A V8 grand tourer with a production end date, a first minivan sold across Asia, Europe, India and Australia, and a six- or seven-seat SUV built for North America only.
The Lexus LC is a V8 or hybrid grand tourer built at Toyota's Motomachi plant, the LM is Lexus' hybrid luxury minivan sold outside North America, and the TX is a six- or seven-seat three-row SUV sold only in North America since September 2023.
Lexus has announced that production of the LC 500 coupe and convertible ends in August 2026, with 2026 the final model year for North America. The car that leaves the line was assembled in the same plant, by some of the same craftsmen, as the LFA supercar. Beside it in the range sit two very different newcomers: the LM minivan and the TX three-row SUV.
What is the Lexus LC?
The Lexus LC is a grand tourer from Toyota's luxury division, based on the 2012 LF-LC Concept and shown to the public at the 2016 Detroit auto show, formally the North American International Auto Show. There it took over from the SC coupe, a car built between 1991 and 2010. According to Lexus, LC stands for Luxury Coupe.
Development ran from 2011 to 2016 under the codename 950A. The concept was drawn at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, and shown at the 2012 Detroit show. In January 2013 the design work moved to the Toyota Technical Centre in Aichi, Japan, and the production design was frozen in the first half of 2014. The production LC 500 arrived at the same Detroit venue in January 2016, four years after the concept, and the hybrid LC 500h followed in Geneva that February.
The LC ends in 2026, the LM never reaches North America and the TX never leaves it: three Lexus models with very different homes.
How is the Lexus LC built?
The LC is assembled at Toyota's Motomachi plant, which also produced the LFA. Toyota reconfigured the factory for the car and finished the entire facility's interior in white. The first example was completed on 23 April 2017, after series production started that March.
The Takumi master craftsmen behind the LFA did not move on: a good number now handle the LC's carbon fibre parts, leatherwork and paint. Underneath, the LC is the first Lexus to use the front-engined, rear-drive Global Architecture - Luxury platform, known as GA-L, which it shares with the full-size LS sedan. The platform mixes high-strength steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, and it was designed to cut mass, improve front-to-rear balance and keep the centre of gravity low.
Run-flat tyres remove the need for a spare, and the car's battery lives in the boot to help weight distribution. Suspension is a multi-link layout with double joints and a forged aluminium upper arm. Because the double joint sits lower than a conventional single one, the whole assembly needs less height. The nose carries a version of Lexus' spindle grille with a gradient mesh, and unlike on other Lexus models the top of the grille has no chrome surround.
What powers the LC 500 and LC 500h?
The LC 500 uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 and a ten-speed automatic; the LC 500h pairs a 3.5-litre V6 with two electric motors. Lexus claims 4.4 seconds for the LC 500 from rest to 97 km/h (60 mph), and quotes system output of 264 kW for the hybrid.
The V8 is the 2UR-GSE, an updated version of the engine used in the RC F and GS F. It combines direct and port fuel injection with Atkinson cycle operation and variable valve timing, and torque peaks at 540 N m (398 lbf ft) at 4,800 rpm, while power peaks at 351 kW (471 hp; 477 PS) at 7,100 rpm.
The hybrid is more interesting mechanically. Its 3.5-litre 8GR-FXS V6 makes 220 kW (295 hp; 299 PS) and 356 N m (263 lb ft), and two electric motors add 132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) and 300 N m (220 lb ft). Combined output is 264 kW (354 hp; 359 PS), with about 500 N m of torque. A small lithium-ion pack, rated at 44 kW and 1.1 kWh, can move the car for 6 km (4 miles).
How does the LC 500h gearbox mimic a ten-speed?
The Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid system puts a four-speed automatic inside a continuously variable transmission. The four-speed gives the electric motor's torque stepped access, so the car behaves much like one with a ten-speed automatic instead of the rubbery feel of a conventional continuously variable unit.
Picture a bicycle with a smooth, gearless drive that someone has fitted with four click-stops. The driver still gets the smoothness of a variable ratio, but the engine revs rise and fall in familiar steps. The result functions much like a ten-speed automatic.
What is the LC Convertible?
The LC 500 Convertible debuted at the LA Auto Show on 20 November 2019, following an earlier concept. Its four-layer fabric roof can be raised or lowered on the move, at up to 50 km/h (30 mph). Neck heaters, a clear polycarbonate wind deflector and Active Noise Control (ANC) round out the package.
The concept car wore 22-inch wheels and white leather with gold stitching, and Tadao Mori was its chief designer. It weighed more than the coupe, so top speed and acceleration times dropped slightly.
Where has the LC raced and appeared?
Lexus turned the road car into the LC500 GT500 for the Super GT series from 2017. It replaced the RC F GT500, which raced from 2014 to 2016, and made its debut at the 2017 Okayama GT 300km. From 2017 to 2019 it won 14 of the 24 races it entered.
In 2020 the Toyota GR Supra took over its GT500 slot as the new Class One rules arrived and the Supra name returned. For 2023 APR built the LC500h GT, a GT300 car using the same hybrid system as the Prius GT300 it replaced. Lexus also supplied LC500s for the car chase in Marvel Studios' Black Panther, filmed in South Korea, and made two Black Panther Editions with a mask decal on the bonnet, blue paint, lighting under the body and 24-inch wheels.
What is the Lexus LM?
The LM is Lexus' luxury MPV and the first minivan the brand has made. Introduced in 2019, it has been built in two generations, both with varying degrees of relation to the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. LM stands for Luxury Mover.
The first generation, code AH30, made its debut on 16 April 2019, at the 18th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, and reached customers in China on 20 February 2020. It was built on the third-generation Alphard but was slightly longer, at 5,040 mm (198.4 in), with stronger structural components and extra soundproofing, including dual-pane windows. A new suspension used Swing Valve technology.
Buyers could choose a seven-seater based on the Alphard Executive Lounge, or a four-seater called the Emperor Suite, based on the Royal Lounge. The LM 300h used a 2.5-litre 2AR-FXE hybrid four-cylinder, while the LM 350 carried a 3.5-litre V6. That generation sold in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and several Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam. Although it was built in Japan, it was not sold there.
How is the second-generation LM different?
The second-generation LM, code AW10, arrived at the Shanghai Auto Show on 18 April 2023. Its bodywork and model code are separate from the Alphard and Vellfire, it is hybrid only, and for the first time it was offered in Europe, Australia, India and Japan. North America does not get it.
The latest spindle grille is hexagon-patterned, the badge leaves the grille for the bonnet, and blacked-out A-pillars create a floating-roof look. Inside, Lexus introduced Rear Climate Concierge, which brings together control of the air conditioning, sunshades, lighting and seat position. Heated armrests and ottomans were also firsts for the brand, and a 48-inch rear screen is available.
Buyers choose between the 350h and the 500h, and Lexus' Direct4 electric four-wheel drive can be added. Output is 184 kW (247 hp; 250 PS) for the 350h and 273 kW (366 hp; 371 PS) for the 500h, from the A25A-FXS and T24A-FTS engine families that serve several GA-K platform models. Configurations are four, six and seven seats, in Black, White, Beige or Red.
Where is the LM sold?
The LM rolled out market by market through 2023 and 2024. The second generation is the first LM available in several countries beyond China and Southeast Asia, though it stays out of North America.
- Spain: late May 2023. UK: August 2023, as the LM350h FWD, LM 350h AWD and LM350h Takumi 7-seater.
- China: LM 350h in August 2023, with the 500h four- and six-seaters planned for the November 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show.
- India: August 2023, with bookings from 24 August.
- Thailand: 1 September 2023, the first ASEAN debut. Indonesia: 2 October 2023, at the Gaikindo show.
- Japan: on sale 19 October 2023 as the 500h Executive only, with the six- and seven-seaters to follow later. A Modellista styling kit adds a front lip spoiler, side skirts and 19-inch wheels.
- Australia: regulatory approval in June 2023 and launch in December 2023.
- Malaysia: 27 May 2024, with a seven-seat 350h and a four-seat 500h.
What is the Lexus TX?
The TX is Lexus' mid-size luxury crossover, a three-row SUV that has been in production since September 2023. Lexus sells it only in North America and has no plans to export it to Europe, Asia or anywhere else. It replaced the RX L and is the brand's only three-row crossover.
Lexus revealed the TX on 8 June 2023, alongside the J250 GX. Its TNGA-K platform, which supports front- or all-wheel drive, is shared with the Toyota Grand Highlander and the mid-size Highlander and Kluger. Lexus says the platform gives a low centre of gravity and good weight distribution, and it used welds and adhesives through the main frame to raise rigidity and reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup are used, with wider tracks than before.
How practical is the TX?
The TX seats six or seven. In row two buyers pick captain's chairs or a 60:40 folding bench; row three is a 50:50 split bench. With every seat up there is 20.2 cubic feet (570 L) of boot space; with the third row down, 57.4 cubic feet (1,630 L); with both rows down, 97 cubic feet (2,700 L).
A 14.0-inch multimedia display is standard, with wireless smartphone mirroring, built-in navigation and wireless charging. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display is standard, an optional head-up display is available, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo can be specified. Safety kit runs from Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection to Road Sign Assist, with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist in between, and an Advanced Park package is offered. Traffic Jam Assist is available by subscription.
The TX 350 can be had in every trim, from Base through Premium and Luxury to F Sport Handling. The 500h is limited to Premium and Luxury, and the 550h+ to Luxury alone. Interior colours are Peppercorn, Birch and Black, depending on grade.
Which TX powertrain suits which buyer?
Three powertrains are offered. The TX 350 gets a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder rated at up to 275 hp (279 PS; 205 kW). The 500h is a hybrid with 366 hp (371 PS; 273 kW), and the TX 550h+ is a plug-in hybrid with 404 hp (410 PS; 301 kW) and an all-electric range of 33 mi (53 km).
The 500h uses the same engine as the 350 with a 1.4 kWh, 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery and two motors of 75 kW and 63 kW. The 550h+ swaps in a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, an 18.1 kWh, 355.2-volt lithium-ion pack, and motors of 75 kW and 133 kW. For the 2025 model year Lexus added an F Sport Handling trim to the TX 350 with the 500h's front fascia. Adaptive Variable Suspension, standard all-wheel drive and exclusive 22-inch wheels come with it, along with aluminium pedals and F Sport interior styling.
How do the three Lexus models line up?
| Model | Engine | Output |
|---|---|---|
| LC 500 | 5.0 L V8 | 351 kW (477 PS) |
| LC 500h | 3.5 L V6 hybrid | 264 kW (359 PS) |
| LM 350h | Hybrid, A25A-FXS | 184 kW (250 PS) |
| LM 500h | Hybrid, T24A-FTS | 273 kW (371 PS) |
| TX 350 | 2.4 L turbo four | 205 kW (279 PS) |
| TX 500h | 2.4 L turbo four hybrid | 273 kW (371 PS) |
| TX 550h+ | 3.5 L V6 plug-in hybrid | 301 kW (410 PS) |
When does LC production end, and where do the LM and TX sell?
For the LC the timeline is fixed: Lexus says production of the coupe and convertible ends in August 2026, and 2026 is the last model year in North America. The TX has no announced export plans, and the LM remains absent from North America.
In Japan, Lexus said the LM would at first be sold only as the 500h Executive, with the six- and seven-seat models available at a later date. Between the hybrid-only LM, the plug-in TX 550h+ and the hybrid LC 500h, the range already leans on electrification.
