The Lexus LC 500 2021 is intended to compete with the BMW 8-series while also sprinkling fairy dust over the rest of the Japanese luxury automaker’s lineup. The inside of the automobile borrows aspects from the LS luxury sedan and the legendary LFA supercar. While the LC theoretically has seats for four, the tiny back seat is best suited for personal goods. The Lexus LC500 has been on the market for two years and is still very much a part of the Lexus stable. In 2017, the concept of a brand-new automobile powered by a naturally-aspirated V8 seemed unthinkable, but here we are.
Exterior
The Lexus LC 500 is an elegant and fashionable premium coupe. It finds a decent combination of comfort and performance which is available as a convertible. For the first time, the Lexus LC is the company’s flagship vehicle in 2021. Lexus is stunning from top to bottom. The Lexus LC is beautiful from headlamp to taillight, with unique headlight designs reflected in the taillights. The car’s spindle grille looks good in this context, and it looks even better when painted red.
Lexus prides itself on well-appointed, well-equipped vehicles, and this philosophy applies to its two-door flagship. The doors are flush-fitting Aston Martin-style flush-fitting components that present themselves when the car is unlocked and fold away once you’re driving.
Interior
The seats, in particular, are fantastic, with just the perfect amount of bolstering and comfort for lengthy journeys. Driver and passenger are seated in semi-aniline leather-trimmed motorised, heated, and cooled sports seats. You’re cradled low in the vehicle, surrounded by rising door trims and embraced by soft yet strong seats. It is also electrically adjustable and retracts when the vehicle is switched off for a more graceful exit.
From the sweep of the dashboard to the way the passenger grab handle flows from the centre console to the transmission tunnel, the interior design is beautiful. The design is magnificent, with no squeaks or rattles on difficult roads, and the materials are appropriately pricey. Even the sliding, pivoting centre armrest has a delightfully damped motion, and the roof controls’ flip-up cover closes with a gratifying click.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
Lexus LC 500 is a convertible sports car, but it’s also a performance vehicle. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine produces 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. It can reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, yet when you press the accelerator, all you feel is reluctance. The 10-speed automatic transmission is content to let the engine run at high revs, only shifting when it reaches the redline.
The brakes provide a linear stopping feel and strength that allows you to brake late before plunging into bends. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is extremely well balanced, with little sign of oversteer. Despite their 4,540-pound curb weight, the Michelins lack the hard-as-a-rock sensation that is typical of this tyre type.
Fuel Economy
The Lexus LC coupe and roadster don’t have outstanding fuel economy, but they have a relative who does better for the environment. According to the EPA, the 2021 LC 500 will score 15 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. It comes with an optional Torsen limited-slip differential to help with turning. Based on the EPA ratings for the LC 500h hybrid, we award the LC series a 5 for gas mileage.
Softtop
Road and wind noise are reduced when the four-layer convertible top is closed. When you wish to let the sun in, the roof folds down in 15 seconds and can be handled while driving at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour. The top control button for the infotainment controls is buried behind the palm rest; there’s no way to tell it’s there.
Trunk Capacity
The trunk capacity in the Lexus LC is only 3.4 cubic feet, which is barely enough for two soft-sided travel bags. The top mechanism, like with other convertibles, takes up storage space, leaving the back seat vacant. You’ll probably place your bags in the backseat, which is OK because most folks should never try to sit back there.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment controls on the LC sports vehicle are buried under the influential controls, which is quite inconvenient. On a bright day, with the top down, I’m reminded that the cooled seat settings are hidden behind the fostering controls. I also wish the neck air vents in the chairs provided cold air as well as heat.
This might be the LC’s most visible Achilles’ heel. Lexus’ Enform multimedia technology is shown on a 10.3-inch screen and is operated via a touchpad in the centre console. According to Lexus, the pad will function similarly to a smartphone, with a tap, swipe, and pinch-to-zoom capabilities. The issue is that it is incredibly difficult to use, especially while in motion. It’s simple to swipe past icons, the visuals are out of date, and the entire thing should be discarded.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
LC500 is equipped with 6 airbags and the following safety assists:
- Autonomous emergency braking with forwarding collision warning
- All-speed adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Pricing
LC500 Coupe $94,075
LC500h Coupe $98,635
LC500 Convertible $102,125
Conclusion
The Lexus LC500 Convertible coupe is a premium grand tourer, but it’s much more than that. There’s not much more you could want from a premium automobile, from the aesthetics to the interior to the way that beautiful V8 engine sounds. If you have the means, I strongly advise you to get one. Keep it for a long time and ultimately pass it on to your offspring.
