With the LFA discontinued, Lexus was without a halo car until 2017 where we saw the gorgeous LC hit the streets. Fast forward a few years, and we’ve got our hands on the 2021 Lexus LC500. To say we were shocked right from the start would be an understatement.
Based on looks, the LC Lexus lineup is stunning from all angles. The smooth lines channel their way to the large rear buttress uninterrupted, and we couldn’t help but gawk with our mouths open. Check out our gallery below.
But the LC is more than just looks, its about raw power and sharing that power with your family. Well, maybe not the whole family as you’ll find out later on.
As always, shout out to Al Futtaim Lexus for lending us the vehicle. Need space in your garage? Sell your car with Dubi Cars faster.
With all that out of the way, let’s see what the 2021 Lexus LC500 is all about.
The good
- Looks
- Sound even in Eco mode
- Handling
The bad
- Back seats
- Outdated rear camera
- Boot space
Driving the 2021 Lexus LC500
Under the long bonnet is a bellowing 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine with no assists and by that, we mean there is no turbos or superchargers insight. 471 BHP is sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic with manual shifting modes available and multiple drive modes.
Our drive mode of choice is Sport+. Twisting the dial sticking out of the upper dashboard upwards changes the vehicle’s setup instantaneously. The engine notes rise to be crisper, the steering tightens up, and the transmission holds on to the lower gears for longer.
Strangely enough, the 2021 LC500 comes with an Eco mode. Seems odd for a sports car to have one, but it does. Visual changes include a new ‘Eco’ bar on the dashboard cluster and “quieter” exhaust note.
Through the corners, the LC500 is on rails and body roll is minimal, a perfect balance.
Accelerating to 100 km/h takes 4.4 seconds which is slower compared to competitors, but the LC500 makes up for it through the corners. Driving up Jebal Jais is an incredible feeling.
Outside the 2021 Lexus LC500
Without a doubt, the 2021 LC500 is the most desirable Lexus currently in production. Its sleek styling is simply irresistible from all angles and is a head-turner anywhere it goes.
While it may be hard to take your eyes off the coupe, highlights of the LC500 include a bold grille, sleek 21-inch forged alloys and bright LED headlights complete with LED DRL’s.
Inside the 2021 Lexus LC500
What can we say, the LC500 is nothing short of luxury. Premium leather covers the seats and upper dashboard. Our test model featured a red and black interior with red suede featuring on the door panels.
The seats are relatively comfortable upfront even if you’re a bit bigger than the average person. Also, there’s space for four, and we’ll use the word space loosely as the rear seats aren’t made for adults and rather small children. Alteast you won’t have to sell it when you settle down.
The A/C is just as good as expected, although the vent placement seems to be an afterthought with the passenger ones being oddly placed.
Safety and tech
Sitting in the centre console is a sizable infotainment screen which isn’t touchscreen as its shield by plastic that extends past the clock and across the passenger side.
Navigation, Bluetooth and the usual apps are found here, and all do what they are supposed to do. To navigate your way through you’ll have to use the touchpad in the centre console which at times, isn’t what we’d call user friendly.
The rear camera quality isn’t the best, but you can see what’s behind you when parking. The omission of front and side cameras comes across a bit odd, but lane-keep assist, radar cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are available along with other safety features.
Final verdict
For a sports car, the 2021 Lexus LC500 hits the nail on the head. It looks fast, goes fast in a straight line, handles through the corners as if it was on rails, seats two and sounds fantastic. It’s surprisingly economical on fuel too, and the only real downside is the price. But that’s to be expected.
We’d certainly park one in our garage and even consider driving one to and from work every day.
Photo credit: Rajitha Perera (Dubi Cars)
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