The 2018 Lexus LC500h in my driveway is a hot-looking machine that begs for attention. Its curvy lines and sharp, angular accents somehow complement each other while increasing my property value. The 2+2 coupe is a statement piece, for sure.
But does its V-6 hybrid powertrain back up its sultry appearance? That’s what I’m aiming to answer this week – with your help.
I want to know your thoughts and questions. Think the LC looks ugly? Say the hybrid powertrain is a joke? Want to sell your kidney so your $101,000 check doesn’t bounce out of Lexus’ finance department? Let me know in the comments.
As for the car, well, it is objectively a modern marvel of automotive technology. That hybrid powertrain combines a high-tech 3.5-liter V-6 running the Atkinson combustion cycle with two electric motors and a transmission that’s both a CVT and a four-speed automatic. Oh, and it’s rear-wheel drive – just as God intended.
Also Read: This Hail Damaged Lexus LC500 Could Be A Quite A Bargain
You should know the LC comes in two versions: the LC500 and the LC500h. The “standard” LC500 is powered by Lexus’ silky smooth 5.0-liter V-8 that kicks out 471 horsepower and shifts through a conventional 10-speed automatic.
The LC500h, on the other hand, foregoes the V-8’s auditory bliss for its subtler V-6 powertrain. The downside is an additional 143 pounds, 0.2 seconds longer to 60 mph, and 117 fewer horsepower. The totals for each are 4,521 pounds, 4.8 seconds, and 354 horsepower. The LC500h also costs $4,510 more than its V-8 brother.
The tradeoff is improved fuel economy. The EPA estimates the LC500h to get 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined are a good deal better than the V-8’s 16/26/19 mpg figures.
But that begs the question: is anybody who’s buying a $100,000-plus grand touring coupe worried about extra payments at the gas pump? Let’s hear your thoughts below.
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