2026 Lexus LC Coupe and Convertible Stay Stunning, Lose Hybrid Option
The flagship Lexus two-doors go V-8-only this year, while the rare Inspiration Series models return.
Justin BannerWriterManufacturerPhotographerJul 22, 2025
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We’ve always thought the Lexus LC is an incredible grand touring car, with knockout styling and a richly appointed interior. The only asterisks to apply were a lackluster transmission and the curiously electrified LC500h Hybrid model. As the LC gets on in years—it was introduced way back in 2017—it appears Lexus is determined to keep the two-door coupe and convertible models going, albeit with some changes.
AI Quick Summary
The 2026 Lexus LC drops the hybrid model, retaining only the LC500 with a 471-hp V-8 engine. It features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and limited-edition Inspiration Series. Prices start at $101,700 for the coupe and $109,200 for the convertible, with slight increases from 2025.
This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article
For starters, the 2026 Lexus LC drops the LC500h model and its gas-electric V-6 powertrain, leaving behind only the LC500 and its 5.0-liter V-8 engine. We doubt many will miss the hybrid; though it was at least technically interesting and much more fuel efficient than the gas-only models, there’s no beating the noises produced by the V-8.
Plus, with 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the V-8 delivers the thrust appropriate to the LC’s dramatic looks. Nothing’s changed there—as before, the LC500 pairs the V-8 to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The driver can shift themselves using the included paddle shifters, or leave the transmission to its own devices. Because the transmission is unchanged, we suspect the 2026 LC500 to suffer the same tallish gearing as before. It’s not bad enough to get in the way of a sub-5.0-second zero-to-60-mph time, but shorter gearing (and more closely spaced ratios) would really uncork the LC500’s engine.
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While you’ll easily be entertained by the roar of the 5.0-liter V-8, you are allowed to bring your own music using the standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen. This screen, which replaced Lexus’s maligned touchpad-based infotainment interface for 2024, also incorporates a panoramic-view 360-degree parking camera setup to help drivers avoid curbing the LC’s big wheels. The front seats are designed to keep the driver and passenger secure during hard cornering movements by adding components within the shoulder area to help keep them in position during hard cornering.
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Be Inspired by the Inspiration Series
Finally, the limited-edition Inspiration Series returns for the coupe and the convertible LC500 for 2026. Pricing for these special edition Lexus models isn’t listed, but production will be limited to 200 units of the coupe and 350 units of the droptop LC.
Prices for a regular 2026 Lexus LC500 coupe will start at $101,700 while the convertible will be more expensive at $109,200. This is also an increase of $1,275 over the 2025 model year coupe and $1,575 over the 2025 convertible.
