gained several updates since launch, and now another has been introduced to improve the LC500’s driving dynamics and in-car tech. A new Ultimate Edition spec has been added too, bringing cosmetic tweaks and a specially tuned drivetrain.
The 2023 LC500 builds on previous revisions which have brought lighter suspension components, torque vectoring by braking and a more exploitable handling balance to the front-engined GT. This time, the changes are centred around an improved sense of connection through a stiffer body shell, with recalibrated suspension hardware to suit.
Additional underbody bracing improves torsional strength, with improved steering column fasteners, hubs and stiffer engine mounts designed to improve the LC’s clarity and response, which had already taken a significant step forward since it arrived in 2017. New springs, dampers and anti-roll bars have also been specified, along with tweaked software for the car’s brake-by-wire system and 10-speed automatic gearbox.
In Sport S+ mode, the transmission is said to pre-empt the driver’s inputs with more accurately-timed shifts, and there’s a new Expert driving mode to disengage traction control for direct access to the LC’s entertaining chassis. The LC500’s naturally-aspirated 5-litre V8 remains up front, but the V6-hybrid LC500h has gained a new battery pack that offers more instantaneous power delivery.
The LC’s exterior hasn’t been altered much for 2023 - there are new paint colours, forged alloy wheels and aero-optimised door mirrors - but the interior receives a meaningful overhaul. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen has been installed, which does away with Lexus’s fiddly touchpad controller and offers quicker responses and an onboard voice assistant.
The satellite navigation system is now cloud-based to provide real-time traffic updates, and the LC’s 13-speaker Mark Levison sound system features upgraded speakers. New upholstery colour schemes and a reconfigured centre console complete the raft of cabin updates.
The new LC Ultimate Edition is exclusively available in V8 guise, and arrives with satin white paintwork and black exterior detailing. Cannards have been formed into the front bumper to reduce lift, working in tandem with a unique rear wing fitted to the coupe version. Inside, the Ultimate Edition gets dark blue leather and Alcantara upholstery, with a chassis number plaque and bespoke kick plates a reminder of the car’s range-topping status.
Lexus also cites unique tuning for the Ultimate Edition’s engine and differential for improved smoothness and response, as well as better sound. Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the updated LC, but it’s set to enter production next month followed by the Ultimate Edition in September.
