Few cars balance elegance and performance quite like the 2026 Lexus LC. Big, powerful, and refined, the LC integrates modern technology seamlessly into the driving experience without distracting from the joy of being behind the wheel. Whether used as a daily driver or tasked with cross-country travel in comfort, the LC rises to the occasion.
Unfortunately, 2026 marks the final year of production for this remarkable two-door coupe and convertible. With the LC 500 exiting the lineup, Lexus will be without a two-door internal combustion model for the foreseeable future.
While the high-performance GR GT will soon arrive, it will wear the Toyota badge, and the LFA Concept will only reach production as an all-electric vehicle. To honor the model, Lexus is sending the LC off in style with a special Inspiration Series trim, featuring a unique color and limited production numbers.
The LC 500 remains a rarity in the luxury car market for its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Free of turbochargers, superchargers, or hybrid systems, the engine produces 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, all delivered to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. At low speeds, the car is calm and refined, ideal for city cruising.
Push the accelerator, however, and the V8 awakens with a satisfying roar. The 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly, aided by responsive paddle shifters, delivering a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 168 mph. The exhaust note is deep and full of character, with crackles and burbles on deceleration that make every drive feel engaging.
Handling combines GT comfort with sporty precision. Both coupe and convertible feature adaptive variable suspension (AVS) with unique tuning. The convertible excels at balancing comfort and performance, smoothing over bumps and imperfections while remaining stable through high-speed corners.
Despite its curb weight of 4,500 pounds and overall length of 187.4 inches, the LC feels nimble on winding roads. Stopping power is provided by large rotors, 15.7 inches at the front with six-piston calipers and 14.1 inches at the rear with four-piston calipers, ensuring confidence-inspiring braking performance. While not designed for autocross, the LC navigates curvy mountain roads effortlessly.
Inside, the LC 500 strikes an elegant balance between technology and simplicity. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is easy to read and intuitive to use, supporting Apple CarPlay and quick input response.
Cargo space, however, is limited. The coupe offers just 5.4 cubic feet, while the convertible shrinks to 3.4 cubic feet—less than the Mazda Miata or the front trunk of EVs like the Mustang Mach-E. Rear seats are impractical for passengers, leaving luggage as the only viable use. Small item storage is equally tight, with limited cupholder, door, and console space, a compromise of the car’s design rather than its luxury.
Pricing reflects the LC’s premium positioning. The standard convertible starts at $109,200, including a $1,450 destination fee, and comes well-equipped with a V8, 10-speed automatic, touchscreen, active exhaust, adaptive suspension, 21-inch wheels, LED lighting, heated and ventilated seats, and a 12-speaker sound system.
The Inspiration Series adds $10,950 for features such as a limited-slip rear differential, performance rear dampers, unique wheels and bumper canards, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, special door-sill plates, and a serialized number plate. While expensive, the package delivers tangible performance and aesthetic enhancements.
On the road, the LC 500 impresses as both a grand-touring machine and a performance vehicle. Its V8 soundtrack, agile handling, and adaptive suspension create a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. The cabin remains quiet and comfortable even over rough surfaces, and the overall build quality is exemplary.
As the LC 500 departs, it leaves a significant void in Lexus’ lineup, a torchbearer for performance and style that has carried the brand’s reputation forward since the loss of the LFA. Enthusiasts will be left hoping that the GR GT and the eventual LFA Concept can fill the gap left by this elegant and spirited coupe and convertible.
