We recently tested the 2023 Lexus LC 500 Coupe and found it a dream – stunning looks, storming V8 power, Lexus quality, and just the feeling of exclusivity. A Lexus to covet, to be sure.
And then Lexus offers us a visit in the 2024 LC 500 convertible. Not only that, thereʻs some significant upgrades in the technology, and a Bespoke Build package – just in case all the above in the coupe wasnʻt enough. So will the drop-top LC create another level of Lexus Lust? Letʻs find out!
Stately Wayne Manners
The first impression you get looking at the LC 500, this is movie-star gorgeous. In fact, our first thought was, this is what Bruce Wayne (Batman) should drive in the movie – the LC convertible looks big, powerful and has real presence.
Back to reality, in the past 5 years, we’ve seen pretty much of an overhaul of Lexus style language, just about every SUV (UX, NX,RX, LX) is new, and the IS sedans got a big refresh. And they all are leaning on being sportier and more emotional. And we have to say, the LC is the design flagship for the brand.
Up front, the LC sits wide and low. While weʻve gotten used to the large spindle grille on other models with varying degree of success, it just fits perfectly on the LC. Itʻs a statement, and a powerful one! Lexus keeps things clean here, the triple beam LED headlamps flow off the fender line, while L-shaped daytime running create a signature thatʻs pure Lexus.
The profile of the convertible makes a different statement than the sleek coupe. The top fits the lines of body, but by being shorter in the roofline, the ʻvert has a more snug, hunkered-down look. There’s a long hood, with a steeply raked roof line the coupeʻs bulging fenders look equally handsome here, as does a deep cut in front of the rear wheels giving a thin waistline.
Thereʻs something about a high-end drop top that just says “hedonism served here.” With that top lowered it makes an even bigger statement – this car looks like it should be cruising Monaco or the French Riviera. Anywhere where the elite go to meet!
While all 2024 LC’s now get 21-inch wheels standard (previously they were 20’s), our drop-top, featured new available 21-inch, forged gloss, black alloys with machined finish. We found the multi-spoke design to add a touch of elegance.
The rearview reinforces the low-n-wide vibe, with slender horizontal taillights, a deep cut-in frames the licensce plate, while a chromed lower fascia creates a beautiful setting for the exhausts. (Pro Tip – the button to open the trunk is hidden in the corner of the right hand tail light.) The finishing touch that reinforced our testerʻs exclusive vibe – the subtle Cloudburst Gray exterior. Tasteful and rich looking!
Bespoke Build Interior
Open the long door, and you’re immediately hit by the sheer beauty, thanks to the customizable Bespoke Build option. The first time offered on the convertible, Bespoke Build allows customers to configure their vehicle with a mix of performance and styling components like the wheels, spoiler, roof and exterior/interior trim and colors.
In our tester, that included a jaw-dropping blue and white interior, with a rich navy on the upper dash, steering wheel, an offering contrasting panels on the seats, door panels and center console. Mixed with an off-white in the lower dash, seats and center console, this is as elegant as you’d find in a Bentley!
To add to that feeling of exclusivity, you also get a unique interior badge, and a certificate of authenticity printed on Japanese washi paper and signed and stamped by LC Chief Engineer Yasushi Muto and Lexus Vice President of Marketing Vinay Shahani. Wow!
That’s all on top of an interior that feels like a perfect blend of sport and luxury. You lower yourself into the supportive driver’s seat – this is a low vehicle – and your eyes sweep the vast expanse of dash. This is also a wide vehicle. A wide center dash separates driver and passenger and creates a snug cockpit-like vibe. Everywhere you touch, the materials feel soft and upscale.
The instrument panel will be familiar to anyone who has driven an F Sport, with a large 9,000 rpm tach taking center stage Looking for access to driving modes? Two “ears” stick out of the instrument binnacle – fingertip close and great for serious driving.
The big news here is an all-new 12.3-inch, high-definition touchscreen display. Replacing the previous 10.3-inch screen, it’s a major step forward, in part because Lexus has ditched the fidgety touchpad that we never liked. There’s still a nice volume knob and tuning roller in the center console, but everything else is easily accessed by the touchscreen. Yay! We’ll also add the LC’s around view monitor system looks great on the big screen, making the large, wide vehicle easy to park.
Okay, if you looked at the pictures, you probably saw the back seat. It’s not really usable except for the smallest child or large Chihuahua. The trunk is actually nicely-sized, especially for a convertible. Still if hauling people or stuff is your thing, you’re probably not looking at an LC.
Massive V8 Power
Driving the LC500 is a thrill.
Like the coupe, power comes from a normally-aspirated, 5.0-liter, V8. While some may wonder about the lack of smaller, turbo engine that’s all the rage these days, we love this powerplant. The numbers impress – 471 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft of torque. And the added advantage of a convertible – you drop the top and you can really hear that big V8 sing through the exhaust, from a deep whump at idle to a nice piercing cry as it winds towards redline. Goosebumps kind of stuff, and deeply addicting.
Teamed to that lovely V8 is a 10-speed automatic, and it’s all you could want in a modern auto, with lightning-quick shifts in sport mode, yet Lexus creaminess in normal mode. And with 10 cogs, you get to hear that lovely engine wind out multiple times. All those gears and power also help the LC rocket away from stops and keep pulling like a freight train all the way up to and beyond legal speeds. All this, and the 18 mpg combined EPA rating means reasonable fuel economy despite that this is a big vehicle with a big V8.
Handling is a nice surprise, too. Thanks to having the Bespoke Build package, the convertible also gets a Torsen limited-slip rear differentail and Yamaha rear performance shocks. Yes, you still get a Lexus-appropriate smooth ride, but push harder and the LC dives into turns, and grips, grips, grips. Yes, most LC500 buyers probably aren’t planning to drive with such brio, but it’s nice to know that it’s available to those enthusiasts who want the elevated capability. Mercedes and BMW buyers take notice!
Do I Need a Superhero-sized Bank Account?
It might help. We’re under no illusions or delusions that this is a car for the average Joe. It’s a statement – as much for an owner, as it is for Lexus itself. It proudly states that the brand is world-class in every way, and it deserves a seat at a very exclusive table. With that in mind, the pricing is not out of line.
Our LC500 tester started at $105,200. Like the Europeans, the options list can be long and tempting. Ours had the gorgeous White& Blue interior, ($1,900), Bespoke Build Package ($5,500) Dark Chrome exterior trim ($650), Machined Finish wheel upgrade ($40), Head-up Display ($1,220) Premium Paint ($500) and Carbon Fiber Door Scuff Plates ($600). Add in $1,150 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $117,660.
If you want to make the same kind of stunning impression, a well-appointed Mercedes SL55 AMG will set you back a cool $162,950. It is a fantastic vehicle – but nearly $50k more? Hmmm. Building up a BMW 840i Convertible comes in at a more reasonable $109,325 – but you will be stepping away from a V8 soundtrack and replacing it with a twin-turbo 6. Still a lovely vehicle, but it seems less special than the Lexus. And yes, we looked at Aston Martin. The DB11 coupe starts at $220,000. We’ll leave that one for Mr. Bond.
Gorgeous looks, magnificient performance and the specialness of a Bespoke Build. The 2024 Lexus LC500 convertible is a stunning acheivement, and very, very, lustworthy!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.