2025 Lexus LC 500 Review: A Grand Tourer That Plays By Its Own Rules

2025 Lexus LC 500

The 2025 Lexus LC 500 is that rare sports car that doesn’t care about trends. No turbocharging. No hybrid hype (unless you count the LC 500h). Just a naturally aspirated V8, head-turning looks, and a vibe that says, “I’d rather enjoy the drive than win a drag race.” But in a world of hyper-efficient German rivals, does this Japanese GT still deserve a spot in your garage? Let’s find out.

What’s New for 2025? (Spoiler: Not Much—And That’s the Point)

Lexus isn’t messing with a good thing. The 2025 LC 500 sticks to its guns with:
✔ Same glorious 5.0L V8 – 471 HP, 398 lb-ft, and a symphonic exhaust note that’s dying breed.
✔ Subtle styling tweaks – New wheel designs, a refreshed color palette (including the mesmerizing Structural Blue), and sleeker LED lighting.
✔ Updated infotainment – Finally, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (about time!).

The LC’s low-slung coupe profile and spindle grille still turn heads, and the available convertible (LC 500 Convertible) remains one of the prettiest drop-tops on the market.

Interior: A Japanese Jewel Box

Slide inside, and the LC 500 feels like a handcrafted love letter to drivers. Highlights:
✅ 24-way adjustable seats – Hug you like a bespoke suit, even at triple-digit speeds.
✅ Mark Levinson 13-speaker audio – Because this car’s soundtrack deserves backup.
✅ Semi-aniline leather & Alcantara – Every surface feels expensive.

The Quirks:
⚠ Tiny back seats – Basically a “no humans allowed” zone.
⚠ Fiddly touchpad infotainment – Lexus’ 12.3-inch screen looks great but still suffers from “why isn’t this touchscreen?” syndrome.

How Does It Drive? (Spoiler: It’s All About the Drama)

Performance:

  • 0-60 MPH in 4.4 seconds – Not mind-blowing by today’s turbocharged standards, but the linear power delivery and 10-speed automatic’s crisp shifts make it feel faster.
  • Rear-wheel drive (AWD not available) – This is a purist’s GT, not a winter commuter.

The LC isn’t a track monster—it’s a grand tourer that prioritizes smooth, soulful driving over lap times. The adaptive suspension soaks up bumps, and the steering is perfectly weighted for long, winding roads.

Soundtrack:
That V8 roar under hard acceleration is one of the best in the biz, with pops and gurgles on overrun. Lexus even pipes it into the cabin (discreetly) for extra drama.

Pricing: Not Cheap, But a Bargain vs. Europeans

  • 2025 LC 500 Coupe: Starts at $96,000
  • 2025 LC 500 Convertible: Starts at $102,000 Competitors:
    The LC 500’s closest rival is the BMW 8 Series ($88,800+), which offers turbocharged power and sharper handling but lacks the Lexus’ exotic charisma. The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe ($136,000+) is faster but harsher, while the Aston Martin Vantage ($156,000+) delivers similar drama at twice the price. For the money, the LC 500 is the most distinctive GT in its class—if you can live without forced induction. Final Verdict: A Dying Breed Worth Celebrating

The 2025 Lexus LC 500 isn’t the fastest, most tech-packed, or most practical car in its class. But it’s one of the last naturally aspirated V8s left, wrapped in a design that’ll age like fine wine. If you want a GT that prioritizes passion over specs, this is it.

Buy it if: You crave analog thrills and exclusive styling in a daily-drivable package.
Skip it if: You need AWD, back seats, or turbocharged thrust.

Rating: 9/10 – Flawed, fabulous, and fiercely unique.