Lexus in Europe has revealed a raft of updates to the brand’s LC grand tourer flagship for 2024, including updated technology and a sportier Ultimate Edition. The 2024 LC will begin production for the European market in May 2023, except for the LC Ultimate Edition which will begin production in September. CarExpert understands the updated LC will arrive in Australia before the end of 2023.
The LC500 Ultimate Edition is the newest addition to the lineup and features a particular Takumi-tuned version of the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8.
While Lexus hasn’t detailed outputs for this engine, it says the V8 has been specially tuned for a “smoother rotation feel” and a “high-quality sound”. It and the rear differential have also been tuned for “enhanced acceleration response”. The Ultimate Edition is available in both coupe and convertible body styles and features racing-inspired canards on the front bumper and a black carbon rear wing.
It’s finished in matte Hakugin White paintwork with a satin lacquer topcoat, inspired by traditional Japanese porcelain and the Lexus LFA. The white contrasts with various elements finished in black, including the grille, headlight surrounds, bumper garnishes, and mirrors.
Ultimate Edition models have a Kachi-Blue interior, said to be inspired by threads used for samurai armor, with Alcantara used on the console and door trims. The car’s serial number is placed on an aluminum plate in front of the shifter, and there are also sill plates labeled “Limited Edition”.
As for the wider LC range, Lexus claims it has improved ground contact feel and steering response with a series of “incremental” improvements to various components.
These include the front engine mounts, suspension coil springs, under-body braces, and rear suspension members. Lexus has also tweaked the tuning of the shock absorbers and altered the stabilizer spring rates, among other changes. On top of technical changes, the most notable upgrades are found inside the cabin.
In lieu of the frustrating infotainment trackpad in the current model, the 2024 LC will adopt the brand’s new infotainment system with a high-definition 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
The infotainment system supports spoken commands, activated by saying “Hey Lexus”. The loss of the trackpad has seen Lexus reorganize the switches on the center console, which also features an aluminum knob for the sound system. Lexus Link smartphone app connectivity allows you to lock and unlock doors and control climate settings remotely before getting in the car.
Other interior tweaks include carbon sill plates in Sport Package models and new upholstery choices.
The passenger side of the dash is also finished in the same material as the instrument panel, instead of the old acrylic trim. Both the convertible and coupe variants will be offered with new two-toned interior color schemes: blue and white with blue highlights on the steering wheel, gear shift, and lower door trim; or a deep red ‘DK. Rose’ with black highlights. Additionally, new exterior paint options have been added. These comprise Heat Blue Contrast Layering and chromatic Sonic Copper.
Three new forged wheel designs are available: one 20-inch, the others being 21-inch. The suite of active safety and driver assist features in the LC has been upgraded, with the pre-collision system now featuring daytime cyclist detection.
There’s also an intersection turning assist, while emergency steering assist makes small corrective steering inputs to prevent lane departure. The cruise control setting is now also equipped with curve speed reduction to regulate the car’s speed according to bend radius.
Lexus has also made a surround-view camera standard across the range. The Lexus LC was revealed in 2016 and went on sale in Australia in 2017. The convertible followed a couple of years later. Globally, Lexus continues to offer a choice of two powertrains: a 5.0-liter V8, and a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. The latter is available only as a coupe.
