2024 Lexus LC 500 0-60 Time: Slower Than Its Design Would Suggest

By: Max F. Arellano / April 07, 2024

The 2024 Lexus LC 500 0-60 time is 4.7 seconds for both the coupe and convertible trims and 5 seconds for the hybrid 500h trim.

While certainly faster than most cars, its quite slow for its segment, and performance enthusiasts can get more bang for their buck elsewhere.

Lexus LC 500 0-60 Time & Specs

LC 500

 
• 0-60 Time: 4.7 seconds
 
• 1/4 Mile Time: 13.0 seconds
 
• Engine: 5.0 Liter V8
 
• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
 
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
 
• Body Type: Coupe
 
• Horsepower: 471 HP
 
• Torque: 398 lb-ft

The LC 500 coupe features a 5.0 liter V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, which propels it to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Lexus claims its 0-60 time is 4.4 but no reputable source has reproduced that figure.

It's available only with rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, with no other engine options.

The vehicle has retained its original powertrain since debuting in 2018 and has not undergone significant design alterations. Consequently, it has experienced no improvements in acceleration performance.

LC 500 Convertible

 
• 0-60 Time: 4.7 seconds
 
• 1/4 Mile Time: 13.1 seconds
 
• Engine: 5.0 Liter V8
 
• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
 
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
 
• Body Type: Convertible
 
• Horsepower: 471 HP
 
• Torque: 398 lb-ft

The LC 500 Convertible was introduced in 2021 and features the same powertrain as the coupe. Reports have it achieving the same 0-60 time as the coupe, at 4.7 seconds.

LC 500h

 
• 0-60 Time: 5.0 seconds
 
• 1/4 Mile Time: 13.8 seconds
 
• Engine: 3.5 Liter V6 + Electric
 
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
 
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
 
• Body Type: Coupe
 
• Horsepower: 354 HP
 
• Torque: 369 lb-ft

Lastly, the 500h model utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine, being less powerful than the V8, naturally leads to a reduced performance, as evidenced by its slower 0-60 time.

The 500h has been routinely criticized for feeling unresponsive and lacking the appealing engine note of the V8. It's not even great on gas mileage either, at 26 mpg. You're also not saving any money as its $3,000 more than the coupe.

Needless to say, it should be avoided.

LC 500 0-60 Time vs Rivals

A high 4 second 0-60 time seems good until you realize that the LC 500 costs around $100,000 and brands itself as a luxury sports car. Within this segment, that are much more performant options, which really exposes that the LC 500 is more about luxury than sport.

BMW M850i xDrive Coupe

 
• 0-60 Time: 3.4 seconds
 
• 1/4 Mile Time: 11.7 seconds
 
• Engine:  4.4 Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8
 
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
 
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
 
• Body Type: Coupe
 
• Horsepower: 523 HP
 
• Torque: 553 lb-ft
 
• MSRP: $104,000

The M850i xDrive is only slightly more expensive than the LC 500, and improves the 0-60 time by almost a second and a half. It also offers a convertible option which gets to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T

 
• 0-60 Time: 4.0 seconds
 
• 1/4 Mile Time: 12.2 seconds
 
• Engine:  3.0 Liter Twin-Turbocharged Flat 6
 
• Transmission: 7-Speed Manual
 
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
 
• Body Type: Coupe
 
• Horsepower: 379 HP
 
• Torque: 331 lb-ft
 
• MSRP: $118,050

There are many 911 trims available, but not all of them get track tested, so we'll go with the cheapest option that does, the Carrera T.

The Carrera T comes standard with a 7-speed manual, an option unavailable for the LC 500. It achieves a 0-60 time of 4 seconds, again, considerably faster than the LC 500.

There is a convertible option available for the base Carrera; it costs $127,000 and Porsche estimates its 0-60 time to be 4.2 seconds, which is likely conservative.

If you're wondering how the LC 500 is unable to best the 911, even though it offers significantly more horsepower,  the answer lies in the car's weight. At around 4300 lbs, the LC 500 weighs half a ton more than the 911, which is obese for the segment.

Cheverolot Corvette Stingray 1LT

 
• 0-60 Time: 3.3 seconds
 
• 1/4 Mile Time: 11.5 seconds
 
• Engine:  6.2 Liter V8
 
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
 
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
 
• Body Type: Coupe
 
• Horsepower: 490 HP
 
• Torque: 465 lb-ft
 
• MSRP: $66,300

Lastly we have the Corvette Stingray, which is $30,000 cheaper than the LC 500 and absolutely crushes its 0-60 time, achieving 3.3 seconds both in the coupe and convertible variants.

This is just the entry-level 1LT trim as well. If you get the Z51 package which adds a performance exhaust, the 0-60 time drops to below 3 seconds.

Conclusion

While the LC 500 gets routinely praised for its aesthetically pleasing exterior, luxurious interior, and beautiful engine note, it leaves too much performance on the table given its premium price tag. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lexus goes 200 mph?

Currently, there's no Lexus model that is advertised to achieve exactly 200 mph, but the LFA, produced from 2010 to 2012 was able to achieve a top speed of 202 mph.

What is the top speed of an LC 500?

The LC 500 is known for a top speed of approximately 168 mph. This performance characteristic makes it one of Lexus' high-speed models, though specific top speeds can vary slightly depending on the version and the year of manufacture.

How much horsepower and torque does the Lexus LC 500 have?

The Lexus LC 500 is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, offering 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Lexus LC 500 rare?

While not as rare as limited-production supercars, the Lexus LC 500 is considered more exclusive than Lexus' more commonly produced models, due to its positioning as a luxury sports coupe and its higher price point. Its production numbers are modest compared to Lexus' staple models, making it a rarer sight on the roads.