The Lexus LC500 has gained many fanatic hearts for its beautiful design and sonorous 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8. Since its 2017 launch, the LC has additionally been obtainable as a V-6 hybrid, the LC500h, however hardly anybody purchased it. For 2026, Lexus has quietly killed off the hybrid mannequin. If you would like an LC, it’s going to should be a V-8, which to most might be no nice sacrifice.

Carscoops first introduced our consideration to Lexus killing the LC500h. In saying the 2026 model-year LC500 coupe and convertible, Lexus made no point out of the hybrid variant.

Picture by: Lexus

The LC500h featured a novel powertrain that Lexus solely ever used on this coupe and the LS500h sedan. This “Multi-Stage Hybrid System” pairs a 3.5-liter V-6 with two motors and a power-split planetary gearset as in a typical Toyota hybrid (albeit with six cylinders as an alternative of 4). The place the system differs from different Toyota hybrids is by pairing all that with a separate four-speed automated transmission. The concept is to offer a extra typical driving expertise than a typical Toyota Hybrid System, with engine revs rising and falling, whereas additionally retaining a few of THS’s inherent effectivity advantages.

Novel, however luxurious coupe patrons aren’t essentially in search of low emissions and gasoline effectivity. Particularly when the V-8 various provided extra efficiency and character for just a few thousand {dollars} much less.

Apart from the top of hybrid availability, the LC500 is usually unchanged for 2026. Lexus has a brand new Inspiration Collection trim package deal for coupe and convertible, with Lexus planning to make 200 and 350 models, respectively, for the US market. Every Inspiration Collection incorporates a new, unique exterior shade, Smoke Matte Grey, whereas the convertible will get a pearl white known as Wind. 

It would look as recent now because it did eight years in the past when Lexus started manufacturing, however the LC’s days are ending quickly. Lexus is engaged on a brand new sports activities automobile, the LFR, which it is positioning as a front-engine rival to the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911. We’re anticipating that automobile to debut a while early subsequent yr, changing the LC when it goes on sale as a 2027 mannequin.