It's not every day that you get the keys to a car that makes you want to jump out of bed every morning. The car I'm referring to is a dashing-looking soft-top convertible with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Here's my verdict on the Lexus LC500 convertible after using it over the summer holidays.
2024 Lexus LC500 Convertible
The Lexus LC500 Convertible is a good-looking grand tourer packing a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Remember that? Yes, they still exist.
However, it is quickly becoming rare, I can't remember the last time I drove a vehicle that had a V8 engine and was that powerful. It's not just about what's under the hood of this car, as there's a lot to like about the Lexus LC500 convertible.
Firstly, it looks very handsome. OK, looks are a personal preference, but it's safe to say that this bold GT has a unique look and is undoubtedly an eye-catcher, even more so with the Infrared finish on this test car.
I met a lot of people during my time with this car, and that's because I stopped at servos, coffee shops, shopping centers, you name it. Everyone seems to love them, and it makes me wonder why I see so few of them on the road.
In addition to the sleek design, there is an added beauty to sailing with the roof down. The sensation of a cool breeze blowing through the cabin, proudly stepping out of the car with messy hair.
This is a fun and enjoyable Lexus – a car that has the power to trigger emotions with the simplest of tasks. Whether you start it, rev it, upshift, downshift, take off at the lights, or open the roof – the LC is a driver's car and a delight for the senses.
The Lexus LC500 was first launched in 2017 for the 2018 model year, and the convertible will join in 2021. There are three variants to choose from – LC500 V8 coupe, LC500h hybrid coupe, and LC500 V8 Convertible.
It's no surprise that the coupe is the best seller, but with just 70 LCs across the range delivered in 2023, this model remains a fairly rare sight on Australian roads.
In late 2023, Lexus updates the LC coupe and convertible for the first time in two years, resulting in price increases and new equipment across the lineup. We'll get to the price, but first, here are some of the standard features you can expect in this model.
LED headlights with dusk sensing function and automatic high beams, 21-inch forged alloy wheels, 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display, semi-aniline leather-accented front seats, power-adjustable steering column, sport pedals, heated steering wheel , 'easy access' front seat slide function, three-year Lexus Connected Services subscription, illuminated opening door handles, and more. See our pricing and specifications article for additional information.
The Lexus LC500 competes with the BMW 8 Series and the new Mercedes-Benz SL.
How much does a Lexus LC500 Convertible cost in Australia?
The Lexus LC500 range starts with the coupe, which starts at 204,635. Next in line is the hybrid, starting at $212,727, and finally, the convertible, which has a starting price of $218,242.
With the latest update in 2023, Lexus is raising prices across the board, with the flagship hybrid up $19,704. Both the entry-level coupe and convertible models are up $4704.
The upgrades on the flagship model are too high, which is due to Lexus now equipping it with equipment from the previously optional Enhancement Pack as standard – although the package remains a $15,000 extra on the LC500 coupe.
By comparison, the BMW 8 Series convertible is priced at $212,600 for the 3.0-liter 840i, while the Mercedes-AMG SL costs $374,900, albeit only in the AMG twin-turbo 430W version.
Note that the above prices do not include road charges.
Important details 202X
Price is $218,242 plus travel costs
Infrared test car color
Options None
Price as tested was $218,242 plus travel costs
Drive away price $242,684 (Melbourne)
Mercedes-AMG SL Rival | BMW 8 series
How much space does the Lexus LC500 Convertible have?
Simply put, there isn't much space. To be fair, this is a two-door sports car, so I don't think you're buying it for space and practicality.
However, there's enough space for two people, with plenty of legroom and ample storage up front. The front row gets two cup holders, which are best suited for coffee cups and smaller bottles, as larger, thicker drinks bottles won't work. What's more, the bin door is narrow, so a standard Mount Franklin water bottle can only fit sideways.
There's no charging pad, but instead a slim compartment where you can place your phone vertically. In terms of charging, you get two power outlets in the center console, which can be easily accessed by rear passengers.
The center compartment is large, but oddly not double-hinged, so passenger access is limited.
The back seat is a big question mark, it is better used as a storage shelf or place for your pet. It's nearly impossible to fit adults in the back unless they're sitting almost sideways, and front passengers are happy to put their feet under the glove box with their heads resting on the dash.
For the purposes of this review, I asked for a few willing volunteers to assess space and comfort, particularly the rear.
My brother, who is 193 centimeters tall, felt comfortable on the front passenger side, but to fit him, his seat was pushed to the second row of seats. My cousin is 175cm tall and sits behind me, which means I have to adjust my sitting position until I feel very unwell.
Legroom is tricky, but headroom is a bigger concern in the back, as the neck starts to hurt. To make the journey bearable, we had no choice but to open the roof and block out the raindrops.
So, road trips are better served by two adults, and the second row can serve as additional storage. I say this because the trunk is compact, offering 149L of cargo space.
For comparison, the SL offers 240L, while the 8 Series has 280L.
20 24 Lexus LC500 convertible
Seat Five
149L boots
Length 4770mm
Width 1920mm
Height 1350mm
Wheelbase 2870mm
Does Lexus LC500 Convertible have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Lexus LC500 gets Apple CarPlay, both wired and wireless, along with wired Android Auto. It also has DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
Connecting your smartphone to Bluetooth or CarPlay is a quick and seamless process via the updated infotainment system.
This updated model comes with a new-generation 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (up from 10.3 inches), along with a revised and excellent 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, plus a three-year subscription to Lexus Connected. Service. This allows owners to check recent trip history, fuel level and vehicle location, or open/close windows and unlock doors via a smartphone app.
The system is much more intuitive than the previous generation, eliminating the haptic touchpad and offering a much more user-friendly touchscreen. There's also an 8.0-inch digital instrument display, and while it doesn't look particularly modern, it's clear and easy to navigate.
Although Apple CarPlay connected smoothly, even after I restarted the car, it wasn't good news.
There have been countless instances where I've made phone calls via Apple CarPlay, (both wired and wireless), and the system has completely crashed. This is something that can't be fixed on the move, meaning I had to pull over and reboot the system, which took about five minutes.
My Spotify would come back on, but my phone calls wouldn't reconnect to the system, and the screen would freeze frequently. So there were many trips without taking a call, but there was a silver lining – enough time to enjoy the impressive stereo system. Luckily, this doesn't happen every day, just randomly over a three week period.
Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that not all functions are operated via the touchscreen. Lexus has kindly provided physical buttons and dials, something many manufacturers use on new vehicles. The climate control buttons are well placed, plus there's a volume knob, as well as buttons to access the seat and steering heaters.
Is the Lexus LC500 Convertible a safe car?
Like many sports cars, the Lexus LC500 has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
TAC's How Safe Is Your Car website rates the LC500 Convertible 7/10 for safety features at a glance.
What safety technologies does the Lexus LC500 Convertible have?
The Lexus LC500 is equipped with many standard safety features. These include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, road sign assist, (speed signs only), lane tracking assist, automatic high beams, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, six airbags , tire pressure monitoring, a 360-degree camera system and an active rollbar that deploys when a collision or rollover is detected.
The lane tracking assist isn't abrupt like most vehicles tend to forcefully pull you back into the lane, but instead beeps repeatedly. That's enough for me.
I found the automatic high beams to be a bit too active, tending to activate when I didn't need them. This is quite a meaningful function, but something I needed to be aware of when driving through city streets, which are dark but often busy.
The panoramic camera is excellent. Not only does it give you a close-up view, but there's also a video option that rotates the car, so you can see all angles from a bird's eye view. Interestingly, the color of the car can also be changed with 10 color choices available.
What's more, cruise control is easy to use on the steering wheel.
How much does it cost to maintain a Lexus LC500 Convertible?
Lexus provides a five-year vehicle warranty with no kilometer limits.
Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Service is capped at $695, the equivalent of $3475 over five years or 75,000km.
When purchasing an LC500, customers gain access to the top-tier Lexus Encore Platinum benefits program which includes benefits such as free valet parking visits at select shopping centers Lexus loan vehicles on request in Australia and New Zealand (usage limits apply), Ampol fuel offers, exclusive events , auto loan services, and Lexus drive care, which provides 24-hour roadside assistance and basic mechanical assistance.
Meanwhile, to insure a Lexus LC500 convertible, our preferred insurance company quoted almost $6700 based on comparative quotes for a 35 year old man living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates will vary based on your location, driving history and personal circumstances.
20 24 Lexus LC500 convertible at a glance
Five year guarantee, unlimited km
Service interval 12 months or 15,000km
Service fee $1390 (3 years)
$3475 (5 years)
Is the Lexus LC500 Convertible fuel efficient?
With a large 82L fuel tank, I didn't spend as much time on the bowser as I expected.
Lexus quotes 12.7L/100km, and after I used the car, I averaged 13.8L/100km. That figure drops after a long highway stint, with a record low of 13.5L/100km.
My first refill cost close to $160, and I only had a quarter tank of gas left.
I didn't spend much time at all in Eco mode, but Sport and Sport+ modes certainly did the trick. Since I've had the car for three weeks, I've driven it in a variety of conditions, mainly in the city, but I've also done quite long stints on the motorway, including two trips from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula.
What's the Lexus LC500 Convertible like to drive?
The LC500 convertible joins the list of some of the most interesting and fun cars I've ever tested as an automotive journalist.
Unfortunately, I don't get to use the soft top as often as I'd like (thank you, Melbourne weather), but it's always nice to know that the option is just a push away.
The thrill of starting it every morning never fades, greeted by the harmonious rumble of the naturally aspirated 5.0-lite V8 engine. The engine and 10-speed automatic transmission are an exemplary combination, always smooth and refined, whether you're driving at low or high speeds.
The power is incredible, it's felt from the moment you step on the accelerator, and with 351kW and 540Nm, getting off the line and overtaking quickly is a breeze.
It's true, during takeoff, there were times when I had to glance at the speedometer to make sure I was in control. The power this car has is truly extraordinary, capable of accelerating from 40km/hour to 100km/hour without a hitch.
Having said that, it's a tourer and absolutely brilliant. Even if you just want to open it on the highway or a twisty back road, this car still offers great enjoyment just cruising along at 30km/h in first gear. Proof that this is an everyday driver's car – something you can enjoy on both long and short trips to the supermarket.
The V8 offers a scintillating exhaust note that emits from the engine and can still be heard with music playing. What's more, the cabin insulation is so impressive that you can easily carry on a conversation with passengers with the roof in place without having to raise your voice.
The build quality of this car is excellent, so it's no surprise that Lexus managed to perfect the soft top execution. With just the press of a button, the four-layer fabric cover takes just 15 seconds to unseal, and can be operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
With the roof in place, the sleek sporty design hampers rearward visibility, as the rear windshield is small. Plus, creating the perfect driving position doesn't take long, providing a great view over the hood as well as the side of the car.
The Lexus LC500 is equipped with five driving modes – Sport, Sport+, Normal, Comfort and Eco. The gear ratios are very tight, making it easy to stay in the engine's peak power range, but making it difficult to adhere to the 50km/h speed limit around town.
Take it out on the open road, however, and the Lexus will shine. At any speed and in any gear, the car offers a relentless power delivery.
What's more, the ride is sublime, with no noise or jolts on harder surfaces. In fact, ride handling is impressive for a performance-oriented car, and thrives on twisty roads.
The advanced traction control system lets you lean into corners with confidence, much more sharply than you'd expect in a 2000kg vehicle. However, with power injected from the rear, this car can squirm a bit when wet or when exiting a corner at too high a speed.
The car is equipped with an excellent head-up display, which shows your speed, speed sign recognition and rev limiter. Additionally, if you use the map function, directions will appear in your eyeline, showing turn-by-turn directions and the distance to the next turn.
It doesn't take long to get used to sitting low, as Lexus has mastered the execution of this tourer – a comfortable, luxurious and refined machine with a charmingly wild edge.
Important details 20 24 Lexus LC500 convertible
Engine 5.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine
Power 351kW @ 7100rpm
Torque 540Nm @ 4800rpm
Drive type Rear wheel drive
Transmission 10-speed torque converter automatic
Power to weight ratio 170.8kW/t
Weight (curb) 2055kg
Spare tire type Tire repair package
Spinning a 10.8m circle
Should I buy a Lexus LC500 Convertible?
If you have money! It's no secret that this car is expensive, and many say it's too expensive for a Lexus. But don't forget that Lexus is a luxurious and reliable brand.
For a manufacturer known for its impeccable hybrid drivetrains, I applaud Lexus for offering something so unique in its product lineup. And this isn't just an afterthought; Instead, it's a well-executed and stylish vehicle that offers excellent drivability, a great engine, and great standard features.
If you can't afford a Mercedes-Benz SL or Porsche 911 but want something fun and performance-focused, I think you should give it a try.
How to buy a Lexus LC500 Convertible – next steps?
I tested the convertible for this review, and although it meets many of the criteria in terms of features, performance and style, it is the most expensive in the range.
As mentioned, the entry-level coupe is the best-seller in the lineup. So, if you're shopping for a stylish tourer with the ability to get a lot cheaper, then this is your choice. But only if you're willing to sacrifice the soft top and opt for a coupe.
Each Lexus LC500 convertible is built to order and generally takes around 6-12 months, depending on specifications.
