Lexus knows how to make a sporty hybrid

The 2019 Lexus LC500h is a sexy, two-door coupe that stuns with sleek lines, high quality and impressive fuel economy.

Styling

The gorgeous design, both inside and out, hasn't aged a bit since its debut in 2017. Especially with chromed, turbine-style wheels, the car looks like it drove right off this year's auto show floor.

Its long and low. Lexus nails the proper proportions you'd expect, and want, in a two-door grand tourer.

At the rear is one of the LC's most eye-catching features: the taillights. Lexus says its design was "inspired by the glow of a jet's afterburners." It's a cool effect, achieved via four separate light bar elements that seem to fade away into the taillight housing.

Another less obvious touch that's worth showing off is the exposed carbon fiber inside the doors. That's used to keep them light weight.

Cabin

As striking as the exterior is the cabin on the LC500h. It's spacious, sophisticated and not only looks high quality, but feels it, too.

Standout features include a pair of integrated passenger grab handles and the flowing, Alcantara (a microfiber material made in Italy) door panels that ripple toward the rear of the car. At night, they're illuminated with ambient lighting.

Because of the car's generous width, front passengers aren't cramped or lacking for legroom. The front, 10-way power seats are comfortable and deeply bolstered. Room in the second row is tight and while the rear seat doesn't flip down, the trunk holds two overnight bags for weekend getaways.

Driving

Where the 500h shines is with efficiency. Underneath is a complex, hybrid powertrain that employs a pair of electric motors, a battery pack, a 3.5-liter V-6 and a combination of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Add it all up and the whiz-bang system puts out 354 horsepower - but the numbers that matter most are its mpg's. The EPA cites figures of 27 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway, far outpacing competitors in the space. During my testing, I averaged 30 mpg in mixed driving.

Outward visibility in the LC500h is great, thanks to tall side windows and narrow front window pillars. Boulevard cruising is quiet and dreamy but throw the big car into corners and it remains planted and firm.

If you're looking to dial things up, you can cycle the driving mode to the more aggressive Sport S and Sport S Plus modes. That produces a sharper engine noise and adjusts the throttle and suspension response for a more dynamic on-road experience.

If you're left wanting even more, you can take it to the next level by getting the V8-equipped LC500, which delivers the same drop-dead looks but with 471 horsepower.

Bottom line

The head-turning LC500h is sleek and stylish and shows that hybrid technology doesn't have to be boring. In this case, it's nothing short of heart-stirring.

• Matt has been writing about automobiles for eight years. Contact him at auto@dailyherald.com.

At a glance

<span class="fact box text bold">Make, model:</span> 2019 Lexus LC500h

<span class="fact box text bold">Price as tested:</span> $100,855

<span class="fact box text bold">Engine: </span>Hybrid<span class="fact box text bold"> </span>3.5-liter V-6

<span class="fact box text bold">City/highway fuel economy:</span> 27/35 miles per gallon

<span class="fact box text bold">Zero-60 mph acceleration: </span>4.7 seconds

<span class="fact box text bold">Wheels: </span>20 inches

<span class="fact box text bold">Exterior color:</span> Nightfall Mica