This seems to be a trend with both the Lexus LC500 and its convertible sibling where people are quick to dismiss them until they take one for a drive. Many have bashed the car for being either too heavy or underpowered to be a proper sports car, but as Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained points out in this video, they might just be looking at it the wrong way.
While those comments would be valid if this truly was designed to be a sports car first and foremost, Fenske and many others have agreed that when looked at as a more of a GT with some sporting pretentions, the LC500 is nearly perfect at what it does. It’s comfortable, luxurious, and has more than enough power to get out of its own way.
Watch: Lexus LC500 Fights The Clock At The Hockenheim GP, Comes Behind The Jaguar F-Type P450
It seems like the LC500 just suffered from a bit of mis-marketing, almost like Lexus wanted to sell it as something sportier than it was to better appeal to a broader audience, then keep them hooked with the luxury, comfort, and day to day livability. And Fenske seems to attest to that, as his first introduction to the LC500 was in coupe form at Laguna Seca, and he notes in the video that, in hindsight, a racetrack was absolutely not where that car belonged.
He mentions that where the LC shines is with the things that just can’t be represented with numbers and data. Unquantifiable things like the ride quality, the concept car styling, and the sound of the roaring 471 HP V8 banging off the rev limiter are all what makes this car great, not necessarily 0-60 times and top speed.
See Also: Either As A Coupe Or A Convertible, The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Is A Sublime GT
It seems the general consensus is that a lot of people are misunderstanding this car’s purpose, and that’s really a shame, because its so good at what its really meant to do: be a luxurious GT with the added oomph for when you want it. You can check out more of Fenske’s thoughts on the LC500 in his full review below.