What We Like
What We Dislike
Replicating the Lexus LF-LC concept car that was first shown to the world in 2012 closely, the Lexus LC is a drop-dead gorgeous car, which clearly sends a message out that Lexus is not just about cosiness and comfort. With this new car, it's also about affirmation and athleticism.
Worthy of flagship status
Driving evaluation aside (which is something we will get into later), the Lexus LC that's clad in Radiant Red here is unlike any grand tourer in the market and distinctly different from the Lexus LFA, a 4.8-litre V10 supercar that costs roughly $1.3 million when it came to Singapore in early 2011.
The LC is obviously more organic, curvaceous and arguably sexier, too, compared to the LFA. And at $500,000 (excluding COE), it costs less than half the price of the supercar.
But the lower price tag doesn't mean the car is any less. In fact, the LC's sheet metal has all the flair that's worthy of flagship status. The aggressive spindle grille is nicely flanked by the arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights, which underline the triple LED headlamps that are inserted into the corners.
Its wide and magnificent stance comes not only from its frontal fascia but also from the bulging rear fenders, huge trapezoidal tailpipes and high horizontal taillights.
Sporty and sumptuous - all in one
Just as magnificent is the way the car moves on the tarmac via the smooth delivery of 470 horses and 540Nm of twisting force from the substantial 5.0-litre V8 powerplant.
Drive at a fairly quick pace over empty stretches of roads and the result is nothing short of delicious. Point at the desired direction, mash the right pedal and the Lexus LC500 will blast off the line with a strong sense of urgency, accompanied by an exhilarating exhaust note that gets more addictive upon acceleration.
Driven thus, you'll hit the 100km/h mark in just 4.4 seconds, which is nothing short of breathtaking. And when you've finally realised just how far above the legal speed limit you're travelling, speed is confidently shed off from the well-calibrated brakes, which is key when you're pushing the car hard through corners after corners.
Taking it easy as and when you want to
When you're done practicing hooliganism on the road, the Lexus LC is as smooth, harmonious and refined as the other cars in its lineup.
Every gear change in its 10-speed automatic gearbox is done with absolute accuracy and care, shifting up and down without any form of jerks. Couple this with the LC's elegant cabin and you're in for royalty treatment.
Who is this car for?
Well, apart from the people who've got cash filled to the brim in their pockets, it's for the small group of humble yet aggressive people who knows exactly what they want in their cars - understated power. Lots of it.
At half a million bucks, you could also argue the Lexus LC500 is for well-heeled drivers who aren't after the figures on the spec sheet. They want it for all the wrong reasons and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Hell, we'd take it if we had that much amount of money lying in our banks.
One thing's for sure, if you want a car that'll blend in with the crowd, this clearly isn't for you. It's an instant head-turner by sight and by sound and has a lot more character and class than say a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class or a Jaguar F-TYPE.
After spending days with this car, it evidently reinforces a point: The Lexus LC is a car that undoubtedly points towards a new direction for the brand.





