Not Quite The LFA, The Lexus LC 500h Launches Tomorrow

The end of January will see Lexus finally bringing the Lexus LC500h to our shores. While it takes design inspiration from the popular LFA, the LC, as its name suggests, is positioned as a luxury coupe more than a sports car. While it gets V8 and V6 hybrid options in international markets, India is likely to receive the latter. Here’s more about the coupe ahead of its launch: 

Design 

On the outside, the LC500h takes some design cues from the LFA like its sharp cuts and creases. However, it is longer and utilises a front-engine rear-wheel-drive setup. It also sits on the same GA-L (Global Architecture – Luxury) platform as the LS sedan. The chassis uses plenty of aluminium, high strength steel and carbon fibre in key areas. Despite that, it weighs a whopping 2,000kg owing to its powertrain.

Design highlights include sharp, three-element LED headlamps with teardrop-shaped accents under it, and a gigantic grille. The rear features a sharply raked roofline that meets a short and stubby boot. The interiors also feature premium touches, with an Alcantara finish on the door pads and a stitched leather dashboard. 

Features 

The LC500h is equipped with features like an 8-inch infotainment screen with a touchpad controller,  in-built navigation, powered steering adjustment, and 10-way adjustable powered front seats. Other kit on offer include dual-zone climate control, a 12-speaker sound system and Amazon Alexa voice command integration. Safety kit consists of 8 airbags, ESP, pre-collision pedestrian detection and lane keep assist.

Powertrain

Under the hood, the LC 500h is powered by a 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle V6 petrol engine, which when combined with two electric motors, produces 359PS of power and 348Nm of torque. This is paired with a 10-speed gearbox that combines a 3-step CVT with a 4-speed torque converter. Power is sent to the rear wheels and propels the sedan from 0-100kmph in a rapid 4.7 seconds.

Price 

Expect the LC500h to be priced from Rs 1.8 crore all the way up to Rs 2 crore (ex-showroom) at launch. 

Rivals

Post launch, expect the Lexus LC500h to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S63 Coupe and the upcoming BMW 8 Series in India.