Stay updated with the latest in the automotive world by subscribing to The Drive’s daily newsletter. Get the most recent car news, expert reviews, and exciting features directly to your inbox. Simply enter your email address to join our community of car enthusiasts.
When it comes to luxury sports cars, the Lexus LC 500 stands out as one of the world's greatest automobiles. Since its debut in 2018, I’ve had the pleasure of driving several models, and each experience behind the wheel of the V8 variant has been more exhilarating than the last. However, my enthusiasm wanes when it comes to the hybrid V6 model.
It appears that I am not alone in my sentiment. A Lexus spokesperson recently confirmed to The Drive that only eight units of the hybrid V6 were sold last year—a telling statistic that likely contributed to its impending discontinuation. In a recent announcement regarding the 2026 updates for the LC 500, the hybrid V6 was notably absent from press releases and spec sheets.
Going forward, Lexus will only offer the V8 model in the United States, with the hybrid variant remaining available in select international markets. The decision to eliminate the hybrid aligns with the dismal sales figures, as it seems Lexus executives have opted to streamline their offerings based on consumer preference.
While it's uncommon to celebrate the departure of a stylish coupe, in this case, I find myself relieved. It’s not often that a car manufacturer prioritizes the superior model over a less popular one. Imagine a scenario where an automaker decides to keep the manual transmission while discontinuing the automatic—this is a similar victory for car enthusiasts.
The 3.5-liter V6 hybrid variant has been criticized for being slow, clunky, and lacking a desirable sound, while the 5.0-liter V8 model has quickly established itself as a future collectible since its launch. Often, exceptional cars get overshadowed and discontinued due to poor sales, but in this instance, it feels like justice has been served.
If you have insights or tips about the automotive industry, feel free to reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com. We value your contributions and look forward to hearing from you!
