The Lexus LC 500, especially in its roaring V8 guise, is a vehicle that ignites passion and admiration. It’s a testament to Lexus’s engineering and design prowess, a truly magnificent car. However, in 2023, the question arises: does it still make sense to buy a brand-new 2023 Lexus Lc 500? While the heart may say yes, a rational look reveals that this stunning grand tourer has been largely unchanged for over seven years. This longevity means you can find essentially the same car, with some mileage, for a significantly lower price, banking on Lexus’s legendary reliability. In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 feels like a glorious dinosaur, tugging at our heartstrings with its old-school charm and thunderous V8.
Alt text: Front quarter view of a vibrant Cadmium Orange 2023 Lexus LC 500 showcasing its sleek lines and sporty stance, parked on an open road with natural surroundings.
Let’s address the drawbacks first. While the Lexus LC 500 excels in many areas, there’s one significant issue that impacts the overall user experience: the infotainment system. Lexus’s infotainment systems, particularly the trackpad-based interface, have been widely criticized, and the 2023 Lexus LC 500 unfortunately inherits this frustrating technology. Despite the opulent interior and captivating exterior, the infotainment system feels archaic and unintuitive. The finicky mousepad control demands excessive attention, making simple tasks while driving, like adjusting climate settings or heated seats, unnecessarily complicated and distracting.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2023 Lexus LC 500 interior showcasing the luxurious leather seats, sophisticated dashboard design, and the controversial trackpad infotainment control system.
Navigating through menus to perform basic functions, even turning off the air conditioning, is cumbersome. The absence of a dedicated physical button for A/C off is a baffling omission. Furthermore, typical of Lexus vehicles, the 2023 LC 500 is laden with chimes and alerts, which can become overwhelming. Another minor annoyance is the inability to fully disable traction control while in motion, somewhat hindering its sporting pretensions. Speaking of sportiness, while the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is by no means slow, it’s not a class-leading performer in terms of outright speed anymore. Modern muscle cars like the Ford Mustang GT or Chevrolet Camaro SS offer comparable or even superior acceleration at a lower price point. Direct competitors such as the Porsche 911 or BMW M850i will outpace it, potentially leaving performance-focused buyers wanting more despite the glorious V8 soundtrack. The 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, delivered by the 467 horsepower V8, is respectable, but in today’s market, it’s not groundbreaking. Finally, the trunk space is rather limited for a grand tourer.
Alt text: Striking side profile of a Cadmium Orange 2023 Lexus LC 500 highlighting its long hood, flowing roofline, and elegant silhouette, emphasizing its grand tourer aesthetics.
However, setting aside these drawbacks, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 V8 remains an incredibly desirable machine. Its styling is simply breathtaking. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Lexus LFA supercar, the LC 500 still looks futuristic and captivating, even years after its initial concept debut. The interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, boasting sumptuous leather and high-quality metallic accents that rival cars costing twice as much. The level of luxury and material quality is comparable to an Aston Martin DB11, and arguably surpasses many competitors in its price range. You could easily mistake the interior for that of a Bentley. Beyond the sheer opulence, the cabin design is artistically sculpted, with flowing lines and curves that create a dramatic and immersive environment for both driver and passenger. It’s a space that feels both luxurious and special.
Alt text: Front view of the 2023 Lexus LC 500 in Cadmium Orange, showcasing its signature spindle grille, sharp LED headlights, and assertive front fascia, embodying Lexus’s bold design language.
Once you start the engine, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 truly comes alive. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine is the heart and soul of this car. While it may not be the fastest, it’s brimming with character. Revving to over 7,000 RPM, it produces an intoxicating soundtrack, a symphony of roars and snarls as it shifts through its ten gears with impressive speed. The engine response is immediate and crisp, especially in sport driving modes, providing a direct connection between the driver’s right foot and the car’s acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission is exceptionally refined for a torque-converter unit, offering both smooth cruising and quick, decisive shifts when demanded. It’s far more responsive than the 8-speed automatics found in other Lexus models like the GS F or RC F. While objectively not the quickest car in its class, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 delivers an engaging and joyful driving experience, thanks to its charismatic V8 engine and well-tuned powertrain.
Alt text: Dynamic shot of a Cadmium Orange 2023 Lexus LC 500 cornering on a winding road, illustrating its handling capabilities and sporty grand tourer nature in a scenic environment.
The handling of the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is well-suited to its grand touring mission. While not as sharp as a dedicated sports car, it offers a rewarding driving experience, especially considering its size and weight. The steering is precise and communicative, providing good feedback to the driver and building confidence in corners. Body roll is present when pushed hard, due to its softer suspension and weight, but it remains controlled and predictable. The car communicates its limits effectively, allowing the driver to feel connected and in control. Understeer is manageable and only occurs at the limit, which is difficult to reach on public roads. While not designed for track days, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is surprisingly capable and can hold its own against many sportscars in real-world driving scenarios.
On a challenging road, the Lexus LC 500 truly shines. Driven at a spirited pace, it finds its sweet spot, offering engaging performance without feeling overwhelmed. The optional Dynamic Handling Package, while expensive, enhances agility with rear-wheel steering and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The rear-wheel steering noticeably improves low-speed maneuverability and sharpens turn-in, while the limited-slip differential effectively puts power down, minimizing wheelspin even with traction control engaged. The traction control system is well-calibrated, intervening subtly and only when necessary, allowing for a genuinely engaging driving experience even with electronic aids active.
Alt text: Interior detail of the 2023 Lexus LC 500 showcasing the meticulously crafted door panel with fine leather, elegant stitching, and metallic accents, highlighting the vehicle’s luxurious cabin appointments.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is its dual nature. Despite its performance capabilities, it’s exceptionally comfortable and quiet. The ride quality is remarkably smooth, effortlessly absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. On the highway, it’s supremely refined, allowing for conversations at a whisper even at high speeds. The seats are incredibly comfortable, enveloping occupants in a supportive and luxurious embrace. With ten gears, the V8 engine cruises at a mere 1,500 RPM at highway speeds, resulting in impressive fuel economy for a V8, approaching 30 MPG on long journeys.
In conclusion, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 V8 is a car of contradictions. It’s stunningly beautiful, luxurious, and offers a thrilling V8 driving experience. However, its outdated infotainment system and not-class-leading performance are undeniable drawbacks. While it remains a good value proposition at around $100,000 considering its luxury and presence, the lack of significant updates in recent years makes a brand-new purchase questionable for some. Lexus has introduced a vastly improved infotainment system in other models, making its absence in the 2023 Lexus LC 500 even more glaring. The smart move might be to consider a lightly used or certified pre-owned Lexus LC 500, saving a substantial amount of money and acquiring essentially the same car. Alternatively, waiting for a potential updated model could be worthwhile. Ultimately, buying a 2023 Lexus LC 500 new is still an emotional decision that many will find rewarding. Life certainly feels better with a Lexus LC 500 in it.
2023 Lexus LC 500
As-tested price: $106,885
Pros: Striking design inside and out; Characterful and sonorous V8 engine; Exceptional build quality and luxury.
Cons: Outdated and frustrating infotainment system; Not the fastest in its class compared to rivals.
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