Every so often a design comes along that creates a little controversy that does not sit well with the eye. Controversial designs on cars have always guaranteed that today’s offender looks as fresh as a daisy 5 years down the line. Lexus has not been a manufacturer recognised as the maker of exciting motor vehicles and the cars they produce have always been easy on the eye however they seem to age faster than the competition.

Luxury and class with conservative styling bordering on boring has been the hallmark for the past 3 decades or so. In steps the brilliant LFA supercar around 2010 and now feast your eyes on the LC500. Why has it taken Lexus this long to bring their design genius to the fore?

We have started seeing this on their range of SUV’s in the past few years as well. Angular lines and creases creating a boxy design language is certainly showing that Lexus is pushing the design envelope. There is no generic styling philosophy like some of their German competitors and this must be commended. The LC500 has presence that immediately captures an audience and it does not need to be in striking yellow either. Conservative white is equally distinctive and the pictures will never do the LC500 any justice. 

The cabin is a high grade masterpiece which does not match the exterior for its stunning looks however there’s a quality ambience created with the alcantara inserts in the doors as well as the thickly bolstered seats that wrap around you. Lexus is synonymous with quality and this is a given with the LC500. The interior is a special place somewhat extravagant and the digital displays are wide, easily legible and user friendly. The power seats adjust in 10 different ways which makes finding the right driving position childs play. Memory settings for door mirrors, steering wheel and seats together with the digital and analogue display lets you know that nothing is spared in this very well equipped GT.

With more makers moving to smaller engines and turbo charging, when a V8 comes along that’s naturally aspirated, it’s a joyous occasion. The LC500 has the firepower to match those menacing looks. Under that enormous bonnet is a 5.0-litre petrol V8 that produces 351kW. The 10 speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly with the 0-100 km/h coming in at 4.5 seconds and a 270km/h top end. 

This is a GranTourer that will eat away kilometres with ease at an incredible rate. There are 5 driving settings and sport plus will sharpen everything right down to the sound pipes specially designed to make the engine note sound more enhanced within the cabin. Lexus has considered all manner of driving styles, the boulevard cruiser, the red light dragster to the long distance crusher. The LC500 has multiple personalities and can be anything to anybody. Coupled with that incredible exterior, this is a luxurious Gran tourer that punches very high and will mix with the big boys from Germany.