2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible 5.0L V8 10AT (471 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After almost a decade of absence in the open-top premium luxury segment, Lexus tried to conquer its lost ground with the LC 500 Convertible that it launched at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2021 model year.

Lexus tried to compete in more areas of the premium market, and besides its SUVs and luxury sedans, it also tried to get a slice out of the convertible segment. As a result, in 1991, it launched the SC 430 and made it until 2010 in two generations. But in 2010, it stopped production since sales were not very significant.

Moreover, the world financial crisis affected the automaker, and it had to ditch its hard-to-sell models. But in 2019, Lexus made a comeback with the LC 500 Convertible, a model that tried to attack the BMW 8 Series convertible and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class convertible. The new model offered a competitive and luxurious alternative to those vehicles.

The convertible version of the LC 500 carried over most of the design elements from its coupe sibling. As a result, the front fascia featured the same spindle grille design and the organic, swept-back headlights. From its profile, the LC500 Convertible revealed thick A-pillars for the windshield and a slightly raised waistline behind the cabin.

On the rear quarter panels, at the lower side, the automaker added air intakes that channeled airflow around the rear wheels and reduced turbulences. Finally, at the back, the LED taillights mimicked the headlights’ design with a three-spike shape. Underneath the bumper, two rectangular exhaust trims adorned the apron in front of the actual pipes.

Inside, Lexus tried its best to create a luxurious cabin fit for two adults. Even if the car featured two seats in the back, there was actually no legroom for someone to sit there. The front sports seats were offered as standard, and there was a special package for premium sports seats that offered aniline leather and high bolstered area for comfort and side support during high-speed cornering. On the center console, the automaker placed the buttons and touchpad for the infotainment system and, under a flip-up cover, the buttons for the fabric roof.

Unlike its predecessor, the LC500 Convertible featured a four-layer rag top that could be opened or closed at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) in about 20 seconds. The instrument cluster featured a digital display for the speedometer inside the tachometer. On its visor, Lexus placed the controls for the driving programs and the traction control settings. As for the trunk, the Lexus LC 500 was not very generous, offering just 149 liters (5.3 cu-ft) of space.

Under the hood, Lexus installed its 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine. It was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission that sent all the oomph to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.