Lexus LC on the Brink as Sales Struggle

Despite its eye-catching design, luxurious interior, and a rare naturally aspirated V8 engine, the Lexus LC has quietly struggled in the market. And now, the numbers are telling a hard truth: the LC simply isn’t selling.

With fewer than 15,000 units sold in the U.S. since its launch, and a hybrid version that barely moved 248 units in its entire lifetime, Lexus has begun pulling the plug. The LC Hybrid has already been discontinued for the 2026 model year — and unless something changes, the rest of the LC range could follow.

What You Need to Know

• Only 14,000 Lexus LC units have been sold since its 2017 launch in the U.S.
• In 2024, just 1,464 units were sold — slightly below the prior year’s 1,761.
• The LC Hybrid sold only 248 units total, with just 7 sold in the first half of 2025.
• The hybrid model has now been officially discontinued.
• Lexus continues offering the V8 LC in 2026, including an Inspiration Series.
• The model’s fate remains uncertain due to its consistent underperformance.

A Stunning Car That Never Caught Fire

From the start, the Lexus LC was a statement piece. It launched in 2017 as a luxury grand tourer unlike anything else in the Lexus lineup. Available as a two-door coupe or convertible, it immediately stood out thanks to its sleek proportions, futuristic lighting signature, and concept-car vibes.

Inside, it matched expectations with a finely crafted, driver-focused cabin. Quality, design, and comfort were all there. But what truly made the LC unique was under the hood — a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, a rarity in today’s turbocharged, hybridized, and downsized world.

Still, none of that translated into sales success.

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

LC Sales: A Steady Decline

Sales have hovered consistently around 1,500 units per year in the U.S., with the only major spike occurring in 2021 when 2,782 units were sold. Even that bump wasn’t enough to reverse the overall trend.

Here’s a breakdown of LC sales in the U.S.:

While these figures don’t look catastrophic for a niche GT, the LC Hybrid’s numbers are another story entirely — and arguably the main reason behind its discontinuation.

The LC Hybrid: A Sales Disaster

The hybrid version of the LC was introduced in 2018 with a 3.5-liter V6 paired to two electric motors. However, its performance and driving experience fell far short of its V8 sibling. The hybrid made 345 horsepower, compared to 471 hp from the V8, and used a dated 4-speed automatic in combination with a CVT — a compromise that dulled the overall experience.

As a result, buyers avoided it almost completely.

Given these numbers, the writing was on the wall. Lexus officially confirmed this week that the LC Hybrid is discontinued as of 2026. As we at ActuCars previously reported, this move was expected — but now the underlying sales data confirms why.

Still Time for the V8… For Now

Lexus hasn’t completely pulled the plug on the LC — at least not yet. The LC 500 V8 remains in production and will receive new Inspiration Series trims for 2026. These include exclusive colors and limited production runs: just 200 coupes and 350 convertibles are planned.

This move seems like both a celebration and a sendoff. While not officially a farewell, the limited numbers and slow sales trajectory suggest the LC line as a whole may be living on borrowed time.

A Beautiful Exit?

The Lexus LC stands as one of the last great grand tourers powered by a naturally aspirated V8. It combined stunning design with rich craftsmanship and thrilling dynamics. But in the brutal world of automotive sales, beauty alone isn’t enough.

Unless something drastically changes, the LC — much like the LC Hybrid — may quietly fade away. A niche car loved by a few, but never embraced by the many.