Bar none, the LC 500 is the best vehicle Lexus makes right now. This gran-tourer checks all the boxes of what a Lexus is known for: the interior feels exquisite, build quality is rock solid, the silky V8 loves to sing, and it looks simply stunning. On top of all that, the 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is an absolute steal compared to its European counterparts. What’s not to love?
You only need one glance to know the LC 500 Convertible is special. Say what you will about models like the UX and NX, but the LC proves Lexus can make a stunning car if they really want to, and I have no doubt the LC will be a classic decades from now. The slick lines and curves flow front to back, looking clean and sinuous, and you can’t help but look back every time you park and walk away. Most convertibles look okay at best with the roof up, but not the LC 500; it looks good with its soft top open or closed. With a wide stance and low height, the LC 500 is the complete opposite of every other blob-shaped crossover littering our roads.
Step into the LC convertible and you’re greeted by an exquisite interior. Our tester’s two-tone blue-and-white colour combination was a major talking point, on top of an overall design looking like nothing else in Lexus’ lineup. There is a level of elegance, attention-to-detail, and craftsmanship that BMW and Mercedes-Benz currently miss out on, with their tech-heavy and corporate looks. Lexus is known for making a high-quality interior, but the LC goes all-out with some of the best materials anywhere. Everything that looks soft is soft, all the knobs and switchgear look and feel expensive, and nothing squeaks or rattles. It’s more than what we could say about the Mercedes-AMG SL 63.
Regardless of whether you go coupe or convertible, all LCs are technically have four seats, but the back seats are best suited for cargo. Anyone seated up front taller than six feet eliminate any and all usable legroom behind them. For 2024, the Lexus addresses the LC’s biggest issue, replacing its clumsy touchpad-based infotainment with a far less frustrating 12.3-inch touchscreen. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and pumps out the tunes through a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
But you’ll really just want to keep listening to the engine. One very important item Lexus left untouched — and for the better — is the LC’s 5.0-litre V8 under the hood. It’s rated at 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. These numbers aren’t earth-shattering, but those numbers don’t tell the whole story.
This naturally aspirated beast of an engine is silky smooth, but switch the LC into Sport+ and it wakes up. The roar it makes when you wring out the car is literally music to your ears, and using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel coaxes a loud, intoxicating crack with each shift. As responsive as the paddle shifters are, leave the 10-speed automatic to shift for itself and it fades into the background.
Beyond the engine, the LC convertible exhibits impressive driving dynamics. Even with the roof open, the LC feels rigid, and body roll and chassis flex are barely perceptible. It toes the line between sporty and comfortable; steering is light but feels good, the suspension soaks up bumps and rough pavement well, and the ride is hushed with the top up. Even with the top down, there’s less buffeting than you’d expect, making it easy to carry on a conversation. You should have no fear using this as a daily driver.
Lexus still offers a hybrid powertrain with the LC coupe, but the convertible is V8 only. It’s rated at 16.0 L/100 km in the city, 9.5 highway, and 12.7 combined. I managed a better-than-expected 13.6 L/100 kilometres, mostly in Sport+ and making that sweet V8 sing. Sure, the hybrid may be more efficient, but you know what? Ever since the LC went on sale in 2018, I haven’t seen a single hybrid on the road.
Starting at $131,449, the LC 500 convertible is far from what I’d consider affordable, but considering the competition and what you get for the money, it’s a surprising value proposition. Our tester’s only option was an additional $650 for the stunning Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint, bringing the total to $132,099 as-tested. A comparable Jaguar F-Type or BMW 8 Series cabriolet costs tens of thousands more. Lexus does offer a so-called Bespoke Build option if you wish to further differentiate your LC from everyone else.
The 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible will go down in history as one of the best cars ever offered at any price point. It checks off all the boxes: it looks incredible inside and out, its powertrain is delicous, and its interior is nothing short of exquisite. Add in Lexus’ reputation for quality, reliability and resale value, and the LC is tough to beat. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this sad to hand back the keys.
