Closing week, Lexus launched a spate of updates to the engaging LC 500 coupe and convertible for 2026, nevertheless it didn’t make any level out of the gas-electric LC 500h. That’s because of the hybridized hardtop is ineffective after the 2025 model 12 months. In accordance with a report from The Drive that we independently confirmed with Lexus representatives, the LC 500h just isn’t going to return to the company’s lineup when the 2026 LC arrives at vendor showrooms, which suggests the sporty two-doors may be among the many many few Lexus fashions to not provide an electrified powertrain.
The Hybrid Suffered From Extraordinarily Sluggish Product sales
The demise of the LC 500h mustn’t come as an extreme quantity of of a shock, given it was far and away the least widespread Lexus automotive provided in current occasions. Through the first half of 2025, the company solely found properties for seven hybrid LCs, as compared with the 783 V8-powered coupes and convertibles it provided within the similar time interval. The story’s nearly as bleak for full-year 2024 product sales, all through which Lexus moved 18 LC 500hs in distinction in direction of 1,446 LC 500s – this no matter sturdy hybrid product sales normal. The low demand would possibly stem from the reality that Lexus solely offers the hybrid V6 500h as a coupe, whereas the V8-powered 500 is out there in every shapely coupe and glamorous convertible sort components. However it is additional seemingly that the echelon of purchaser in the hunt for a flagship sports activities actions automotive just isn’t as impressed by a hybrid’s inexperienced credentials.
To wit, the LC 500h provided a commendable 29 miles per gallon blended from its electrified 3.5-liter V6 – as compared with merely 18 blended for the LC 500 – and the hybrid moreover makes an affordable 354 horsepower between the gasoline engine and two electrical motors. Effectivity is even pretty brisk, as a consequence of a novel electrical CVT/four-speed computerized transmission combination that offers additional direct throttle response and bigger torque multiplication than a regular CVT. However it seems as if Lexus LC shoppers nonetheless uncover the seductive soundtrack and rev-happy thrust of its 5.0-liter, 471-hp V8 additional fascinating than the hybrid, which is objectively efficient nevertheless subjectively lacking.
Lexus’ Expansive Hybrid Lineup Shrinks By One
In reality, the demise of the LC Hybrid implies that the rest of the coupe lineup may be inside combustion–only for 2026. The LC should be one amongst solely three Lexus fashions to not provide a gas-electric variant for the 2026 model 12 months, alongside the IS sport sedan and GX 550 SUV. After that, however, it’s anyone’s guess as to the LC family’s future. The sporty coupe and convertible are rumored to get the axe utterly after the 2026 model 12 months, which may be horrible data for aesthetes all over the place.
The forthcoming Lexus LFR might scratch regardless of itch the LC’s potential departure conjures up, notably given its powertrain might combine hybrid thrust with the sultry singing voice of the 5.0-liter V8. At its debut on the Goodwood Pageant of Tempo ultimate weekend, the Toyota GT Coupe thought – extensively believed to be the premise for the LFR – made fairly music all through its run up the hill, which suggests whether or not it’s actually a hybrid, it should avoid the future that befell the LC 500h.