Tech and safety upgrade for 2023 Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC 500 has been given yet another model year update, this time including the full Lexus Connected Services suite, a new 12.3-inch infotainment system and an upgraded safety arsenal for the Japanese luxury brand’s flagship grand touring coupe.

Owners of the latest Lexus LC 500, which is available to order as of this month, will be able to monitor and interact with their vehicles via the Lexus Connected smartphone app, but the extra connectivity and tech upgrade has also pushed the starting price beyond the $200,000 barrier for the first time.

Once the mid-range variant of the three-pronged coupe line-up, the V8-powered LC 500 Coupe now starts from $204,635 plus on-road costs (+$4704), while the V6 hybrid LC 500h Coupe – once the entry point to the range – has had almost $20,000 slapped onto its asking price and now starts at $212,727 plus ORCs.

Meantime, the flagship LC 500 Convertible starts at $218,242 plus ORCs – up the same $4704 as the coupe version.

The massive price increase for the hybrid is brought about by the 2023 model’s new level of standard equipment, which now incorporates a Torsen limited-slip differential, ‘high-grade’ brake discs and the once-optional Enhancement Pack, which includes dynamic rear axle steering, variable gear ratio steering, an active rear spoiler, carbon-fibre roof, 10-way power adjustable front seats, Alcantara and leather-accented trim, and carbon-fibre scuff plates.

It’s a puzzling move given the LC 500 V8 drastically outstrips the now-pricier LC 500h V6 hybrid for both power (351kW versus 264kW) and performance, but it does align with Lexus’ and Toyota’s trend of championing hybrid technology.

All Lexus LC variants come with the new 12.3-inch infotainment system and Connected Services, as well as an updated 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and an expanded array of active safety features, including pedestrian and cyclist detection for the autonomous emergency braking system.

Other safety updates include the addition of emergency steering assist, intersection turning assist, road sign assist, curve speed reduction, rear cross traffic alert, panoramic view monitor and lane tracing assist, and an upgrade for the adaptive cruise control system.

“Lexus Australia now offers Lexus Connected Services on every model following a comprehensive update to the flagship LC coupe and convertible range, bringing expanded ownership benefits to all Lexus customers,” Lexus Australia said.

“The new updates enhance the halo status of the LC within the Lexus range, with its blend of effortless performance and stunning design stirring emotions the way few vehicles can.”

The 2023 model year will also usher in the new ‘Sonic Copper’ and ‘Cobalt Mica’ paint finishes in place of the discontinued ‘Carnelian’ and ‘Deep Blue’, joining carryover hues including ‘White Nova’, ‘Sonic Chrome’, ‘Sonic Iridium’, ‘Titanium’, ‘Graphite Black’, ‘Infrared’, ‘Zinnia Yellow’ and ‘Khaki Metal’.

How much does the 2023 Lexus LC 500 cost?
LC 500 Coupe – $204,635 (+$4704)
LC 500h Coupe – $212,727 (+$19,704)
LC 500 Convertible – $218,242 (+$4704)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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