“A very good value in a performance roadster with luxury amenities and advanced technology.”
Lexus LC: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lexus LC is a flagship two-door luxury grand tourer sold as a coupe or convertible. It is known for dramatic styling, a craftsmanship-focused cabin, a naturally aspirated V8, and a more relaxed character than a hard-edged sports car.
The LC has followed one clear idea since its 2018 debut: make a striking two-door Lexus that feels special without sacrificing long-distance comfort. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and strong acceleration give it genuine performance, but the composed ride, supportive seats, and rich engine sound matter more than track-focused sharpness. The convertible joined for 2021, while repeated suspension and technology updates refined the same basic formula through the final 2026 model year.
Strengths
- Its dramatic design has remained central to the LC throughout its single generation.
- The naturally aspirated V8 delivers strong acceleration and an engine sound designed to be part of the experience.
- Its composed ride and supportive front seats suit long-distance driving better than a hard-edged sports-car setup.
- The cabin puts a clear emphasis on materials, craftsmanship, and a sense of occasion.
- Later examples gained more modern everyday technology, including a touchscreen and updated driver-assistance features.
- The 2026 LC 500 produces 471 horsepower while keeping the model’s traditional rear-wheel-drive layout.
Who it's for
The LC suits someone who wants a stylish luxury car for scenic drives, weekends, and comfortable longer trips. It makes more sense for a buyer who values design, craftsmanship, and an emotional V8 sound over maximum practicality or all-out track performance.
Lexus LC lineup
The LC 500 is the heart of the lineup, pairing the car’s rear-wheel-drive grand-touring character with its naturally aspirated V8. The LC 500h was the coupe’s gas-electric alternative from the 2018 launch through 2025, with a performance-focused hybrid system rather than the V8 experience. Since 2021, the LC 500 Convertible has delivered the same basic luxury-first character with an open roof. Inspiration Series models are limited-production versions for shoppers drawn to distinctive appearance details and bundled handling and luxury upgrades.
Lexus LC generations
From 2018 to 2026, the LC spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2018.
1st Generation (2018–2026)
The original LC arrived as a rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe with bold styling and either a V8 or hybrid powertrain. The V8 convertible joined for 2021, while a major technology and safety update followed for 2024. The generation ended after the 2026 model year.
5 In Stock
2026Trim changes
The limited-production Inspiration Series returns for both the LC 500 coupe and convertible. Parking assistance becomes standard throughout the range, and this is the LC’s final model year.
2025Trim changes
The coupes gain extra underfloor bracing for added body rigidity. The convertible changes little, and this is the hybrid’s final year.
2024Mid-cycle update
A 12.3-inch touchscreen, an updated safety suite, a surround-view camera, and parking assistance become standard across the lineup. The Inspiration Series also returns.
2023Trim changes
Revised suspension tuning sharpens steering response and handling across the lineup.
2022Trim changes
The limited-run Inspiration Series makes its first appearance. The LC 500 and LC 500h also receive revised suspension tuning.
2021
The LC 500 Convertible joins the lineup. The coupes receive lighter suspension parts and other mechanical refinements, while Android Auto becomes standard.
2020
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard across the lineup.
2019
Apple CarPlay becomes standard, and updates to the suspension, steering, and vibration isolation give the coupe a smoother feel.
2018New generation
The all-new LC coupe debuts on Lexus’s rear-wheel-drive GA-L platform with LC 500 V8 and LC 500h hybrid versions.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lexus LC.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Lexus LC?
The Lexus LC is a two-door luxury grand tourer. It pairs dramatic styling and a handcrafted-feeling cabin with strong rear-wheel-drive performance, but it is tuned more for comfortable, engaging road trips than hard-edged track driving.
Does the Lexus LC come as a coupe or convertible?
It comes in both forms. The coupe started with the LC’s 2018 launch, while the V8-powered LC 500 Convertible joined for 2021. The LC 500h hybrid was sold only as a coupe.
Is the Lexus LC a hybrid?
Some are. The LC 500h is a 354-hp V6 hybrid coupe sold from 2018 through 2025. The LC 500 coupe and convertible instead use a 471-hp V8, and the convertible was never offered as a hybrid.
Does the Lexus LC have all-wheel drive?
No. Every Lexus LC uses rear-wheel drive, whether it has the V8 or hybrid powertrain. Shoppers who need all-wheel drive will need to look outside the LC lineup.
Is the Lexus LC a sports car or a grand tourer?
It is primarily a grand tourer. The LC is quick and responsive, but its composed ride, supportive cabin, and relaxed long-distance character matter more than razor-sharp track performance.
Is the Lexus LC practical for four adults?
Not really. The LC has four seats, but its small rear area is better suited to short trips, children, or extra bags than regular adult passengers. Cargo room is also limited, especially in the convertible, so it suits couples and solo drivers best.
How many generations of the Lexus LC are there?
There is one generation. The coupe ran from 2018 through 2026, and the convertible from 2021 through 2026. Lexus confirmed 2026 as the model’s final year rather than introducing a second generation.
Lexus LC Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lexus LC.
4.6
Lexus LC
(343 reviews)
“Very fun car to drive and amazing V8 sound. Could have better power, technology and stereo.”
“it is a great combination of features...looks, comfort, power, and electronics...YOU WILL ENJOY DRIVING IT!”
“Everyone has a positive reaction to it. Top up driving is quiet and fun! Great engine sound with adequate power.”
“The vehicle has a hood pop feature that was faulty. It went off in a situation it should have, and Lexus doesn't stand behind their products.”
“If you can afford to have a specialty car (not a general use vehicle), go for it. You'll really like it. Every time I get in it and take off a smile comes across my face.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Tangible Elegance The 2026 Lexus Lc 500
- pressroom.lexus.com — Open Air Opulence The 2026 Lexus Lc 500 Convertible
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2025 Lexus Lc 500
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2025 Lexus Lc 500 Convertible
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2024 Lc 500 500H
- pressroom.lexus.com — Bolstering Excellence 2025 Lexus Lc 500 500H
- lexus.com — Models / 2025 / MY25 Lexus LC Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2016 Naias Lc500 Global Debut
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Lc 500 Convertible Cruises Into 2025
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2025 Lexus Lc 500 Hybrid
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2024 Lc 500 Convertible
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2024 Lexus Lc 500 Inspiration Series