Updated Lexus LC500h hybrid coupe launched in India at Rs 2.39 crore
Lexus India has launched the slightly updated version of the LC500h coupe at Rs 2.39 crore ex-showroom, which makes it Rs 10lakh costlier over its previous iteration. For the price increase, the new LC500h gets a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen display which replaces the older 10.3-inch display. There are no major updates in the design and the powertrain. Lexus has applied the if-it-ain’t-broke-why-fix-it approach with the LC500h and it is still a beast despite being six years old.
The LC500h coupe depicts how well-built and luxurious Lexus flagship cars have been throughout the brand’s history. Looks-wise, the coupe has a very aggressive stance with sleek teardrop-style LED headlights and the iconic spindle grille. The fenders get wider at the rear and the sloping roofline meets a ducktail-like spoiler at the tail end. The sharp LED taillights and the dual exhaust ports complete the sporty look of the LC500h’s rear.
Getting inside the cabin is where you will feel that the Rs 2.39 crore asking price of the LC500h is justified. The extensive use of premium leather and aluminium around the cabin makes it more of a luxury car than a decently potent grand tourer. The instrument panel still has the moving bezel over a fully digital console, which debuted with the LFA supercar. The infotainment, on the other side, was a hit-and-miss with the earlier 10.3-inch unit. It was not touch-sensitive and was only operated through a clumsy touchpad on the centre console. This has now changed with the updated LC500h. The new display will be more responsive with an updated interface.
As for the powertrain, the LC500h gets an unchanged 3.5-litre nat-asp V6 engine, mated to an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a small self-charging 1.1kWh battery pack which can deliver up to 6km of pure electric drive. The combined power output from the V6 and the electric motor is a meaty 354bhp and 500Nm of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox takes charge of the gear shifts and routes the power to the rear wheels. The LC500h is claimed to do 100kmph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, which makes it quick for a two-tonne-ish coupe.
The LC500h sits below the LX500d full-size luxury SUV and is the only luxury two-door coupe available in India from Lexus. Do you think the addition of a new infotainment display is justified for its Rs 10lakh increase over its previous ex-showroom price? Let us know in the comments below.
