Springing for a Lexus LC is like making an impulse buy with strategy and common sense. Known for its sterling dealer service and impeccable long-term reliability, Lexus makes splurging on a $90,000 sports coupe a smart decision. 

Lexus may not be known for offering emotional products, but the LC luxury sports coupe is an extremely fast, extremely stylish exception to the rule. Lexus

Despite its dependable reputation, Lexus injected a wild side into its LC 500. Squeezing the throttle, the coupe lunges forward while the 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood starts to growl. With so many engines turning to turbochargers or superchargers, this old-fashioned V8 is a reminder that forced induction isn’t always a good thing.

For a blend of speed and eco-friendly credentials, the LC offers a hybrid model—the LC 500h—that’s good for 354 horsepower. While it doesn’t match the sound and fury of the naturally aspirated V8, the gas-electric V6 combo is still plenty quick and returns an impressive 27 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway. Those numbers wouldn’t look out of place attached to a Camry midsize sedan, much less a sports car with these lines and that much power. 

The LC boats feature opulent leather-lined interiors, but upgrading to the Touring package adds perforated-leather seating, a Mark Levison surround sound audio system and a synthetic suede headliner. Lexus

It’s clear that Lexus engineers intended to create a mature sports machine with the LC. It has steering and suspension controls that make every drive a serene experience. A Porsche 911 has sharper handling and an Acura NSX is quicker around a racetrack, but the Lexus LC 500 is an exhilarating and extremely user-friendly sports car. 

If only the same thing could be said about the infotainment system. While the cabin has cutting-edge style and is filled with high quality trim, the trackpad on the center console is maddening. A normal touchscreen would be vastly better and it’s curious why Lexus insists on using this awkward interface. There also are concessions to be made when it comes to space in the rear seats and the tiny trunk. Even if adults fit in the back comfortably, the 4.7 cubic feet of cargo space does not benefit carpooling. It’s probably best if the second row is reserved for the luggage that won’t fit in the trunk. 

The V8-powered LC 500 and hybrid LC 500h come identically equipped except for the powertrain and the presence of a standard rear spoiler as well as hybrid badges on the LC 500h. Lexus

The Lexus LC, in either standard or hybrid format, comes only with rear-wheel drive. Many rivals offer at least offer the option of all-wheel drive. But Lexus loads the LC with a hoard of standard safety features—automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts—that give it a leg up on competition. 

At the end of the day the seductive shape of the Lexus LC is what will attract buyers. It’s a gorgeous car that makes a bold entrance everywhere it goes.