How to Maintain Your 2019 Lexus LC for Longevity

What Makes This Coupe Stand Out

The 2019 Lexus LC isn’t just another coupe—it’s a luxury spectacle that turns heads everywhere it goes. With its exotic design reminiscent of an Aston Martin, this two-door masterpiece channels the spirit of classic grand tourers while maintaining that unmistakable Lexus identity. What strikes you first is how this larger machine commands attention with its upscale vibe, making it a glitzy alternative to the Porsche 911 for those seeking something different.

Yes, the starting price hovers around six figures, but when you slide into that beautifully crafted interior, you understand where every dollar went. 2020 Lexus Is, The small rear seats remind you this is more about the driver’s experience than practicality, and that’s perfectly fine when you’re behind the wheel of something this stunning.

On the road, the 2019 Lexus LC reveals its true character as a rear-wheel-drive performer that’s been carefully honed for those who want to savor every moment rather than chase lap times. Fire up the 471-hp V-8 and listen to that visceral roar—it’s pure theater that reminds you this heavier machine prioritizes the journey over outright performance.

Sure, it’s quick and enjoyably sharp when you push it, but this auto-show diva truly comes to life at less frantic speeds where you can luxuriate in its essence. How to Maintain Your 2019 Lexus LC for Longevity, Every drive becomes an opportunity to appreciate how Lexus transformed concept-car drama into a machine you can actually live with, blending artistry with engineering in a way that makes you feel special every time you turn the key.

What’s New for 2019?

The 2019 Lexus LC arrives with a comprehensive host of upgrades that transform an already impressive grand tourer into something even more refined. At the heart of these technical changes sits a revised 10-speed automatic transmission that now produces noticeably smoother shifts and more decisive gear changes, addressing one of the few criticisms leveled at earlier models.

Lexus engineers reworked the suspension architecture with improved damping characteristics that genuinely elevate ride comfort without sacrificing the sharp handling dynamics you’d expect from a flagship coupe. Lexus GX, The modified rear engine mounts work in concert with enhanced steering calibration to deliver a more connected driving experience, while the paint-color palette now includes the striking Obsidian finish that catches light in ways that make other blacks look flat by comparison.

Beyond the performance enhancements, the 2019 model year brings the LC firmly into the modern connectivity era with standard equipment upgrades centered around the Enform infotainment system. How to Maintain Your 2019 Lexus LC for Longevity, The adds here matter in daily use: Apple CarPlay compatibility means your iPhone integrates seamlessly, while Amazon Alexa support extends your smart home ecosystem into the cabin.

The remote-control smartphone app lets you precondition the cabin or check vehicle status from anywhere, and the Wi-Fi hotspot keeps passengers connected on longer journeys. Rounding out the latest technology offerings, upgraded voice-control and navigation software respond more intuitively to commands, making the entire interface feel less like you’re fighting with the system and more like it’s actually working with you.

Pricing and Our Recommended Configuration

The 2019 Lexus LC price starts at $93,325 and goes up to $97,835 depending on the trim and options you select. After spending considerable time evaluating both variants, our pick would be the standard LC500 with its glorious 471-hp V-8 that delivers an exhaust note you’ll never tire of hearing.

To this magnificent foundation, we’d add the Sport package, which brings heated and ventilated front sport seats that prove invaluable during extended drives, and upgrade to the 21-inch forged-aluminum wheels wrapped in summer performance tires for enhanced grip and road feel. Lexus GX 460, Choosing that bundle also tacks on the Convenience package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and both front parking sensors and rear parking sensors—features that genuinely help when maneuvering this wide grand tourer in tight spaces—plus a limited-slip differential that improves cornering dynamics.

To round out our ideal build, we’d incorporate the All-Weather package with its practical windshield wiper de-icer and heated steering wheel, both of which transform cold-weather driving from miserable to comfortable. Finally, we’d splurge on the Mark Levinson premium audio system upgrade, because a car this special deserves a sound system that matches its theatrical character.

How to Maintain Your 2019 Lexus LC for Longevity, This configuration maximizes the LC’s blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability without venturing into excessive territory, creating what we believe is the sweet spot in the lineup that balances thrilling driving dynamics with genuine comfort and convenience.

Power and Drive Dynamics

The 2019 Lexus LC comes alive with two distinct powertrain options that cater to different driving personalities. The standard LC500 features a high-performance 5.0-liter V-8 engine that churns out an impressive 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, creating a glorious internal-combustion symphony that’s pure rock ‘n’ roll for anyone who appreciates automotive passion. This beast is pleasing to the ears while the sculpted bodywork captivates your eyes.

Mated to a quick-shifting, smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, the V-8 delivers power with refinement that’s rare in this segment. For those leaning toward efficiency without sacrificing excitement, the LC500h offers a 354-hp gas-electric drivetrain that combines a 3.5-liter V-6 with a pair of electric motors, a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a unique continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that cleverly mimics the action of a traditional 10-speed gearbox, making the transition feel more engaging than your typical hybrid.

Handling Characteristics and Braking

Behind the wheel of our test cars, the LC500 demonstrated minimal body roll and impressive balance during spirited drives, while the handling remained composed and confidence-inspiring. Lexus RC, The ride quality proved excellent despite rolling on huge 21-inch wheels that typically compromise comfort. Lexus offers a $10,000 Performance package that includes variable-steering and adaptive rear-wheel-steering systems designed to enhance the quickness of the helm and improve general responsiveness, but after spending time with both setups, I’d advise saving that 10 grand and sticking.

With the base chassis—it’s a better fit for the car’s GT comportment and feels more natural without impeding the driving tactility you want in a grand tourer. The standard chassis setup delivers everything you need for confident cornering and daily driving pleasure. When it comes to dropping the anchor, the LC500 we tested featured a firm, progressive brake pedal connected to big, fade-free stoppers at each corner, delivering a respectable stop from 70 mph that the LC hybrid managed with slightly less authority during our evaluations.

What the Numbers Really Tell You

When you first look at the LC500, it’s easy to forget that this stunning coupe scales like a three-row SUV rather than the nimble sports car it appears to be. We’re talking hundreds of pounds heavier than its main competition, which immediately explains why the EPA estimates come across as not impressive at first glance. The LC500h, despite weighing even more than its naturally aspirated sibling, manages to post favorable figures thanks to its hybrid powertrain—particularly in city driving where electric assistance comes into play. During my time behind the wheel through urban landscapes, the seamless transitions between gas and electric power felt almost invisible, yet the fuel savings were anything but.

Here’s where things get interesting: the two models performed quite differently in our real-world testing. Lexus NX, The standard LC500 ended up well exceeding its highway estimate, with an observed 29 mpg on longer stretches—genuinely surprising for such a hefty grand tourer.

Meanwhile, the LC500h fell short of its advertised figure, managing around 30 mpg on the interstate, which aligns with how most hybrids behave at sustained speeds where electric motors offer less benefit. What became clear during cross-country travel is that the fuel-economy difference between these two variants essentially becomes a wash—the hybrid’s advantage in stop-and-go traffic gets neutralized by the V8’s impressive efficiency at cruising speeds. It’s a fascinating dynamic that challenges conventional assumptions about hybrid superiority in every scenario.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

The Lexus Enform infotainment system comes packed with features and tech, representing standard fare in the LC’s digital arsenal with Navigation, Bluetooth, a host of apps, mobile hotspot, and Apple CarPlay connectivity, though Android Auto remains absent. The Enform infotainment suite delivers plenty of capability, but I’ll be honest—it ranks among the least favorite systems on the market for many drivers.

Metro Lexus Model, The clunky touchpad controller demands far too much attention to operate safely while driving, pulling your focus away from the road when you’re trying to navigate menus or adjust settings. Meanwhile, the Lexus LC500 interior creates a special place that feels more like a personal sanctuary than a typical car cabin. The driving position sits low and purposeful, surrounded by rich materials and beautiful craftsmanship that showcase excellent fit and finish throughout.

The excellent front seats—especially the optional sport seats—function like thrones offering remarkable spinal support during spirited drives. Loads of technology fill the cabin, contributing to an ambience that perfectly matches the LC’s striking concept-car looks. Some elements require acclimating to, particularly the funky electronic shift lever borrowed from the Toyota Prius, and the ergonomics can feel somewhat fussy in practice.

The LC’s compact trunk and non-folding rear seats significantly limit storage space to just five cubic feet—barely enough for holding two carry-on cases for a weekend getaway. As attractive as this cabin appears, there aren’t many cubbies for stashing loose items like sunglasses or charging cables. The center console proves adequately sized, and its lid can be adjusted to reveal a second cupholder, which adds some practical flexibility to an otherwise style-focused design.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2019 Lexus LC takes vehicle safety seriously, though it’s worth noting the LC hasn’t been crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Despite the absence of formal crash testing scores, this grand tourer doesn’t skimp on protection. The compact cabin comes equipped with eight air bags strategically positioned throughout the interior, creating a comprehensive air bag system that works as your first line of defense.

What really impressed me during my time with this vehicle was the roster of driver-assistance technologies that come ready to work—the standard features include a sophisticated forward-collision warning paired with automated emergency braking, which I found reassuringly responsive in dense traffic situations, plus an adaptive cruise control system that takes the stress out of highway driving by maintaining safe distances automatically.

Beyond these standard protections, the LC offers available features that elevate the safety technology even further. The available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist function as vigilant co-pilots, gently nudging you back on course when your attention wavers—something I genuinely appreciated during longer drives. These key safety features work together seamlessly, creating layers of collision avoidance through their warning systems and braking automation.

The collision warning system, emergency braking system, cruise control system, lane departure system, and lane keeping system all contribute to what Lexus calls their driver assistance philosophy. The cabin safety is enhanced by how intuitively these assist technologies integrate with the driving experience, never feeling intrusive while constantly monitoring your surroundings to help prevent incidents before they happen.

What’s Covered and What’s Not

When I first looked into the 2019 Lexus LC, one thing that stood out was how Lexus structured their warranty plan for this stunning grand tourer. The LC sits comfortably among luxury coupes, and honestly, the protection you get is pretty substantial—especially when it comes to powertrain coverage. Whether you’re running the internal-combustion V8 or considering the hybrid version, there’s peace of mind baked in.

The Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, which is fairly standard territory, but where things get interesting is the Powertrain warranty that stretches out to 6 years or 70,000 miles. For those leaning toward the hybrid variant, the Hybrid components are covered for an impressive 8 years or 100,000 miles—that’s genuinely solid protection for the tech-heavy bits that make the LC 500h so compelling.

Now, here’s where Lexus falls a bit short compared to some of the best in the luxury segment: Complimentary scheduled maintenance only lasts 1 year or 10,000 miles. I’ve driven enough high-end coupes to know that complimentary maintenance periods vary wildly, and while this isn’t terrible, it’s not the most generous offering either. Still, given the robust powertrain and hybrid component warranties, you’re getting meaningful long-term security where it matters most. The LC’s warranty structure reflects Lexus’s confidence in their engineering, particularly with those complex hybrid components that can sometimes make owners nervous about repair vehicles costs down the line.

FAQs: