2020 Lexus LC 500 Base

The 2020 LC is a stunning example of contemporary design, with sleek bodywork and subtle details that wouldn't be out of place on a concept car. While the Lexus sports car has a hefty curb weight and an uninspired hybrid powertrain, it also has a mighty V-8 that sounds great and one of the nicest interiors on the planet. The only other warts on this vehicular beauty are a frustrating infotainment system and a small trunk. Still, the LC is the most desirable Lexus in a long time. It accelerates on command and drives with a feeling of solidity. The 2020 LC could be lighter and a little more athletic, but it's guaranteed to make its driver look and feel like a star. We're not sure what makes the hybridized LC500h desirable to affluent folks seeking a flashy sports cars. But what do we know? It adds weight, costs more, and diminishes the LC's otherwise svelte demeanor. Instead, we prefer the nonhybrid V-8 version. The bespoke white-leather interior is simply too gorgeous to pass up. It also requires adding self-parking assistance and the Touring package that includes upgraded upholstery, a faux-suede headliner, and a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system. Likewise, we'd choose the All-Weather package (heated steering wheel, windshield wiper de-icer), the head-up display, and the limited-slip rear differential for better performance. This naturally aspirated engine revs with enthusiasm, delivering an impressive if not awe-inspiring 471 horsepower in the process. Torque clocks in at 2 pound-feet shy of 400. These figures are more than enough to get the job done, though, for instance, the decidedly more workaday Ford Mustang Bullitt delivers 480 ponies and 420 lb-ft of twist from the same displacement, cylinder count and induction format. Perhaps engineers could have pushed for just a little more in the LC 500. For 2020, Lexus makes the smallest of changes to the LC500 and LC500h. While both are mechanically identical to the previous model year, they receive small updates and some new content. Among the small interior revisions are a new ""Check Fuel Cap"" light in the gauge cluster as well as a reverse tone change from intermittent to single. Flare Yellow is a newly available paint color and blind-spot monitoring becomes standard. There's also a new limited-edition model called the LC Inspiration Series that only comes in distinct Nori Green paint, but only 100 copies will be sold. A convertible model will join the lineup for the 2021 model year.