2026 Lexus LC 500 Kills the Hybrid, Goes Full V8 Samurai With Just 200 Coupes

• Lexus drops the LC 500h hybrid for 2026—only the 471-hp naturally aspirated V8 remains
• Limited Inspiration Series coupe gets Smoke Matte Gray paint, carbon canards, and black-and-white interior
• Only 200 coupes and 350 convertibles are coming to North America
• Pricing stays reasonable, with the coupe starting at $103,150
  

The Hybrid’s Gone, the V8 Lives And That’s Kind of the Point

For a car that’s been around since the late 2010s, the Lexus LC 500 still feels like a special event every time you see one on the road. And now, against all odds and despite the hybrid trend, it’s sticking around for 2026. But not without change.

Lexus has officially killed off the hybrid-powered LC 500h in the U.S. for the upcoming model year. That leaves buyers with just one powertrain option: the naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V8. No turbos, no batteries, just 471 horsepower, 398 lb-ft of torque, and a symphony of intake and exhaust that sounds as refined as it is ferocious.

For many, that’s a win. The hybrid wasn’t exactly a hot seller, only 18 hybrid LC 500s were sold in America last year. That’s not a typo. Just eighteen.

Inspiration Series: Limited Numbers, Maximum Drama

To mark what could be the LC’s final lap, Lexus is bringing out two new “Inspiration Series” trims for 2026—one for the coupe, and one for the convertible. The coupe gets a particularly menacing spec: Smoke Matte Gray paint, forged black wheels, carbon fiber canards and rear spoiler, red brake calipers, and a black-and-white leather interior that looks like it belongs in a concept car.

Only 200 units of this coupe are headed to North America, which is about as limited as Lexus gets outside of LFA territory. And yes, it includes all the goodies—active rear steering, sport seats, heads-up display, and a thumping Mark Levinson sound system.

The convertible gets its own flair too. Called “Wind,” the drop-top version is finished in a pale ceramic-like color with a two-tone brown and silver roof, forged multi-spoke wheels, and a saddle tan interior straight out of a luxury yacht brochure. It’s elegant, a little quirky, and definitely rare. Only 350 units will be available.

2026 Lexus LC 500 Trims and Key Specs

Note: The hybrid LC 500h has been discontinued for 2026.

Bespoke Build Continues—And Comes With a Signature

Lexus is also bringing back its Bespoke Build program, letting buyers create one-of-a-kind LC 500s with custom interior and exterior options, including red or blue soft tops, special wheels, and a choice between comfort or sport seats.

Each car even comes with a washi paper certificate, signed by LC 500 Chief Engineer Yasushi Muto. If that sounds like overkill, it kind of is—but honestly, it’s part of the charm. This car has always been a bit extra.

Still Fast, Still Gorgeous, and Still (Somehow) Affordable

Performance-wise, the LC 500 hasn’t changed. The V8 still does 0–60 in 4.4 seconds for the coupe and 4.6 for the convertible, which is perfectly quick for a rear-drive GT car with no forced induction. And in an era where prices are ballooning like they’re attached to helium tanks, the 2026 LC 500 starts at $103,150 for the coupe and $110,650 for the convertible. That’s not cheap, but it undercuts a 911, AMG SL 55, and even the BMW 8 Series by a healthy margin.

The Last of Its Kind? Maybe. But Not Going Quietly

Lexus hasn’t officially said whether 2026 is the final year for the LC 500, but the writing’s on the wall. The RC F and IS 500 are done. The hybrid’s gone. Buyers are shifting to SUVs. But instead of quietly bowing out, Lexus gave its flagship GT one more act—with carbon bits, dramatic colors, and a roaring V8 that refuses to be silenced.

And honestly? That’s exactly how this car should go out.

Source: Lexus

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