2018 Lexus LC 500 first look

MOTOR has scored an early peek at the upcoming Lexus LC 500 ahead of its Australian launch.

A recent track day we attended happened to be sponsored by Lexus, with the car on display to hopefully tempt a few customers. While we weren't allowed to move the car even a metre, Lexus did agree to let us film a quick walkaround which at least allows you to see and hear this new V8 coupe.

The LC 500 will be the range-topping flagship two-door for Lexus, sitting above the RC F with which it shares its 351kW/540Nm 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8. Apologies, the video says 530Nm, but it was recorded off-the-cuff.

It's a wonderful engine that'll have its work cut out shifting the LC 500's 1900kg+ kerb weight, though a 10-speed automatic will do its best to compensate.

Also available will be a LC 500h, which uses a 3.5-litre V6 allied to an electric motor. Lexus claims 0-100km/h in 4.5sec for the V8 and "under five seconds" for the hybrid.

Pricing is not yet confirmed, however we expect the LC 500 to land around the $200,000 mark, putting it head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 640i and, to a lesser degree, sports cars such as the Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type.

The Lexus might lack the headline numbers of its more powerful competitors, however there’s a real appeal to the LC in the metal, like a Japanese Maserati. The engine sounds excellent, the styling is bold and the interior is superb.

We’ll bring you more on the Lexus LC range when we get behind the wheel in early June.