Lexus quietly dumps the unpopular LC hybrid

In its model range announcement for 2026, Lexus has failed to mention either the LC 500h or a hybrid powertrain. Car & Driver believes that the company plans to discontinue both the coupe and the convertible over low demand.

The LC 500h debuted in the United States with a 3.5-liter V6 and dual e-motors making a combined 360 PS (355 hp / 265 kW). Despite its flagship status, it ran the standard 0-60 mph (0-96.6 km/h) sprint in a sluggish 4.7 seconds and couldn’t go any faster than 250 km/h (155 mph).

Customers bought nearly 1,500 Lexus LC coupes and convertibles with the classic 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the United States last year. Over the same period, the company had only found 18 buyers for the hybrids. The situation was hardly much better in 2023 with 1,724 and 37 units sold, respectively. In 2022, Lexus managed to move 19 hybrids.

While the 500h may be as good as gone, the main LC 500 lineup continues with a new special edition called Inspiration. It features a custom exterior complete with new finishing options, front bumper canards and a rear wing and comes loaded with premium options. Only 200 coupes and 350 cabriolets will be made.

Earlier rumors claimed that Lexus was ready to bury the standard gas-powered LC 500 next to the failed hybrid. It’s still technically possible, because they said it would happen after the model year 2026 is out. In fact, the Inspiration Edition may be the company’s means of saying farewell to the model.