Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Lexus Australia has announced specification details for its LC range that goes on sale this month, with the two-door, four-seat coupe kicking off from $190,000 before on-road costs for the identically-priced LC500 and LC500h pair.

Powered by a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine, the LC500 produces 351kW of power at 7100rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4800rpm.

As a result, the sprint from 0-100km/h takes only 4.7 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 270km/h.

2017 Lexus LC500h.

Fuel consumption for the bent eight is rated at 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test.

Both LC variants send power to the rear wheels exclusively, while the LC500 uses a ten-speed automatic transmission that Lexus claims is a world-first for a premium passenger car.

Alternatively, the LC500h is powered by a performance-orientated hybrid drivetrain that combines a 220kW/348Nm 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 with a 132kW/300Nm electric motor for a combined total power output of 264kW.

The LC500h employs a four-stage continuously variable transmission (CVT) with ten simulated ratios accessed via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles – which are a first for a Lexus hybrid.

Not far off the pace of its V8 sibling, the LC500h dashes to triple figures in 5.0s, but its terminal velocity is more limited at 250km/h.

Unsurprisingly, fuel economy is significantly lower for the petrol-electric variant, with a figure of 6.7L/100km. Carbon dioxide emissions for either model have not been disclosed.

Standard features inside include 8.0-inch digital instrument panel, 10.3-inch multimedia system, satellite navigation with live traffic and leather upholstery.

Meanwhile, an adaptive variable multi-link sports suspension system – which can be altered via six different driving modes –  features at the front and rear of both LCs. Four-wheel steering is also part of the package.

All LCs roll on forged 21-inch alloy wheels, with 245/40 run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres up front, and 275/35 hoops at the rear.

Other standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, full LED headlights and tail-lights, stainless steel scuff plates, colour head-up display, 8.0-inch digital instrument panel, 10.3-inch multimedia system, satellite navigation with live traffic, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated 12-way electric front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system.

Furthermore, safety items extend to adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistant, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, reversing camera, high beam assist, eight airbags and tyre pressure monitoring.

Moreover, an optional $15,000 enhancement pack is on offer, which adds an active rear spoiler (operational above 80km/h), carbon-fibre roof, leather and Alcantara upholstery, 10-way electric front sports seats and carbon-fibre scuff plates. A limited-slip differential – which is standard on the LC500 – is also included for the LC500h as part of this bundle.

The LC line-up will arrive in local Lexus showrooms later this month as a rival for the dearer but similarly powered Porsche 911 Carrera GTS ($282,700) and Mercedes-AMG GT ($259,000).

Does the style-focused Lexus LC have the potential to be full of substance, too? Tell us what you think in the comments below.