By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.ccom

(July 18, 2021) When first introduced for 2018 almost everything about Lexus’ new flagship coupes screamed “irresistible.” Inspired by the 2012 LF-LC concept car, the LC 500 and LC 500h hybrid have presence and savoir-faire that are nearly off the charts. Now for 2021 Lexus has dropped the top on the LC introducing a gorgeous grand touring 2+2 convertible, a fantastically well rounded, tasteful, luxurious automobile-and it is thrilling. 


          
Whether you’re behind the wheel or just watching it roll by, the LC convertible looks the part of a merely gorgeous, superbly upholstered grand tourer. Frankly, it’s the bomb.

First the details: 471-horsepower V-8 engine, 398 lb.-ft of torque, 10-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode, double-joint multilink front and multilink rear suspension. The LC is flanked by four massive performance-rated sticky tires that wrap around 21” forged polished alloy wheels and behind them aluminum caliper performance brakes and adaptive variable suspension. You’ll need them too – the LC isn’t light, weighing in at a portly 4,540 pounds. 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 168 mph. There are selectable drive modes with a noticeable difference when venturing into Sport mode.

At a tested price of $113,000 large the LC competes with rich affection and the likes of Jaguar F-Type, BMW 8-Series, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SL-Class and others.

On the road the LC 500 roars, not overly loud but what sound there is, is delicious with off throttle overruns burbling with a throaty yet melliferous acoustic harmony. Of course, the purpose of having a drop top is to well, drop the top as frequently as possible — which is controlled by a somewhat hidden cover on the center console to reveal the switchgear. It takes just 15 seconds to open and an extra second to close the multi-layered cloth top that can be operated while the LC is moving up to speeds of under 31 miles an hour. The temperature inside the cabin is set automatically whether the top is open or closed. We like the vent on the seat that blows warm onto your neck in chilly weather.
 
Our LC convertible came equipped with the $5,300 optional Touring package that means the seat leather is Semi-aniline, embossed headrests, a 13-speaker 950-watt Mark Levinson Superior sound system, and climate controlled upper body heating features. However, the unloved console mounted Lexus trackpad interface is still included. We find it fussy and distracting to use.

Overall, the new LC 500 convertible is visually beautiful and distinctive with exceptional driving dynamics. But know that the interior is cozy with a backseat that’s mostly there for a few packages and rarely passengers. Oh, and did I mention the tiny trunk space? It’s a magnificent way to pack some fun into life, radiates luxury and with the top down brings the world around you inside.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $102,025
Price as Tested: $113,320
Engine-Transmission: 5.0-liter 471 hp rear-wheel-drive V-8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
EPA Fuel Economy: 15/25/18 mpg – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Four

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The 2021 LC has not been put through crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Where Built: Aichi, Japan

Competes With:
BMW 8-Series
Jaguar F-Type
Mercedes SL-Class
Porsche Boxster

Fab Features:
Top-down luxury touring
Posh, comfortable interior
Magnificent, good looks