Wide-ranging revisions have been made to Lexus’ flagship LC models for the 2024 Model Year. These improve the cabin’s ambience, comfort, and convenience; enhance the driving experience; and increase the visual presence of the Special Edition called “Ultimate Edition”.

Changes have been made to all five variants of the LC – the LC 500 Coupé and LC 500 Convertible, both powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8; the Ultimate Editions of the Coupé and Convertible, both also powered by the V8; and the LC 500h Coupé with its 3.5-litre V6 self-charging hybrid powertrain.

The LC Ultimate Edition goes into production in September 2023, all other LC models in May 2023.

New multimedia system and connectivity features

For the 2024 Model Year the LC gets a new multimedia system which has a bigger screen, is easier to use, has greater functionality, and faster-responding to commands. In place of the previous system’s 10-inch screen, operated by touchpad controls in the central console, there is now a high-definition 12.3-inch touchscreen. For ease of use, the screen is placed 86 mm closer to the driver.

One additional functionality of the multimedia system is voice recognition, through which the driver or front-seat passenger can make spoken commands to the “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant. This can respond to about 100 different commands (depending on model) – for example, to operate climate controls, search the internet, and connect to phone calls. Up to three users can save their own customized settings on the system for navigation, audio, driving position, and safety warnings.

Smartphones integrate with the multimedia system via Apple CarPlay with a wireless or wired connection, and via Android Auto with a wired connection. And by using the Lexus Link smartphone app, the doors can be locked or unlocked remotely and the air conditioning or heating set before getting into the car.   

Another additional functionality is cloud-based navigation with real-time road and traffic information, making it easier to plan journeys and re-route if necessary. Other helpful journey-related information, such as local fuel prices and parking locations, can be accessed from the cloud by using “Hey Lexus”. If cloud connection should be unavailable, there is also embedded navigation in the touchscreen.

Now that the multimedia touchpad has been removed, the switches on the central console have been rearranged in an easier-to-use longitudinal layout. The console also features an aluminium knob for the sound system (complemented by the touchscreen controls) which is easily accessible to both front-seat occupants. The console’s rear storage space accommodates a 12-volt accessory socket, USB C-port for device charging, and USB A-port for playback of high-resolution sound sources.

To playback high-resolution sound, the speakers have been changed in the rear seatbacks and instrument panel sides. A 13-speaker Mark Levison Surround Sound System, which compares well to a high-quality home audio system, is provided as standard. 

Two new interior colour schemes 

The cabins of both the LC Convertible and the LC Coupé are now additionally offered with a Blue & White two-tone colour scheme, expressive of elegance and spaciousness, and a DK. Rose colour scheme for a sporty atmosphere. Blue & White features blue highlights for the steering wheel, shift knob, lower door trim, and front scuff plates. DK. Rose contrasts dark black with rich red seats, central console, instrument panel, and lower door handle trim.

There are other detail changes to the LC’s cabin: the passenger-side facia, previously acrylic, now matches the instrument panel upholstery; there are new choices in seat materials; and the scuff plates in Sport Package models are now made of lightweight carbon.

New paintwork choices and wheels

Two new paintwork colours have been introduced for the bodywork of both the Coupé and the Convertible. Heat Blue Contrast Layering is a clear, pure blue with strongly contrasting highlights and shading which gives the LC’s beautiful body a sense of depth. Sonic Copper is a chromatic colour with a rich reddish hue under sunlight which deepens as the light dims.

In another change, the exterior mirror housing on all LC models is now equipped as standard with a Panoramic View Monitor camera. Reshaping the mirror housing slightly has further reduced wind noise and suppresses wind separation for improved aerodynamics.

All models are now offered with three new forged wheels: 20-inch with super gloss black metallic coating, 21-inch with a 3D machined finish, and 21-inch with a two-tone black and hyper-chrome finish. 

Lexus Safety System + gets more capabilities

For all LC models, more capabilities have been added to Lexus Safety System +, which helps prevent accidents and enhances driver situational awareness.

The Pre-Collision System (PCS), which previously monitored vehicles and pedestrians ahead of the car, now also has daytime bicyclist detection. Intersection Turning Assist helps the driver make safer left and right turns across traffic at intersections. Emergency Steering Assist automatically makes small corrective inputs to the steering wheel, when enabled, to help prevent unintentional lane departure. Road Sign Assist can quickly reset vehicle speed according to speed limit information. And the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which regulates the car’s speed to the vehicle in front, now also has Curve Speed Reduction to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed according to bend radius.

Enhanced driving refinement

It was with the LC that the “Lexus driving Signature” was born, emphasising the importance of the driver feeling directly connected to the car. This philosophy has since been applied to the development of all other Lexus models – and was once again adhered to rigorously when refining the LC for the 2024 Model Year.

Changes have been made to the suspension’s coil springs, shock absorber tuning, rear suspension member, stabilizer spring rates, under-body braces, steering column and steering gearbox fastening, and axle hub bearing and wheel fastening. The front engine mounts have also been revised and the time gap reduced between vehicle body and powertrain movement. The result of these incremental improvements is sharper steering response and enhanced ground contact feel.

Additionally, the brake-by-wire system is re-tuned for braking with a more natural and seamless feel. And the 10-speed automatic transmission’s shift control has also been fine-tuned, to better-anticipate the driver’s intentions in D mode. The automatic now also provides more sporting driving characteristics in SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes. SPORT S+ gives a more manual-like driving experience in D, selects the gear for optimum acceleration and deceleration, and performs downshifts when braking.

For track driving, the V8-powered Coupé and Convertible now offer an Expert mode which turns off the traction control, allowing drivers to slide the vehicle.

Also to improve driving performance, the LC 500h Coupé’s lithium-ion battery for the Multi Stage Hybrid system now has higher-capacity cells. This delivers power more quickly, enhancing responsiveness and acceleration feel.  

Body styling gives the Ultimate Edition a powerful presence

Ultimate Edition models of the V8-powered LC Coupé and LC Convertible are distinguished by a more exclusive, honed performance image and a specially tuned engine.

The Ultimate Edition’s Hakugin White paintwork has an elegant matte finish, inspired by Lexus sport line up symbolized by the Lexus LFA. This unique effect – sealed in by a satin lacquer topcoat – contrasts with black bodywork ornamentation. Black appears at the front of the car on the radiator grille and moulding, headlamp surrounds and washer cover, bumper garnish, and outer mirrors. Black appears at the rear on the lamp cover, bracket, lower bumper garnish, and exhaust baffle. 

In a world first, the front bumper integrates incrementally-formed canards, an aerodynamic device seen in aviation and auto-racing. These enhance handling and stability by regulating airflow along the bumper sides and reducing lift at the front of the vehicle.

Another, more clearly visible aerodynamic feature is the Coupé’s black carbon rear wing. This applies aerodynamic expertise from air racing – further evidence of how Lexus has taken inspiration from its association with Japanese aerobatic and race pilot Yoshihide “Yoshi” Muroya, the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Champion.

Just as the black bodywork ornamentation contrasts with the Hakugin White paintwork, so too does the Ultimate Edition’s Kachi-Blue interior – a colour considered auspicious in Japan since ancient times, when the threads used for samurai armour were a shade of bluish-black known as kachi-iro (“winning colour”). The Ultimate Edition’s cabin is also differentiated by the presentation of the car’s serial number on an aluminium plate in front of the shift knob, Alcantara on the console and door trim, and scuff plates printed with the words “Limited Edition”.

Another Ultimate Edition difference is under the hood: the engine is Takumi (master craftsman) -tuned for smoother rotation feel, high-quality sound, and enhanced acceleration response. The rear differential has also been Takumi-tuned for acceleration response.     

Lexus recently announced a special edition of its LC flagship coupé and LC flagship convertible. Limited to 40 cars per body type in Europe this year, the Hokkaido Edition marries a strikingly dynamic exterior with grand touring refinement.

The special edition draws its name and its spirit from Hokkaido island in Northern Japan. Famed for its volcanoes, it is also the home of the Lexus Shibetsu proving ground, where amazing cars such as the LFA supercar were developed to perfection. The LC was also fastidiously fine-tuned here by Lexus’ ‘Takumi’ master drivers.

Available in Flare Red, Sonic Platinum, F White or Graphite, the Hokkaido edition sports purposeful 21” alloy wheels and exclusive black signature grille and ornamentation, LED headlights and “afterburner-style” taillights. The convertible’s roof can be ordered in a striking red or black fabric.  

Lexus engineers have imbued the car with a fiery passion, balanced by a refinement which makes this the perfect car in which to relax on a sublime road trip. This duality is reflected in the dramatic black / dark rose interior that echoes its volcanic backstory, with red dominating on the driver side, offset by a more calming black for the passenger area.

Renowned as a luxury travel destination, with its lush mountain woodlands and ‘Onsen’ hot spas, the Hokkaido region also stands out for its many stunning roads, which provided the canvas for the LC’s dynamic qualities. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 Multi-Stage Hybrid (LC 500h) or high-revving 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine (LC 500 and LC 500 Convertible). This car fully embodies the Lexus Driving Signature, its linear acceleration, handling and braking precisely attuned to the driver’s intentions.

The Lexus LC Hokkaido Edition will go on sale in Europe from April 2022. 

Building on a powerful blend of award-winning design and exhilarating performance which characterises the Lexus LC Coupé and LC Convertible, Lexus has announced an array of dynamic improvements for 2022, including enhanced suspension and driving comfort. Next year also heralds the first-ever Lexus Bespoke Build cars, allowing LC and LC Convertible customers to order personalised models.

Sharper and more refined driving feel

For the 2022 LC and LC Convertible models, Lexus again embraces its Lexus Driving Signature philosophy through improvements to the vehicle’s dynamic handling characteristics. On the LC, front and rear suspension settings have been tuned to enhance road contact feel, linear steering response and steering effectiveness. This suspension enhancement results in sharper vehicle handling and an even closer connection between car and driver.

Improved handling and comfort

Among the drive modes on the LC and LC Convertible, ‘Normal’ now provides a higher level of refined ride comfort and driving pleasure, while S+ mode pursues more exhilarating driving performance. Pitch and roll movements have been suppressed to achieve rhythmical handling, further enhancing the sense of oneness with the vehicle. On models equipped with Lexus Dynamic Handling, this feature contributes to excellent responsiveness and a sharper driving feel. For safety, a new shift lock mechanism has also been added for shifting from N to D or R, helping to prevent accidental shifts. Finally, a new deep-hung seat construction has been adopted on the cushion and seatback areas, contributing to enhanced ride comfort.

Aviation-inspired rear carbon-fibre wing

The LC is now available with a new carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rear wing spoiler developed in partnership with the world-renowned Japanese air racing pilot Yoshihide Muroya. The first fruit of an ongoing collaboration with Muroya, this lightweight, highly rigid and sleek wing maximises aerodynamic performance and makes for exceptionally agile driving. Laminated in carbon-fibre and epoxy resin with a hollow core, the woven carbon texture is visible through the lacquered finish. The design draws inspiration from aviation, specifically the wing-tip vortices that influence the design of winglets on jet aircraft.

First-ever Lexus Bespoke Build cars

For the first time ever, customers can personalise their Lexus LC or LC Convertible with the new Lexus Bespoke Build programme. The vehicle will be built by an elite team of Lexus’ ‘Takumi’ master craftspeople at the legendary Lexus Motomachi factory that built the LFA supercar. Customers can configure an LC or LC Convertible to suit their lifestyle and taste with features such as exclusive new wheels, spoiler, roof and exterior/interior trim and colours, alongside specs inspired by previous Special Editions. Certain customisation options, including the carbon fibre roof will be exclusive to the LC. Lexus Bespoke Build is further distinguished with a personalised interior badge installed on the centre console.

Black exterior design package for Lexus LC

For the LC, an exclusive black exterior design package available with Lexus Bespoke Build. Bold black markings accentuate the striking Lexus signature grille, while the sleek black finish around the headlamps and taillights ensure this car stands out from whatever angle it is viewed.

Forged black 21” wheels

Presenting a compelling blend of confidence and refinement, these 5-twin-spoke forged wheels – unique to the Lexus Bespoke Build programme - complement the suite of specifications on offer.

Marina White interior inspired by Regatta Edition’s interior

To display the alluring design of the new LC Convertible to its best effect, Lexus Bespoke Build offers the exclusive Marina White interior, inspired by the LC Regatta Edition’s. The use of the Marine Blue roof and white and blue for the interior evokes the ambience of a luxury marina, lined with racing yachts. Inside, white is used for the interior facings of the front pillars. The instrument panel and door panels have contrasting deep blue upper and white lower sections, while the front seats are upholstered white perforated semi-aniline leather