Sometimes it's better to be in the front seat rather than chauffeured around in back. In the case of the Lexus LC500, there is no better place than I'd like to be but in the driver's seat of this new beauty, available now at Lexus of Milwaukee. 

A grand-touring coupe, but really, just what is it? Read along as we peel back the layers.

A grand touring sports coupe, the Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h hybrid are 2+2 sports cars that feature luxury and technology in one taut and elegant package. Seriously though, even with four seats inside, the rear seat is only suitable for a child seat, a pet or the results of a recent shopping spree. 

The LC twins are powered by a buyer's choice of 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It has a ten-speed automatic transmission sending all its power to the rear wheels. This sweet-sounding thoroughbred manages to push the LC 500 from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. The LC 500h hybrid includes a 3.5-liter gasoline/electric hybrid engine that pumps a net total of 354 horsepower to the rear wheels through a continually variable transmission (CVT). It's one of a few sports coupes able to achieve fuel economy to the tune of 27 city/ 35 highway miles per gallon.

The refined powertrain and the coupe's good looks add to the LC 500 glimmer twins' allure. It only gets better when you consider the high-quality standards, robust resale value, and incredible dependability. 

As the most dramatic example of a sports car on the road today, the Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h are two of the most successful designs to leave the Lexus studios. Featuring a "spindle grille" that looks right in this application, the LC includes complementary designs, shapes and materials that convey the feeling of motion even while it stands still. 

Based on the LF-LC concept car, the LC 500 left some of the design touches behind but came to the show with many of the good parts still intact. The result includes amazing new features, including the first-ever 3-D taillight effect and new signature LED headlamps. And in case you were looking, there is no difference between the LC 500 and the LC 500h, save for the badging. 

Driver-oriented inside, the Lexus LC 500 offers a pair of front seats that will keep driver and passenger firmly-ensconced regardless of whether you are hurtling down the Interstate or testing your mettle on the twisties of the "Tail of the Dragon."  (Google it). The equation's business side finds all necessary controls within reach, including the touchpad that operates the Mark Levinson Audio System, Navigation and Apple CarPlay. 

There is a long list of standard features included on the LC models, including 20-inch alloy wheels, navigation, an active sport exhaust, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, Wi-Fi and a 10.3-inch infotainment display. Lexus Enform Remote is on board to enable smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Amazon's Alexa system. 

One thing is certain. Safety tech is included. A full range of driver assists including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, active lane keep assist, automatic high-beams and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. 

Do you say you want more? We've got it for you. A Lexus LC Performance Package includes variable-ration steering, rear-wheel steering, and 21-inch wheels. Add to this package other features, including a carbon-fiber roof, speed-activated rear wing and sport seats to round it out.

New in 2021 is a Lexus LC 500 Convertible. This sport coupe allows you to go topless through the fall and nearly into winter thanks to the heated seats. This al-fresco hot-rod uses exclusive V8 power from the 5.0-liter mill, and uses a 4-layer roof that goes up or down in 15 seconds. Because it no longer relies on its roof for stiffness, it has been structurally-strengthed front and rear for additional torsional rigidity. Finally, it has a pair of pop-up rollover bars if the car senses a possible flip-side excursion. 

Firing up the LC finds a car acts in harmony with its driver. Everything inside is calibrated to those behind the wheel, whether it's the push on the pedals or feeling the right amount of resistance from the steering wheel. When combined with the suspension, which "learns" your driving style, you'll feel the LC is actually talking to you. It makes for a very compelling ride. 

The twisties are where the Lexus LC 500 really shines. Built on a firm platform, the LC 500 offers a compliant but not bone-jarring ride, which is just the feel you would expect from a grand-touring sport coupe. Buyers of the hybrid LC 500h will find nearly the same ride. Still, they may find it not as sharp, owing to the smaller engine and lower placement of the lithium-ion batteries to power the electric motor-generator.

It's just the vehicle you need for a few hours of highway hijinks on the Autobahn of your mind. And it's available today at Napleton's Lexus of Milwaukee. Please call our LC specialists for more information and a test drive today.