The Lexus LC500 Coupe impressed and slightly perplexed me when I first drove it a couple of years ago. It was a blend of captivating elements and frustrating flaws. Let’s recap the highlights: a phenomenal engine that still stands out today, striking aesthetics, and an interior crafted with premium materials.
However, the interior’s ergonomics were a puzzle, the transmission felt hesitant, and the infotainment system was, frankly, among the most user-unfriendly I had ever encountered. So, when the opportunity arose to test the new, slightly refined Lexus Lc500 Convertible, my excitement to revisit this grand tourer was considerable.
Interestingly, this convertible test car sported the exact same color scheme as my initial coupe tester. While a different color palette would have been welcome, driving a six-figure luxury GT is hardly a hardship, regardless of the hue. My primary desire, though, was to experience that magnificent engine note without the roof acting as a sonic filter.
Front profile view of a red Lexus LC500 Convertible parked outdoors, showcasing its sleek lines and open top.
The Allure of Japanese V8 Power
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Action shot of a red Lexus LC500 Convertible driving on a winding road with the top down.
America may be famed for its V8 engines, but the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 residing in the Lexus LC500 Convertible is a serious contender for the title of most enjoyable V8 currently available. This isn’t hyperbole; it’s a conviction I stand by. Furthermore, I’ll boldly claim that the LC500’s V8 boasts the finest auditory experience of any V8 globally. Forget your Ferrari V8s, AMG V8s, even the lauded new Corvette V8. The Lexus LC500 Convertible, at full throttle with the top down, produces an internal combustion symphony that ranks among the most exhilarating sounds I’ve ever encountered.
At lower RPMs, it emits a subdued, refined burble – precisely what you’d anticipate from a large, V8-powered luxury vehicle. However, as the revs climb past 3,000 RPM, this naturally aspirated marvel unleashes a ferocious, almost violent roar, seemingly tearing through the very fabric of space and time. The Lexus arrived at my doorstep just a day after I reluctantly returned the sensational-sounding C8 Corvette. During my time with the LC500, a BMW M2 CS tester sat alongside it in my driveway. The Lexus effortlessly overshadowed both in auditory drama, particularly the six-cylinder BMW.
It’s not solely about the volume; it’s the character. The engine’s eagerness to rev, unburdened by turbo lag, is a refreshing sensation. In this era dominated by turbocharged engines, it’s easy to lose touch with the unique responsiveness of a naturally aspirated powerplant. Rediscovering it in the LC500 is a genuinely rewarding experience. When the era of large-displacement, naturally-aspirated engines eventually concludes, the Lexus 5.0-liter V8 will undoubtedly be remembered as an all-time great, a first-ballot hall of famer without question.
Granted, with 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of around 4.7 seconds, it’s not the most potent engine in its class. These figures position it as both the least powerful and slowest in its segment by a noticeable margin. Yet, behind the wheel, these numbers become irrelevant. Planting the throttle at 3,000 rpm unleashes a blend of forward momentum and explosive sound that eclipses the sterile, mind-numbing acceleration of its German rivals.
The best part? The absence of artificial exhaust theatrics. Why German manufacturers seem to equate manufactured pops and bangs with exciting exhaust notes remains a mystery. I suspect Jaguar might be to blame for this trend. The LC500 eschews such artificiality, and it’s all the better for it.
Transmission Troubles: A Missed Opportunity
While the engine is undeniably brilliant, the transmission is a point of contention. It’s a ten-speed torque-converter automatic, and sadly, it underwhelms. Firstly, ten gears are excessive. Who desires to paddle-shift through ten gears sequentially? It’s overkill.
Secondly, the transmission itself embodies the term “slushbox.” Full-throttle upshifts are possibly the slowest I’ve experienced from an automatic in over a decade, even in manual mode and the sportiest settings. They feel leisurely and relaxed, merging gears in a soft, drawn-out manner. While this might suit relaxed GT cruising, it’s out of sync when you’re driving with spirit.
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This is further amplified because the engine craves quicker shifts; it’s begging for rapid-fire gear changes. However, achieving them is impossible, regardless of the drive mode or setting combination. It’s simply not programmed for snappy gear transitions.
Left in automatic mode, it functions adequately but exhibits reluctance to downshift, particularly from higher gears like ninth or tenth on the highway when needing to overtake. And when manually shifting, you’re often forced to drop multiple gears to access sufficient passing power.
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If Lexus were to replace this ten-speed with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, the Lexus LC500 Convertible would possess a near-perfect powertrain. Yet, for reasons unknown, Lexus stubbornly adheres to this sluggish and frustrating ten-speed.
Refined Ride and Handling Dynamics
My recollections of the LC500 Coupe’s handling were of a competent but not exceptional car. I recall a decent ride quality, but sharper road imperfections would transmit noticeable jolts into the cabin. However, with the Convertible, Lexus appears to have truly refined the ride and handling balance.
The Lexus LC500 Convertible exhibits remarkable composure over uneven road surfaces. Its substantial wheels still allow some impact to be felt within the cabin, but only when encountering the most severe road conditions. For the most part, the ride is plush and comfortable without succumbing to the typical Lexus “float.” The suspension strikes a beautiful balance, ideal for a large, comfortable GT.
Don’t mistake its comfort for complacency; the LC500 can still hustle when asked. The steering is nicely weighted and surprisingly precise. Granted, it’s devoid of significant feedback, but that’s befitting of a grand tourer designed for comfort, not outright track speed. Nevertheless, the LC500 can be placed accurately, and it’s enjoyable to toss around within its performance envelope.
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One minor drawback emerged when encountering particularly rough pavement: some chassis flex and vibration became noticeable. Without the structural rigidity of a fixed roof, the LC500 Convertible seems to have sacrificed some torsional stiffness. Under most conditions, it feels solid, but harsher bumps can reveal a degree of flex.
This was somewhat unexpected, especially after recently driving the BMW M850i Convertible, which feels as structurally rigid as granite. Overall, the LC500 maintains a mostly solid feel, and the occasional flex isn’t a deal-breaker, almost an expected characteristic of a convertible GT.
Read Also: BMW M850i Convertible Test Drive
What truly impressed me during my time with the Lexus was its unwavering commitment to its grand touring nature. It doesn’t attempt to be something it’s not; it’s not trying to masquerade as a sports car or a supercar. It’s unapologetically a grand tourer. This singular focus lends the Lexus LC500 Convertible a sense of purpose and honesty, which is genuinely appealing.
Striking Aesthetics, Inside and Out
Years after its initial release, the Lexus LC remains one of the most visually stunning coupes and convertibles on the road. It’s undeniably a head-turner. Admittedly, its design isn’t conventionally pretty in the traditional GT mold, and it might be an acquired taste for some. However, once that appreciation develops, its beauty becomes undeniable. The spindle grille remains a point of debate, still reminiscent of the Predator, but the rest of the design is exceptional and distinctly unique. While I personally find the LC500 Coupe slightly more visually cohesive, the Convertible looks magnificent with the top down.
Perhaps even more captivating than the exterior is the interior design. The cabin of the Lexus LC500 Convertible is sensational to behold and inhabit. It’s exquisitely sculpted, boasting depth and layered complexity in its design. The materials, fit, and finish are all exemplary. Even operating a simple feature like the aluminum volume knob, with its smooth, click-free rotation, feels special. It’s one of the most visually arresting and intriguing cabins currently available – until you attempt to actually use anything.
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While undeniably gorgeous, the LC500’s cabin is infuriatingly unergonomic. It’s perplexing how Lexus can create such visually stunning interiors yet seemingly disregard basic usability. In a BMW or Porsche, it’s evident that meticulous thought went into the placement of every control, every button.
Conversely, in the LC500, it feels as if the interior layout was an afterthought. Why, for instance, are the sport mode and traction control knobs positioned awkwardly on the side of the gauge cluster, resembling Frankenstein’s neck bolts? Why are the heated seat controls buried within layers of infotainment menus? And speaking of the infotainment, why does this system even exist in its current form?
This is not an exaggeration: Lexus’ infotainment system is arguably the worst currently fitted to any automobile. Firstly, a touchpad interface is fundamentally ill-suited for in-car use while driving. Secondly, navigating the system involves awkwardly swiping a glowing orb cursor onto icons, which then magnetically snap into place. The sheer number of icons and the restricted cursor movement, snapping to icons in a predetermined sequence, makes precise selection cumbersome. If full cursor control isn’t intended, why employ a touchpad at all? Why not opt for a more intuitive rotary dial controller?
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Close-up of the Lexus LC500 Convertible infotainment touchpad and surrounding luxurious interior details.
The frustration of using the system led me to simply avoid it altogether. Throughout my week with the car, I kept the climate control screen displayed continuously. This allowed me to manage the heated seats and steering wheel (along with the wonderfully warm air neck vents) without venturing further into the infotainment labyrinth. Despite knowing it features a superb Mark Levinson surround sound system, I never even attempted to listen to the radio, unwilling to grapple with the infotainment interface. However, in truth, the LC500’s V8 soundtrack was far more captivating than any playlist I could have selected.
Verdict: Flawed Charm
The Lexus LC500 Convertible is a brilliant grand touring machine, boasting stunning visual appeal, a luxurious and inviting cabin, a comfortable ride, and quite possibly the best sounding naturally-aspirated V8 engine on the market. Frankly, the LC500 is almost worth purchasing solely for its engine; it’s that exceptional.
However, the car as a whole is compromised by its frustrating technology interface. This might seem a minor issue, but as an owner, it’s a daily reality. Every adjustment to the radio, activation of heated seats, or navigation input requires wrestling with this cumbersome system, which would undoubtedly become a constant source of annoyance.
That being said, if you can overlook or tolerate this significant flaw – and I strongly urge you to try – the Lexus LC500 Convertible offers so much else to cherish that it likely remains a worthwhile proposition. And while the Coupe might hold a slight edge in pure aesthetics, the Convertible is arguably the more desirable choice. Lowering the top not only provides the quintessential open-air driving experience but also allows you to fully appreciate the glorious, spine-tingling V8 soundtrack, unfiltered by a roof.
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Is the Lexus LC500 Convertible a superior choice to competitors like the BMW 8 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible? It’s a nuanced question, ultimately hinging on individual priorities. If seeking a comprehensively accomplished vehicle, the German rivals likely offer a more well-rounded package.
They are generally more refined, feature superior technology, and are arguably easier to live with daily, while also delivering impressive performance and driving dynamics. However, if you desire something less ubiquitous, something to be savored on weekends, and cherished as a uniquely special driving experience, the Lexus is arguably the more compelling option.
Close-up of the Lexus LC500 Convertible infotainment touchpad and surrounding luxurious interior details.
Rear three-quarter view of a red Lexus LC500 Convertible showcasing its taillights and exhaust.
Interior shot of the Lexus LC500 Convertible dashboard, highlighting the gauge cluster and steering wheel.
Side profile of a red Lexus LC500 Convertible with the top down, emphasizing its long hood and sleek silhouette.
Front angle view of a red Lexus LC500 Convertible, focusing on the signature spindle grille and headlights.
Interior detail of the Lexus LC500 Convertible door panel showcasing leather upholstery and metallic accents.
Action shot of a red Lexus LC500 Convertible driving on a winding road with the top down.
Exterior Appeal – 9
Interior Quality – 8
Steering Feedback – 7
Performance – 7
Handling – 7
Excitement Factor – 10
Price Point – 7
7.9
The Lexus LC500 Convertible is a captivating, albeit imperfect, grand tourer. Its standout feature is undoubtedly its phenomenal engine, a true gem in today’s automotive landscape.
