It’s not every day I get behind the wheels of a $100,000+ car. I can’t even begin to describe how incredible it feels to be in the drivers seat of the Lexus LC Coupe 500. This past weekend my blogger girlfriend (Sarah from The Cultured Fashionista) and I took a quick trip to LA & Palm Springs (you may have caught it on Instagram). For this trip, Lexus provided us with this beautiful car to drive and enjoy for the four days! It was such a treat driving this unique, luxury car arounf LA and Palm Springs. As you can see it was a show stopper!
Long Distance Comfort
This is a luxury car that will take you places! It was a sporty drive but not hard or jerky. The engine makes such a great sound when you turn it on or accelerate, like, you have some serious power going on! It had amazing control with accelerating and braking and of course, the look is show-stopping.
The interior is beautiful, sleek and contemporary with all the bells and whistles. I found the seats very comfortable, they kind of hugged me in and provided lumber support which I noticed more on the drive to Palm Springs. It’s a great two-person car but has four seats. The Lexus Luxury LC Coupe 500 is definitely going on my “dream car” list!
It’s such a unique and rare vehicle that when we parked, pulled up to valet or just drove slowly in a pedestrian-heavy area people we stop and stare, or ask questions, try and take photos with it or just compliment the heck out of it to us. The main comment we received that its such a rare car to see around. It almost became a bit too much for us to handle because random people approaching you with a car like this puts you (me) on higher alert.
A game-changing feature is the Multi-Stage Hybrid System. Like other Lexus hybrid configurations, the Multi-Stage Hybrid System teams the gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators. Four days of driving (including round trip to Palm Springs about 264 miles) and only had to top off half a tank of gas ($20 premium) the whole time!
Palm Springs Road Trip
Our drive to Palm Springs was surprisingly a breeze! We left around 9 am missing the morning commuters and made it into PS within 2h! After our shoot at the wind turbines, we headed over to Woodsy Garden. It’s such a beautiful spot and so Insta worthy! The difference in climate from the coast to the desert really hit us. We were fading fast from the strong sun and heat walking around the garden grounds and taking pics etc…
I’ll be sharing all about that in an upcoming post! Stay tuned my friends <3
For those of you who crave more info on the Lexus LC Coupe 500h
The Next-Generation Hybrid
Lexus, which introduced the world’s first luxury hybrid 13 years ago, developed a new Multi-Stage Hybrid System specifically for the LC 500h. Like other Lexus hybrid configurations, the Multi-Stage Hybrid System teams the gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators, but similarities end there. The Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection, and lightweight valvetrain components allow a 6,600-rpm redline, with Dual VVT-i ensuring ample torque across the engine speed range. The new system keeps the planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and also adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission. Working in concert, the two gearsets alter output in four stages to utilize the V6 engine across the entire speed range. In M mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 ratios, giving the LC 500h a highly engaging driving feel and allowing the driver to shift through the ratios with paddle shifters. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to driving conditions and driver inputs. The Multi-Stage Hybrid System allows for more electric assist at lower vehicle speeds, and it enables the LC 500h to operate with the gasoline engine off at speeds of up to 87 mph.
Combined system output is 354 hp, yet that figure does not fully indicate the LC 500h’s
performance potential. In a conventional full hybrid vehicle, engine output is amplified by the electric motor via a reduction gear. With the new Multi-Stage Hybrid System, the power from the V6 engine and the electric motor can be amplified by the 4-speed automatic transmission, generating much greater drive power when accelerating. The LC 500h is the first Lexus hybrid that can spin its rear wheels. It is also the first Lexus hybrid to use a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The battery pack fits neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment and has a high power density, with its 84 cells producing 310.8 volts.
