Welcome to the era of the Lexus Bespoke Build - an era that elevates the brand to whole new playing field with next-level customized luxury. Case in point, the first-ever Bespoke Build program for the brand's flagship performance coupe the Lexus LC 500. As showcased on my test drive model this week, the 2022 Lexus LC 500h Coupe. Trust me, if driving up doesn't wow your neighbors (which it will), showing them the interior will. Not even my previous - all excellent - experiences behind the wheel of LC 500 models prepared me for such an incredibly crafted vehicle.
Customization is one of the hottest trends in the luxury automotive world today - something Lexus recognizes with its new Bespoke Program. The first-ever LC 500 Bespoke Build model, based on the Sport package, is custom-made to a driver's specification. There are numerous customizable options, from colors to wheels to the spoiler, roof and more. Each model also receives exclusive badging and a certificate of authenticity.
My example showcases many custom features available for the Bespoke Build. They include a carbon fiber roof and all-new Manhattanhenge interior color, both exclusive to Bespoke Build. Others options, the carbon fiber air wing spoiler and 21-inch forged black alloy wheels with Black finish, were previously only available on the LC Inspiration Series.
The Sport Package on which the Bespoke Build is based includes a Torsen limited-slip rear differential with Yamaha rear performance damper, high mu performance brake pads and Intuitive Parking Assist (which helps you not bump into things while parking.) The all-weather package with heated steering wheel is also standard.
The LC 500h is a gorgeous, sleek, sophisticated coupe that looks stunning in an attention-grabbing Cadmium Orange metallic exterior hue with dark chrome window molding. A unique dark gray chrome mesh grille spans the front flanked by Lexus' excellent triple-beam LED headlights.
The sides sport electrochromic outside rearview mirrors, puddle lamps and sleek, exterior door handles that pop in and out. The roof appears to float - a look created by the LC 500's large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars. This model is equipped with the available carbon fiber roof and carbon fiber Air Wing Spoiler (from Inspiration Series #5). The whole look is incredibly sleek and performance-minded.
The LC 500h is equipped with Lexus' Multistage Hybrid system that teams a 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors for a combined 354-horsepower. (The non-hybrid has a V8 with 471- horsepower.) The system is paired with a planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and adds a four-speed automatic transmission. In M mode, you can use the steering wheel paddle shifters.
The LC 500h may have less horsepower than its V8 sibling, but don't tell it that. As part of the LC 500 performance family, it can still accelerate and its retuned Sport + mode will get your adrenaline pumping. Sport+ also gives you the sharpest steering response and loudest exhaust note (keeping in mind this is a hybrid.) I can't leave out the stellar performance of the LC 500h's performance brakes with aluminum calipers.
Interior
The LC 500h's Bespoke Build interior in exclusive Alcantara/Manhattenhenge with Satin Metallic trim is jaw-dropping. Everything is impeccably crafted from the Alcantara draping on the door panels to the hand-stitching on the leather-wrapped gear knob.
Special attention much be given to the exclusive 10-way power heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather front seats. They are out-of-this-world comfortable and look incredible. They are built with a unique two-part construction in which the seat back drapes over the shoulder area and wraps around to the back. Lexus says components in the shoulder area help hold the driver securely in cornering maneuvers.
Aluminum pedals greet the driver's feet. But be aware that there's not a lot of headroom which could be an issue for those on the tall side.
You certainly won't miss the heated steering wheel (or the headliner for that matter) awash in Manhattenhenge orange. Above it, a familiar 8-inch LCD TFT multi-information display displays driver and hybrid information. The drive mode control sits a little out of reach above the steering wheel and to the right of the TFT.
A Bespoke Build-badged center console hosts the hand-stitched leather-wrapped gear shifter, brake hold, Lexus remote touch interface and EV mode.
Some cool interior features worth noting: instead of a typical door lock that pops up and down, in its place there is a light that turns green when you hit the door unlock button. Lexus also integrated grab handles into the design for the passenger.
An available 13-speaker 915-watt Mark Levinson surround sound system is outstanding.
The back seat is equally as impressive in its design, luxury materials and placement of Mark Levinson speakers. But it’s not big and ill-suited for passengers. Cargo space is what you expect for a coupe. You’ll find the battery pack under the cargo floor, so no spare.
This Bespoke Build model is also equipped with the optional carbon fiber scuff plates.
The LC 500h's non-touchscreen display is hidden behind glass. The 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen displays navigation and a backup camera (though a larger camera view is on my wish list.) The system, operated via steering wheel or the Lexus’ remote touch interface pad, integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and HD Radio. Lexus' Dynamic Voice Command and Dynamic Navigation are among my favorite systems. You’ll also access the heated steering wheel and heated seat controls through the multimedia system. There are no physical buttons. The Bespoke Build is also equipped with a head up display.
Lexus Safety System+ comes standard on every LC 500 and LC 500h for 2022. It features Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is standard and includes features such as Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection. All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is also included, and works great in highway traffic, speeding up and slowing down depending on the car in front of you. Intelligent High Beam Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also standard.
The LC 500h's ride is everything you expect of a rear-wheel-drive luxury performance coupe. Lexus enhanced the LC 500's suspension for 2022 to improve handling and the ride is quite smooth. The word "gliding" came to mind. The Bespoke is also equipped with a Yamaha Performance damper. The LC 500h delivers confident, connected to the ground, stability thanks to its 4,400+ plus weight and nearly, but not quite, 50/50 weight distribution. The steering radius is on the wider side, as opposed to a tight U-turn.
Driver engagement is excellent thanks to Lexus' new Lexus Driving Signature. However, don’t expect super tight cornering, though the amazing sport bolster semi-aniline leather seats would suggest otherwise. They are superb!
As you'd imagine a car like this doesn't come without a triple-figure price tag. The Bespoke Build Package custom-build badging comes with a $3,690 price tag to start. Then come other available options that include the Alcantara/Manhattenenge interior ($3,600), air wing rear spoiler ($2750), 21" wheels ($1850), carbon fiber roof ($2400), Mark Levinson sound system ($1220), special paint color ($595) and more. Add it all up and this price for this Bespoke Build example tops $118,000.
The Lexus LC 500h Bespoke Edition elevates Lexus to a whole new playing field. This is a gorgeously crafted customized coupe inside and out and worth every penny of its triple figure price tag. If you prefer more horsepower, that's easily accommodated by the non-hybrid model.
Correction: This review was updated to reflect this model is equipped with a Carbon Fiber Air Wing Spoiler (from Inspiration Series #5) and not a speed-activated spoiler.