Introducing the first-ever LC Convertible. This extraordinary machine built by Lexus captures your attention while stirring your senses. The design is meticulous and the car is every bit as amazing as it looks.
The 2021 Lexus LC is a result of 2 years and 50 prototypes and the result is an ideal driving posture and a connection to the road like never before. This car makes you want to drive for extended periods of time and it just feels good being in the cockpit.
Exterior
My test model is a cherry red exterior called Infrared with a black soft top. The interior is a Toasted Caramel leather with Satin Metallic trim.
The exterior of the LC 500 Convertible is astonishing. A masterful, sleek silhouette shared by the coupe and the convertible includes sleek body lines that look remarkable from every angle. Deliberate creases on the hood flow into the front end that feature a large Lexus grill. Arrowhead daytime running lights and triple-projector LED headlights allude to the meticulous design efforts. The door handles are flush with the doors and the same color as the body. It rides on optional 21-in staggered-width split-five-spoke forged alloy wheels with polished finish and Gloss Black accents.
The rear of the LC is just as impressive. You will notice the bold tail and stunning tail lamps designed to have the dramatic glow of a jet’s afterburners. Don’t stare too long or you will fall in love with this beautiful automobile.
Driver Experience
When you press the start button, you can hear the roar of the 471-horsepower naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine with Active Sport Exhaust. Lexus wants you to know that the sound is not electronically enhanced and the roar you hear is legit.
The rear-wheel powertrain also delivers 398 lb-ft of torque combined with a 10-speed automatic. The shifting is silky smooth and efficient. The paddle shifters are where you can really feel the performance of this engine and the short span of 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds according to Lexus.
Drive modes include Sport and Sport+. The convertible delivers a great performance-oriented ride in terms of power while steering and cornering are a little loose and on the sporty side.
I was surprised at how comfortable the ride is considering the low stance. The adaptive variable suspension handles bumps in the road with ease. Fuel efficiency of 18 MPG is good considering the sheer amount of power and the curb weight of the vehicle (4,540lbs). I was definitely not concerned with gas mileage while driving the LC 500. This is a true sports car in every sense.
Interior
Lexus has an unwavering attention to detail. The Toasted Caramel leather-bolstered semi-aniline leather 10-way power driver seat provided comfort and support. I loved the way the Satin Metallic trim pairs with the tan leather interior.The precision-crafted steering wheel was developed by studying the contours of the human hand, measuring the distribution of palm pressure during circuit driving, then manipulating the cross section in order to achieve the ideal grip no matter where your hands are placed.The Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, windshield de-icer and embossed headrests.
As with any sports car the rear seat is small and cargo space is limited.
Although I enjoyed hearing the engine, it was great having the 13-speaker Mark Levenson surround audio system. The full color heads up display and 8 inch performance inspired instrumentation allows you to quickly gather information while staying focused on driving. The 10.3-in color LCD multimedia display with Apple and Android integration gives you everything you need as far as technology is concerned.
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) is the most comprehensive safety system ever offered on the LC. This integrated suite of advanced active safety equipment is designed to help in certain circumstances, from providing pedestrian alerts to preventing lane drift. The 2021 LC Convertible comes with with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beams.
Conclusion
The Lexus LC 500 Convertible gives you a driver experience that is exhilarating and you will not want to leave this car unattended for long. The amount of craftsmanship and engineering that went into this vehicle continues to advance the reputation of Lexus. This was one of my favorite test drives and Lexus always satisfies.
Starting at MSRP $101,100
As Tested MSRP $113,320
Learn more about The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible here
