Lexus LC500h Discontinued for 2026: V8 Becomes the Only Option as Hybrid Bows Out

Key Points:

• Lexus quietly discontinues the LC500h hybrid for the 2026 model year
• The naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 in the LC500 remains as the only available engine
• The unique Multi-Stage Hybrid System will no longer be offered
• A limited-run Inspiration Series debuts with exclusive colors
• Lexus is preparing the LFR sports car to succeed the LC lineup in 2027

The End of the Line for the LC Hybrid

After nearly a decade of offering two distinct powertrains in the Lexus LC grand tourer, the Japanese luxury brand has officially retired the LC500h hybrid variant for 2026. The decision brings the LC range in line with customer preferences—leaning overwhelmingly toward the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, which remains available in both coupe and convertible form.

The news was first reported by Carscoops, who noted the absence of any mention of the LC500h in Lexus’s 2026 model year announcement. For enthusiasts, it may be a quiet farewell—but not necessarily an unwelcome one.

A Complex Powertrain That Failed to Catch On

The LC500h was introduced in 2017 alongside the standard LC500 V8. It featured a sophisticated “Multi-Stage Hybrid System”, combining a 3.5-liter V6, a dual-motor hybrid system, and a four-speed automatic transmission—a configuration that made it stand apart from more traditional hybrid setups.

This unique transmission design aimed to create a more engaging and natural driving experience, mimicking gear changes and revs in a way that typical Toyota hybrids could not. Yet, despite its engineering novelty and relative efficiency, LC buyers weren’t seeking out hybrid performance—especially when the V8 version offered greater character, power, and cost-effectiveness.

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2026 LC500: Minimal Changes, New Inspiration

Outside of the hybrid’s departure, the 2026 Lexus LC500 carries over with minimal updates. However, Lexus is introducing a fresh Inspiration Series trim for both coupe and convertible versions.

The special-edition Inspiration Series adds exclusive visual flair:

• 200 coupes and 350 convertibles will be offered in the U.S.
• Coupes wear a sleek Smoke Matte Gray exterior
• Convertibles are offered in a shimmering Wind Pearl White

This limited-run aesthetic package is intended to give the LC a final style statement as it approaches its sunset.

What’s Next? The Lexus LFR Awaits

While the LC still turns heads with its stunning design nearly eight years after its debut, Lexus is preparing for its next-generation sports car, the LFR. This new model is expected to take the baton from the LC, possibly arriving as early as 2027.

Unlike the LC, which balanced grand touring comfort with dramatic styling, the LFR is reportedly positioned to compete more directly with established sports icons like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette. Lexus has already teased its development, hinting at a front-engine layout and performance-oriented engineering that could set a new tone for the brand.

A V8 Farewell—and a Bridge to the Future

In many ways, the departure of the LC500h feels like the natural conclusion to a story that never fully resonated with buyers. The hybrid’s complex drivetrain may have impressed on paper, but in the real world, enthusiasts craved the visceral response of the V8, especially when it came in at a lower price point.

As the LC moves toward its final years, the decision to focus on the V8-only LC500 simplifies the lineup and strengthens the car’s identity as a luxury grand tourer with a genuine emotional core. And for those who appreciate naturally aspirated power, it ensures that the LC goes out on a high note—before Lexus turns the page to its next chapter.

Lexus LC500 (2026) Specifications