Extraordinary Rides: Lexus LC 500h isn’t practical, but looks nice | News

The Lexus LC 500 is an exclusive car, as only a few thousand are imported from Japan annually. The base version has a potent 471 horsepower V-8 engine with fuel economy averaging 19 mpg. 

The second choice is the 500h hybrid. It has a 365 hp V-6 and a claimed economy of 26/33 and 29 average. While we drove both, the latter was the focus of our drive.

The starting tab is $101,000, but as usual, there are options. The most expensive is a carbon fiber roof at $2,400. It is claimed to save weight, but won’t make much difference in a car that weighs over two tons. Then add sport seats, 21-inch forged wheels, a premium audio system, custom paint and a speed-activated rear spoiler. That shoots us up to a tidy $114,000.

For this fee, we get a super plush cabin, with outstanding materials and workmanship. All controls are easy to use. Sadly, storage space is almost nonexistent, and the cramped rear seats are for small bags or pets only. The tiny trunk might hold your golf clubs, but little more. This is a sports car after all, so not always practical. But is sure looks nice.

On the road, the hybrid battery system provides good low-end power, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. A dial control allows for eco, comfort, normal, custom, sport or sport+ driving modes. Handling on tight corners is great, as is the stopping ability of the large brakes.

One disadvantage of the hybrid is that it costs $3,000 more than the standard V-8 version. The advantage is the gas cost savings of 29 mpg average versus 19 should pay for itself after about 60K miles of driving. So, there are two models of the LC 500 to pick from. Either one is a good choice.