Lexus has officially discontinued the LC 500h, the hybrid variant of its flagship grand tourer, marking the end of the model’s run following the 2025 model year. While recent announcements highlighted updates for the 2026 LC 500 coupe and convertible, the petrol-electric LC 500h was conspicuously absent, its quiet departure a reflection of dwindling interest and underwhelming sales.
Industry reports confirm that the LC 500h will not return when the refreshed 2026 LC series reaches showrooms. This decision makes the LC one of only a handful of Lexus models that will not feature an electrified powertrain next year, as the brand continues to expand its hybrid and electric offerings elsewhere in the line-up.
Despite offering clear efficiency advantages, the LC 500h has struggled to find a foothold among buyers. In the first half of 2025, Lexus recorded just seven sales of the hybrid LC, a stark contrast to the 783 units sold of the V8-powered LC 500 coupe and convertible during the same period. Full-year figures from 2024 paint a similarly dismal picture: only 18 LC 500h units were sold compared to 1,446 LC 500s. This weak demand stands out even more considering the broader success of Lexus hybrids across its other model lines.
The LC 500h’s underperformance may stem from its limited availability. Unlike its V8 counterpart, which is offered in both coupe and convertible form, the hybrid was only available as a coupe. However, more significantly, the target demographic for a flagship luxury sports car appears to favour performance and emotional appeal over the hybrid’s green credentials.
The LC 500h featured a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain paired with a unique transmission setup, a combination of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a traditional four-speed automatic. This configuration provided a more engaging throttle response and stronger torque delivery than a conventional CVT. The powertrain produced a respectable 354 horsepower and delivered a combined fuel economy of approximately 8.1 litres per 100km, far better than the LC 500’s 13 litres per 100km from its 5.0-litre, 471hp V8 engine.
Nevertheless, Lexus customers consistently gravitated towards the raw performance and distinctive auditory presence of the naturally aspirated V8. For many buyers, the hybrid’s more restrained personality and quieter character did not align with the emotional experience they sought in a luxury grand tourer.
With the hybrid model gone, the LC range will move forward in 2026 powered exclusively by internal combustion. Alongside the IS sport sedan and GX 550 SUV, it will be one of the few Lexus offerings without a petrol-electric variant.
While the LC 500h’s discontinuation may not surprise industry watchers, questions now turn to the future of the entire LC line-up. Rumours suggest that the LC coupe and convertible may be phased out altogether after the 2026 model year, potentially ending one of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant chapters in Lexus’s history. If these whispers prove true, it would mark a significant shift, not just for Lexus, but for enthusiasts who have long admired the brand’s rare blend of elegance, performance, and artistry in the LC.
