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The MotorBiscuit review team gave the Lexus LC 500 the “Best Driving Experience” award for 2021 because we felt it provided a thrilling and comfortable drive that no other cars on the list had. To further our point, we’re driving the 2023 model this week and fell in love with the car’s driving dynamic all over again. Here are five key points to illustrate our infatuation with this affordable supercar.

1. The 2023 Lexus LC 500 has a potent V8 that sounds and feels amazing

The V8 engine in the 2023 Lexus LC 500
2023 Lexus LC 500 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Lexus didn’t change much for the 2023 model year, meaning the LC 500 is still powered by the same 5.0-liter V8 engine that we know and love. There is an option for a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, but we have yet to experience that model. For now, we’ll continue to gush over how great the V8 is.

For starters, the eight-cylinder engine makes 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to push you back in the seat when accelerating heavily. According to Lexus, the LC 500 can reach 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds, which is quick for such a large car.

In the real world, all the power can be felt as the engine works its way up the RPM band. But what makes it even better is the sound coming from the exhaust. It sounds amazing and makes us want to floor the throttle every time, but we can’t.

2. The Lexus LC 500’s interior is more spacious than you think

2023 Lexus LC 500 front seats
2023 Lexus LC 500 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The Lexus LC 500 is technically a 2+2 seater because it has a back seat. However, that back seat area is only good for storing purses or small backpacks because there’s no way a full-sized can sit back there comfortably.

Rear seat aside, the LC 500’s interior is more spacious than you would think. There’s plenty of head and legroom for the driver and passenger, which could make long trips surprisingly comfortable.

3. The rich materials and textures provide an elegant environment

2023 Lexus LC 500 shifter
2023 Lexus LC 500 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Speaking of the LC 500’s cabin, the interior surface and textures are very nice. There’s plenty of Alcantara suede on the dashboard and door panels, as well as soft leather seats – as you would expect. There’s

4. The LC 500 is easy to cruise around in

A side view of the 2023 Lexus LC 500
2023 Lexus LC 500 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Although racing around in the Lexus LC 500 with a heavy right foot is a blast, it’s also an easy car to cruise around in. The cabin is quiet at every speed, and it’s hard to detect much road noise from the large 20-inch tire/wheel setup. The large V8 engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that allows for steady low-speed cruising. Overall, the LC 500 feels more like a luxury cruiser than a sporty coupe. We shouldn’t be too surprised since it is a Lexus, after all.

5. It’s easy to get in and out of

Another reason the Lexus LC 500 provides an excellent driving experience is that it’s easy to get in and out of. Tall drivers may have a little trouble with the low roof line and steering wheel, but overall, the ingress and egress in the LC 500 are better than expected.

We wouldn’t hesitate to take a long trip in a 2023 Lexus LC 500

All things considered, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a grand touring car that’s comfortable for daily errands but sporty enough for a race track. Additionally, although the LC 500 isn’t really a long-distance commuter, we wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a long road trip. It would be hard to keep from flooring the gas pedal.

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