EARLIER this year, Lexus announced it updated its flagship LC500 coupe with “10 dynamic engineering improvements” to make the big two-door more dynamic and better to drive.

The 10 changes consisted of a reworked transmission tune, extra instrument cowl bracing, new front control arms, altered shock-absorber length, stronger front and rear coils with enhanced spring rates, new stabiliser bars front and rear, lighter rear alloy wheels (21-inch), Yamaha-developed rear performance dampers on the LC500 and Active Cornering Assist.

Inevitably, the upgrades have driven the price up by around $5000 with the V8-powered LC500 checking in at a cool $194,747 plus on-roads while the LC500h V6 hybrid brandishes a $195,165 sticker price.

Unlike other upgrades, the 2020 tweaks to the LC500 were not included as part of a radical facelift – there is literally no visual difference between the updated version and the outgoing one, which in our opinion is a wonderful thing because this is one of the best-looking cars on the road.

Does it have the chops to match though?