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Cars like the Lexus LC 500 and the Audi R8 are for those that want to eat the most expensive cakes that money can buy and have them too. Both of these luxurious sports cars offer up a healthy dose of performance blended with upper-echelon opulence to form a visceral, but comfortable concoction. If you fit the well-to-do demographic that can afford either of these machines on the used market, then here are a few reasons the LC 500 could be the better choice.

A used Lexus LC 500 is cheaper than the Audi R8

2021 Lexus LC 500 side view in front of a crypt
2021 Lexus LC 500 side angle view in front of a crypt. | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Sure, you can find a used Audi R8 for around $70,000 in today’s current market, but it will most likely be a 2008 model. You can also find a used Lexus LC 500 at the same price point, but it will be 10 years younger. According to a nationwide search on Autotrader, there are plenty of LC 500 models selling for around $65,000 to $70,000, which is a great value for the type of car it is. As an added plus, some of them are even certified pre-owned units.

The LC 500 offers a hybrid powertrain

2021 Lexus LC 500 V8 engine
The V8 engine that’s available in the 2021 Lexus LC 500 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

If you do decide that a used Lexus LC 500 is for you, then we recommend buying the V8 model. However, since gas prices are insane right now, it could make more sense to buy the hybrid version instead. This fuel-sipping counterpart utilizes a V6 engine paired with an electric motor for a combined power rating of 354.

That may be far less than the R8’s 562-hp V10 engine. But considering the LC 500 hybrid can get up to 34 mpg on the highway, that should more than make up for the performance deficit. If it helps, Lexus says the LC 500 hybrid can get to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, which is quick for a hybrid car.

The interior in the Lexus LC 500 has a more subtly elegant look

2021 Lexus LC 500 front interior space
2021 Lexus LC 500 front seat interior space. | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder even when it comes to automotive interiors. However, when comparing the insides of the Lexus LC 500 and the Audi R8, it’s easy to see that the LC has a more elegant design. We like the flowing design on the door panels and simplistic dashboard over the R8’s driver-centric, high-tech appeal.

The LC 500 has four seats

2021 Lexus LC 500 rear seat space
2021 Lexus LC 500 rear seats | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

This one may be a bit of a cheap shot, but we like that the Lexus LC 500 has back seats. They may be virtually unusable by adults and kids, but that area is still good for storing purses and smaller items. In that case, we’ll have to give the LC 500 a little bit of a leg up over the R8.

A used Lexus LC 500 versus Audi R8

An Audi R8 is displayed during Media Days preview at the L.A. Auto Show.
An Audi R8 is displayed during the Media Days preview at the L.A. Auto Show. | David McNew/Getty Images

There’s no doubt that both of these luxury sports cars are great choices for the well-off buyers that can afford them. Both of them provide a super sporty driving experience in addition to a surprising amount of comfort. However, when it comes to these four aforementioned points, the Lexus LC 500 handily beats out the Audi R8.

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