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I am in the minority here who think the LC will be best enjoyed in hybrid form, the version most in line with the original prototype vision.
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You are in the minority. Most auto reviews have already confirmed that the LC500 is the model to get. Autoblog on their podcast mentioned that the hybrid feels kinda tired or something along those as you pound the throttle. I think they said it gets "Warm" or something like that, I would have to listen to it again.
I have rarely seen a situation where a hybrid is the better vehicle to purchase than the gas version. The RXh does come to mind in the superior performance to the 3.5 but the ES350 is a better experience and so is the Camry 3.5.
I do believe that the Lexus will eventually offer a V6 model of the LC which will make the hybrid model an in-between the a V6 and V8 option for the LC.
Also, I have a sneaking suspicion that the current LC hybrid powertrain will be the basis for the next gen Tundra/LC/LX models.
I have said all along if starting price is $80k, then the LC500 will sell very well and the interior is definitely up to par.
But if you look at GSF which $86-88k and comes fully loaded, I can't see the new LC starting at a lower price than the GSF.
Also all the Car mags i have read have said it will be $100k+, lets hope that is not the case.
I agree completely with you and it is why I am a bit pessimistic of the LC line's success. The GS-F at $86-88K is totally ridiculous and the unit sales have to be a miss. Not sure if Lexus floated up the GS-F price to see how a $100K+ sticker on the LCs would fare. I believe the "ship has sailed" and "regular" LCs will be around $105K and the fancy ones come in the $110-115K area (my best guess from the international reviews). Early production/ship cars will likely fetch full prices in the first several months but soon after it will be an interesting watch to see what happens when "real owners" start to share their experiences.
Now if Lexus really wants these to be a viable 400-500 unit per month mover than a price point of just over $90K fully loaded is my guess... Over that and they will remain in the showrooms past the initial rush.....
You are in the minority. Most auto reviews have already confirmed that the LC500 is the model to get. Autoblog on their podcast mentioned that the hybrid feels kinda tired or something along those as you pound the throttle. I think they said it gets "Warm" or something like that, I would have to listen to it again.
I have rarely seen a situation where a hybrid is the better vehicle to purchase than the gas version. The RXh does come to mind in the superior performance to the 3.5 but the ES350 is a better experience and so is the Camry 3.5.
I do believe that the Lexus will eventually offer a V6 model of the LC which will make the hybrid model an in-between the a V6 and V8 option for the LC.
Also, I have a sneaking suspicion that the current LC hybrid powertrain will be the basis for the next gen Tundra/LC/LX models.
This comes from someone who does not understand hybrids and hates hybrids, and quoting a publication that does not understand hybrids, hates hybrids, does not particularly like Toyota nor Lexus, and really does not really like Toyota hybrids.
Believe or not, Jil, but there are people who like hybrids.
You are putting words in his mouth, Mike. He said nothing about cost-cutting.
While I respect your opinion, I disagree. I only was addressing his reference to "crap" interiors, which is usually chalked up to cost-cutting, especially in the way he was describing it. If I responded inappropriately, and that is not what he meant (in other words, if you are correct), then I invite him to make that point. So far, he has not.
Hey guys I was at the San Diego auto show on Monday and I saw a real prototype of the Lexus LC500h in person it was amazing! I'll post pics later and I'll PM pics to anyone who wants just let me know. Btw it was the white one, idk if anyone else was there .
Nice find. If you do a compare you can see all of the options in the interior. Looks like the basic model is going to have a regular optitron gauge with a tacometer. Also interesting is that the climate control has something called NANOE technology which is Toyota trademarked. Leather roof and A-pillars. 8 way and a 10 way power seat options. Rear fog lights on the luxury grade. Electronically controlled braking. Road sign assist. Double Door Lock.
It's those kinds of details that make the interior equally as lovely as the outside. With the LC interior, Lexus is showing craftsmanship that belongs in the upper tier.
Australian customers should also tick the option box for the LC 500's enhancement pack, which elevates an already gorgeous cabin into exotic car territory.
Although we can't make a direct comparison, let's take a look at BMW 6 series and Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe in both regions:
USA
BMW 650i: $89,000
Mercedes-Benz S550 $121,550
Lexus LS600hL $120,000
Spain
BMW 650i €116,500
Mercedes-Benz S500 €154,000
Lexus LS600hL €158,900
Too many variables. Too much different starting trim lines as a starting point, UK has three trims for the LC while other parts in Europe have four. For example, RCF in UK is about $10K more starting price when converted to the US dollars compared to the RCF in the US. The United States is almost always cheaper compared to the rest of the world.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Jan 4, 2017 at 12:08 PM.
