Lexus LC 500 launched in Malaysia

Lexus LC500 cover

At RM940,000, the Lexus LC 500 launched just a few hours ago is, unquestionably, expensive. But just like that gorgeous office colleague/classmate/’best friend’ we all have, any mild shortcomings are tolerated. In fact, they are largely accepted. Just look at it. The car, I mean.

There are a few ways to help digest the idea about this car (and its price). The LC 500 project is not quite a product of a regular product team/boardroom discussion; instead it is inspired and guided by Akio Toyoda himself – Toyota Motor Corporation president. Being an avid racer, he was also involved in the car’s driving dynamics tuning. The other point worth considering is that the only other Lexus model that can outshine it, is, arguably, the LFA. Quite a feat.

The exteriorLexus LC500 1The LC 500 sits suitably low, with its stunning spindle grille giving that magnificently imposing presence. The LC lighting signature consist of independent daytime running lights in an arrowhead configuration and ultra-compact 3-beam LED headlamp. Lexus calls this the Polaric Ellipsoid System lense.

Not much room in the LC500’s boot though, which is opened by pressing a tiny button within the right-side tail light assembly. And what a tail light it is – the simplicity of it design and the details is impressive. The outer edge of the light droops down, like a tear drop. But it also helps to emphasise the width and low stance.

The roof’s dark colour is a stark contrast to the launch car’s Red, but that’s not the reason it’s worth mentioning. That roof is made out of carbon fibre. And the reason you cannot see a door handle is because it is by default flush into the door.

An active rear spoiler can be deployed by pushing a button, or automatically goes up when the car is above 80kph.

The interiorLexus LC500 6There’s much more proof of Lexus’ quality and premium-feel here. Everything feels compact and tight, with the two-tier type of dashboard looking overly complicated. There are traces of Toyota here (urghh), but I used to know a hot-looking colleague but with a very bad dress sense. Things like good looks tend to cancel out the (small) negatives.

Less difficult to forgive is that Lexus still employs the Remote Touch Interface for making adjustments seen in the 10.3-inch colour display. From past experience this is not the most intuitive interface. But maybe Lexus has improved on it.

The engineLexus LC500 16Let’s hope Lexus is reading this because once ‘high-revving’ is used to describe a stonking 5.0-litre V8, the people of TopGear simply must have a go. Not quite a unique engine though as the GS F and RC F also uses the same unit. Peak power of this naturally aspirated engine is 470Nm at 7,100rpm (yay!) and 540Nm of twist from 4,800rpm. Rear-wheel drive, of course, with a Torsen limited diff for torque distribution.

The gearbox is a 10-speed automatic, the first in the world used by a premium model. It is said to be smaller and lighter than some 8-speed units but rivals dual-clutch boxes’ in terms of shift speed. Acceleration from standstill to 100kph is 4.4 seconds.

Others
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There are eight sensor around the LC 500 that works the Lexus Park Assist system and Parking Assist Monitor. No, the system does not automatically park the vehicle for you, but this is the next best thing. Other security features include eight airbags, Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Vehicle Stability Assist is part of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) that also includes traction control, and Dynamic Rear Steering.

Summary
Lexus LC500 10
Buyers can choose between 11 colours, which already exceeds the number of bookings Lexus Malaysia has received since booking was opened (seven units, in case you’re curious). For RM940,000, the warranty is for five years with unlimited mileage. (Scheduled) servicing costs for the first five years of ownership, or 100,000km, whichever comes first, is provided free of charge. Suppose that takes the burn from a near million Ringgit price, you think?

Lexus LC500 11