2018 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h Interior – Video
The dynamic luxury theme of the exterior is carried through into the LC’s 2+2 cabin. This space is designed to provide sophistication and intricate attention to detail with a driver-focused cockpit.
Cabin design
The area around the front passenger spreads outwards to create a comfortable and welcoming space. In fact, the flowing line of the door trim is an extension of an exterior line that flows from the hood and through the windscreen, building a sense of continuity between the outside and inside of the car.
The driver’s cockpit has been ergonomically designed to instill confidence and invite spirited driving, with an intuitive layout of the controls and an excellent seating position. The driver’s hip point has been located as close as possible to the coupe’s center of gravity, maximizing direct feedback of the vehicle’s dynamic performance. The driver also enjoys an excellent view of the road, uncompromised by the low seating position thanks to the low hood line, the low-profile instrument panel and the location and narrow width of the front pillars. The shallow height of the instrument panel has been helped by the development of compact air vents.
Lexus has ensured getting in and out of the LC is easy and comfortable by providing generous legroom beneath the instrument panel, reducing the height difference between the rocker panel and the vehicle floor, and enlarging the door aperture to provide comfortable head space.
Steering wheel and controls
Particular attention has been paid to the steering wheel design, with a change in the cross-section around its circumference to allow for variations in grip and twisting of the wrist. New, larger magnesium alloy paddle shifters allow for easier hooking with the fingertips and a substantial feel when used.
The instrument panel has a taut and rigid frame that creates a strong horizontal axis. All the principal instrumentation and function controls are contained within its cross-section.
The information displays are arranged in order of importance, with the most critical positioned closest to the driver’s sightline, within the dashboard’s upper display zone. All are positioned at the same height, to reduce the degree of eye movement required for the driver to read them. The instrument binnacle houses the latest development of the thin film transistor (TFT) meter technology introduced in the Lexus LFA supercar, including a moving central ring.
Driving-related switches and controls are arrayed in a control zone that is concentrated immediately around the steering wheel. These include the paddle shifters, steering wheel combination switches, Drive Mode Select switch, starter button and shift lever. The center console features the latest-generation Remote Touch Interface touchpad control, with quick and intuitive operation.
Throughout the cabin the quality and finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing reflect the Takumi craftsmanship and fine attention to detail for which Lexus is renowned worldwide. It can be witnessed in the hand-stitching of the leather-wrapped gearshift lever, the draping treatment of the Alcantara door panel trims, and the discreet use of the Lexus “L” motif in areas such as the face of the analog clock and the tactile raised surfaces of the air vent controls.
Providing the driver with a seat with the best possible combination of support and comfort was a focus point in the development of the LC’s cabin. Chief Engineer Sato himself was involved in the process for developing a new design that went through an exhaustive 50 test cycles.
The aim was to deliver an advanced design with excellent holding performance and superb comfort. Lexus has achieved this with a new two-part construction technique in which the main part of the seatback drapes over the shoulder area of the seat and wraps around the back. To ensure superior lateral support, additional bolstering is provided for the driver’s shoulder blade area, and resin inserts enhance the holding performance of the side bolsters. On the available sports seats, the bolsters are even more substantial, with a focus on keeping the driver’s back in place in high-speed cornering.
Available interior color schemes for the LC include new Bespoke White and Mid Brown shades, together with Lexus’ established Rioja Red and Black finishes. The color options and combinations allow customers to create a distinctive and individual cabin that projects a sporty or luxurious look.
The Bespoke White color is exclusive to the LC, combining a mid-blue finish for the upper door trims, steering wheel, instrument panel and center armrest with contrasting white seat upholstery and vivid orange for the door panels and shift lever surround. The Mid Brown option provides a monotone finish throughout the interior in warm harmonizing shades of brown, producing a highly luxurious effect.