2019 Lexus LC 500h review: The perfect blend of performance and luxury

Overall ImpressionStylish and classy. Lots of security technologies. Powerful and luxurious. Efficient and economical. Movement dynamics. Cabin design / FeelCons. Small rear seat.

What gives you luxurious comfort, fuel efficiency, stunning looks and a huge performance boost in a big touring coupe? Lexus is bringing us the LC 500h with a hybrid gas-electric powertrain that does all this and more. Lexus goes head to head with the world's best touring coupes. This week we drove the 2019 Lexus LC 500h, which offers everything you could ask for in one eco-performance package.

Lexus LC 500h: what's new in 2019?

For the 2019 model year, the LC 500h gets a retuned hybrid system to improve the driving experience. Likewise, the adaptive variable suspension gets new bushings on the damper rods along with other changes to improve rebound and compression. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa are now standard.

Available body colors: Caviar, Obsidian, Smoky Granite Mica, Atomic Silver, Liquid Platinum, Ultra White, Infrared, Autumn Shimmer, and Twilight Mica.

Features and Options: Convenience and Performance

Our 2019 Lexus LC 500h ($ 96 710) featured adjustable suspension, adaptive cruise control, LED exterior lights, auto high beams, and heated and auto-dimming mirrors. On the inside, standard features include interior lighting; power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; heated and ventilated front seats; Memory settings on the driver's seat and front leather seats.

On the technical side, you get a 10.3-inch center display, a navigation system, two USB ports, and a 12-speaker audio system with satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa are now standard, along with dynamic voice control and in-car Wi-Fi. Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, as well as lane departure warning and intervention.

Options on this LC 500h tester included an all-weather package with a heated steering wheel and windshield defroster. The convenience package gave us front and rear parking sensors; blind spot monitoring with rear cross alert; Premium 13-speaker Mark Levinson speaker system; Heads-up display and 21-inch forged wheels. The Performance package brought a sports package that added a number of options: a carbon roof; adaptive rear spoiler; active rear and variable ratio steering; carbon fiber overlays and faux suede upholstery.

Total MSRP including destination: $ 108,895.

2019 Lexus LC 500h.

Interior highlights: Really nice, but distracting at times

The cabin of our 2019 Lexus LC 500h was especially eye-catching with its bright white interior, leather stitching on the seats, and overall angular shape under the full glass roof. When we sat in the driver's seat, we felt separated from the passenger side as the horizontal instrument panel forms a wall that makes the driver feel like he's in the cockpit of a race car. This type of setup should delight and excite driving enthusiasts.

We almost felt visual overload with many switches, switches, displays and touchpads, all of which can be distracting if you're not careful. We are not fans of the Lexus infotainment mouse. It is not easy to control and is the most distracting and difficult to use even at low speeds. You must be stopped before it can actually be used. Otherwise, in terms of safety and technology, the 2019 LC 500h comes with Lexus Enform Safety Connect for the first 10 years of ownership. Enform Remote lets you start your car, lock and unlock doors, check fuel levels and more using your smartphone or watch.

We thought the 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered incredible clarity at 915 watts. It made our trip much more enjoyable even though we did it alone. The rear seat is only really useful for cargo and very young children. Adults will not be able to sit comfortably even on a short walk.

2019 Lexus LC 500h interior layout.

Related: The 2019 Lexus GS F is the lion of Lexus' den.

2019 Lexus LC 500h: engine and fuel specifications

The LC 500h is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 gas engine coupled to two electric motors with a 44 kW lithium-ion battery. It produces 354 horsepower, can hit 60 in 4.7 seconds, and hit 155 if you can find a long open stretch of highway. One engine moves the car at low speeds through three programmable power levels, while a second engine adds power at higher speeds.

Two transmissions, a continuously variable automatic and a four-speed conventional automatic, work together to drive the rear wheels. The gearboxes simulate a total of 10 gears that can be manually selected using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Lexus says the LC 500h can go four miles on battery alone. The battery is located between the rear seats and the luggage compartment, its 84 cells generate 310.8 volts. EPA fuel mileage ratings come in at 27/35 city/highway and 30 combined mpg.

2019 Lexus LC 500h under the hood.

Driving dynamics: don't let the hybrid badge fool you

While we wanted a V8 powertrain in this luxury coupe, we weren't completely disappointed. The gas/electric LC 500h accelerates quickly with a synthetic soundtrack that mimics the sound of a V8. It's not as satisfying as it really is, but 500 hours is enough to have some fun. The electric motor provides a lot of torque, so when you step on the pedal it jumps off the line. We took the LC 500h to I-70 and we never felt like we needed more power.

We were happy to see heads-ups that helped us focus on the road and look for local law enforcement. Don't let the hybrid badge on the 2019 Lexus LC 5009 fool you. It would be easy to get a ticket in this luxurious performance.

The Lexus LC is not light, weighing more than a comparable Chevy Corvette or Jaguar F-Type. However, even with the extra weight from the battery, the suspension remains firm and offers extra room in corners. We were impressed as we rolled through the steep curves of the mountains west of Denver. Optional staggered-width 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires provide a firmer ride, but the huge disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power.

The 2019 Lexus LC 500h handles tight corners well, even at high speeds.

Conclusion: the perfect blend

Overall, the 2019 Lexus LC 500h delivers a comfortable ride and a healthy dose of performance with an economical powertrain. It's soft enough for a date in the city, but aggressive enough if you want to party in the nooks and crannies. It's a good combination of sports coupe and luxury car.