What the 2026 LC500 Actually Is
Here are the key specs and updates:
- Available as both coupe and convertible.
- Engine: a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing ~471 hp. No hybrid option for 2026 — the LC500h has been discontinued.
- 0-60 mph:
• Coupe ~4.4 seconds
• Convertible ~4.6 seconds - Pricing:
• Base coupe starts around $101,700
• Convertible ~ $109,200
• There is a special “Inspiration Series” limited edition (200 coupes, 350 convertibles) with special colors/interior/exterior details. - It is nearing the end of its production run. Production is reported to end after the 2026 model year. A "Pinnacle Edition" / farewell edition is planned for some markets (Japan primarily), with limited units and special finishes.
- Ride & comfort: the LC leans more toward grand touring comfort rather than track-focused performance. Luxurious interior, great materials, striking design, but it’s heavy, braking and handling aren’t hyper-sharp in comparison to some rivals.
Pros: What Makes It Great
Why many enthusiasts think this is one of the best in the GT class:
- V8 Sound & Character
The naturally aspirated V8 is rare these days. It delivers a visceral experience (sound, revs) that turbo/V-8 or hybrid/ev rivals often don’t match. If that’s your thing, it’s hard to beat. - Design / Presence
The LC is widely praised for its styling: elegant, dramatic, timeless. It’s not subtle, but it turns heads. Interiors are well built with attention to detail. For a GT, presence matters. - Luxury & Comfort
Big emphasis on ride quality, comfort, high-quality materials, good tech (infotainment, sound system, etc.). For long drives, this weighs heavily. - Exclusivity & Goodbye Factor
Because it’s one of the last years for this model (especially the non-hybrid V8), there’s an element of “buying the last of its kind.” Limited editions probably will hold some collector appeal.
Cons: Where It Might Fall Short
On the flip side, there are trade-offs. Depending on what you care about, these might be dealbreakers:
- Performance vs Price: For ~$100-110K (or ~$120K with extras/options), there are rivals that deliver more outright speed, sharper handling. If your priority is lap times or track performance, some German rivals or high-end sports cars will outmatch the LC.
- Weight / Handling: The LC isn’t light, and it’s more about comfort than razor sharp cornering. If you want a GT that can double as a sporty car, you might feel like you’re giving up some agility.
- Fuel Economy / Running Costs: Big V8s are costly in terms of fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc. If you drive a lot, those costs add up.
- Small Practicalities: Trunk space is limited. Rear seats are nearly symbolic. Visibility, some ergonomics, infotainment controls have quirks. Car and Driver+1
- Uncertain Future / Resale: Since it's being discontinued (or at least likely), after this production ends parts, support, resale might start to change. Could go either way—rarity helps resale, but diminishing production might hurt support costs.
Is ~$120,000 a Good Deal / “Worth Buying Now”?
Given all that, here’s how I view the LC500 around the $120K mark:
- If $120K includes many options, special edition touches, premium paint / interior, etc., then yes: you’re paying a premium, but you’re getting a prestige, an emotional experience, something rare. If those features are meaningful to you, it's defensible.
- If $120K is for a base or near-base version, then you’re paying significantly above what the MSRP suggests for a starting model. Getting options can push up the price, but there may be better value in rivals or waiting for discounts as the end of production nears.
- Because the production is ending, if you like this car for its design, sound, experience (not because it’s fastest or most techy), then buying now could be smart. You might miss out later.
- But if you’re buying largely on specs & performance, then part of that $120K is for aura, styling, exclusivity, not for raw numbers.
Verdict: “World’s Best Grand Tourer”?
I think the LC500 is one of the best in certain niches: style lovers, V8 enthusiasts, folks who want a car that looks & feels special and you enjoy long drives in luxury. It might not be the best if your priorities are track times, tech-features, fuel economy, or daily practicality.
So whether it’s “the best” depends on your values. If I were you, I’d ask:
- How important is outright speed vs comfort and sound?
- How often will I drive it long distance, vs daily city use?
- Do I care about resale or collector appeal?
- Are there rivals I’d prefer? (BMW 8 Series, Mercedes SL, maybe some exotic sports GTs if you stretch budget)