Behind the Wheel: 2023 Lexus LC500
Despite being around for seven years now, The 2023 Lexus LC500 remains a car that stirs up feelings of awe and envy in whoever spots one out in the wild. Throughout the years, Lexus has been careful to make only subtle, calculated changes here and there. Some updates to the chassis, an exciting convertible variant in 2021, and a Bespoke program to allow for more collaboration and creative flow between the lucky new owner and their new LC. 2023 brings us basically a new paint color. However, it’s understandably hard to make dramatic changes to a package that’s already as brilliant as the LC500.
They say that first impressions are the most important. If that’s the case, then the LC500 holds little back, as the first taste you get is an exterior design that is sleek, sexy and provocative in all the best ways. Curved and sultry. With a low nose and wedged profile, that tapers up around the cabin, accentuating the dramatically flared hips and high tail. Elegant on one hand, and aggressive on the other.
Perfectly complimenting the dialed-in exterior design, is an interior that will have you falling in love even more. Slide into the surprisingly comfortable and supportive drivers seat, and pause to take in the exceptional build quality that surrounds you. Notice how soft and aromatic the leather is. Appreciate the muted sheen of the metal and high performance polish of the carbon-fiber. With hardly a plastic piece in sight, its immediately evident that each material was carefully selected in order to craft a cabin that is rich, sumptuous and above all, special.
From the sliding tachometer inspired by the ground-breaking Lexus LFA, to the finer details, like the button for the glove box, weight and feel of the volume knob, delicate spring of the drive mode selector and more. Each detail is honed and executed with incredible care, that can only be fully appreciated when experienced firsthand. Even visibility, through the large rear screen and deep windows is excellent. A welcome discovery, as many high performance and incredibly expensive sports cars require nerves of steel to drive fast due to how little of your surrounding you can actually see.
With its powerful 5.0L V8, the Lexus LC500 straddles the line between a high performance sports car, luxurious Gran Tourer and futuristic concept car with a wild design. Somehow, it manages to capture the essence of all three, with perfect style and panache. With a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds, it’s no slouch, though it lacks the gut punch of European rivals like the BMW M850i and Porsche 911 Carrera S. Part of the problem is that the 458 brake hp in the LC500 is only fully unlocked at a very high 7100 rpms. Making it almost completely inaccessible. Still, the LC500 will deliver enough silky smooth acceleration to satisfy most, and deliver a V8 soundtrack that will leave you weak in the knees.
After seven years of turning heads, The 2023 Lexus LC500 continues to impress with its seductive design, excellent interior and strong performance. Of course there are options out there that will deliver more top end speed and aggressive acceleration, but at the cost of day to day comfort. Instead, the LC500 endeavors to give the most of both performance and luxurious pampering. A vehicle that will handle as many road conditions and driving scenarios as possible with poise. From winding mountain passes, to mundane errands around town. The LC500 elevates every driving scenario. Making whatever you’re doing feel uncommonly special.
