The Lexus LC 500 has been a bit of a revelation to us. While many of the performance-based Lexus vehicles of late have felt like they fell short of the mark, the LC 500 moved the goal posts. With interior fit and finish that feels more Ferrari than Toyota, and swooping exterior lines that scream excitement, the top of the line Lexus impresses on all counts. Last year we tested the 471-horsepower V8 version, with a rip-roaring engine note and visceral performance. Lexus also released a version with an extremely complex hybrid drivetrain. On paper, the combination of a V6 engine, two electric motors and two transmissions looks interesting. Let’s see if that translates from the driver’s seat.
Walking up to the LC 500h, there’s not much to tell you anything is different. A few badges are all that differentiates it from it’s gas-guzzling cousin, but once you get inside the differences get easier to spot. The sound from the engine is the big one, coming from one of the best sounding V8’s, well, ever. The hybrid’s V6 hums along, singing a decidedly more reserved tune. It’s not a bad sound, and without the memory of the rowdy cousin, this one would probably even excite us. It’s more of a hum-and-whine sound as the different drivetrains mesh together. It even sounds complex, and at times that complexity shows through in the driving experience as well...
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