The Lexus LC continues to be one of the most underrated GTs on the market today. While the V8-powered Lexus often blends into the background when compared with rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even higher-grade models like the Maserati GranCabrio and its coupe counterpart the GranTurismo. It has inner charms that beg to be explored if you’re willing to get to know it better. That includes the 2024 LC 500 Bespoke Series which adds a pinch of custom flavor to the LC experience.
Copper Crest paint draws plenty of stares to the LC
The 2024 Lexus LC lineup doesn’t change too much from the outgoing 2023 model with the exterior styling carrying over largely intact. That includes the sleek styling of convertibles like our tester with the droptop shining in the sun when the soft top is fully lowered. Instead, it’s the finer details that change but only if you go for a “Bespoke Series” model. Going for this option gives buyers access to color combinations and interior hues that are simply not found on the standard LC. This includes the attractive Copper Crest color of our tester with the hue attracting plenty of stares and a few questions from various passersby.
The 21-inch 10-spoke wheels are also exclusive to the Bespoke Series and they contrast the Copper paintwork quite nicely and are arguably the best choice when viewing the wheel options that Lexus has for the model. The front end still has its large spindle grille with the headlights continuing to be an exercise of design and function. The profile is still classic GT with the long flowing front end being complimented by a short and stubby rear. While some might say that the LC is starting to look a bit dated, it still looks modern in our eyes especially when paired with certain paint colors and other exterior adornments.
LC interior still has the goods
Slip inside the interior of the LC and you’ll find that Lexus has made some significant updates that go beyond the Bespoke appointments. A new 12.3-inch infotainment system pitches the old touchpad controller setup and instead embraces a more user-friendly touch control layout with the software also being updated to be faster and slicker than before. The built-in Lexus Safety System also gets emergency evasive steering assist and intersection collision avoidance tech while front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera feed also become newly standard.
Look past all the new tech though and the cabin is still an excellent place to stretch out and relax especially with the top down. Our tester had a white/blue nautical theme with the leather seats delivering excellent support and great long-haul comfort. a special plaque by the shifter identifies an equipped LC as a member of the Bespoke series and the nifty plaque is certainly better to show your friends than the cramped rear seats. They still are there just for show and are best left for children or cargo in the event the capable trunk needs some assistance in hauling your stuff.
V8 power is always fun
Performance for the 2024 LC lineup continues to come from two engines. While a smaller hybrid equipped V6 is available, our tester arrived with the throaty 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 which is what most LC buyers will go for anyway. The engine itself is unchanged and as a result, it still produces 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic continues to be the lone transmission available and while the gearing here ensures that the LC is not the speediest GT in the world, it’s all about the broader experience.
The V8 makes crisp sounds when pushed hard and hearing it with the top down adds a unique level of driver enjoyment while also making you forget about the powerful premium sound system. Just as well since Lexus doesn’t use any digital trickery to cheat its way into a glorious exhaust note with the sound being all-natural. To help drive home this point, Lexus installs a small tube that pumps some of the noise directly into the cabin. Fuel economy is best left to the hybrid model but the V8 is and will always be about the driving experience.
The LC is a big car at the end of the day and that’s evident in its handling manners. The steering is excellent but you sometimes feel the LC’s weight when going through corners and this encourages drivers to not force it through turns (the car will audibly protest when its time for the driver to back off) and instead go through them at its own pace. Do that, and the LC rewards occupants with supple handling and a smooth demeanor that goes far beyond what you see in a mere Toyota Corolla.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2024 Lexus LC starts at $99,800 which will get you into a base LC coupe. A convertible model commands a healthy premium with those models starting at $107,300. The Bespoke Series is the range-topper of the family but it might not be easy to spot that at first with this version of the LC being cheaper than the $121,900 Inspiration Series model.
This brief bit of confusion is eliminated once you begin formally customizing the Bespoke Series with various options and other extras pushing the price up very quickly. In the case of our tester, it still managed to undercut the Inspiration but not by much with our tester arriving with an as-tested price of just over $117,000. Load up on optional extras and that price can exceed its Inspiration counterpart.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.