Lexus LC Convertible 2021 review
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 7/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10
- Verdict
Being a true jack-of-all-trades in the automotive world is rare.
Generally speaking, a car is either roomy or comfortable. Attractive or aerodynamic. Practical or performance oriented. And problems arise when cars try to do all these things at the same time.
What makes the Lexus LC 500 convertible such an interesting proposition. Because it is, without a doubt, stylish and richly equipped. It is also quite large and quite heavy. All of this is perfect for cruising along the Bondi foreshore.
But it's also equipped with a powerful V8 engine and a raspy exhaust that sounds like bricks in a blender on overload. It's stiffer than an LFA supercar and powerful enough to provide one of Lexus' sportiest drives.
So can the LC 500 really do it all? Let's find out.
| 2021 Lexus LC: LC500 Luxury + Ocher trim | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 5.0L |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 12.7l / 100km |
| Landing | 4 Places |
| Price from | $181,700 |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
It costs $214,000 - which is quite a lot of money - but unlike some premium and luxury cars, with Lexus, once you hand over the cash, you're done. There is no enticing list of options that will tempt you to part with more money.
And I mean it literally - Lexus is proud to say there is "no option list" for the LC 500 convertible, so suffice it to say it comes with a lot of equipment.
Take a deep breath...
It costs $214,000 - which is quite a lot of money.
You get 21-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, triple LED headlights, keyless entry, retractable door handles and rain-sensing wipers on the outside, while inside you'll find dual-zone climate, heated and ventilated leather seats. heated neck level with the roof down, heated steering wheel and sports pedals.
The tech side is controlled by a 10.3-inch center screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and on-board navigation, both of which are controlled by an unkillable Lexus touchpad. There's a second 8.0-inch screen for the driver, and it's all paired with an impressive 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system.
The 10.3-inch center screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is responsible for technical functions.
There are also a bunch of security related stuff, but we'll get to that in a moment.
If that's not enough for you, you can purchase the limited edition, which costs $234,000 for each of the 10 pieces available. It comes in a unique Structural Blue shade with white leather interior with blue accents. It's also designed to be the bluest of blues, and Lexus said the paint color was the result of a 15-year research project. Sounds like an exciting way to spend a decade and a half.
21" bi-color alloy wheels are standard on the LC 500.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
It's an eye-catcher, LC 500, if you like big, big convertibles, especially when viewed from the front, where the aggressive nose design ends in a sharp crease on the mesh grille. I also like the design of the headlights, which blend into the body and also blend in with the vertical light block that covers the grille.
The side view is all shiny alloys and sharp body creases leading to an oversized trunk that stores a fabric, aluminum and magnesium roof structure that lowers or raises in 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. The design fits into what Lexus calls "an incredibly small space behind the seats."
Attractive LC 500 if you like big, big convertibles
Inside, it's a cozy yet luxurious space, mostly wrapped in leather and packed with plenty of tech. We've talked about this before, but why Lexus persists in its trackpad infotainment technology we don't know, but there's no denying that the LC 500's cabin is a wonderful place to spend time.
We particularly like the integration of the center screen, which is recessed under the leather-wrapped edge of the dashboard. While some of it looks like an afterthought, it looks like it was incorporated into a broader design philosophy.
There's no denying that the LC 500's cabin is a great place to hang out.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
This is not true. But then what did you expect?
As mentioned above, the cabin feels cozy for riders, but not in a bad way. What's more, the interior elements seem to be reaching out to greet you, leaving you with the impression that you're stuck in a cabin.
The interior feels cozy for front-line riders, but not in a bad way.
However, backseat riders are out of luck, the seats are really only reserved for emergencies. Legroom is cramped, and while Lexus promises a roofline about the same as a coupe, this journey won't be comfortable.
The LC 500 convertible is 4770 mm long, 1920 mm wide and 1350 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2870 mm. It seats four people and provides 149 liters of luggage space.
There are two ISOFIX attachment points on each of the rear seats, as well as top cable points.
There is little legroom for passengers in the back seat.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10
It's a powerful powerplant, not something you'd immediately expect to find in a luxury Lexus convertible.
The 5.0-liter V8 delivers 351kW and 540Nm of power, 260kW of which at 2000rpm, and still sounds like the God of Thunder.
The 5.0-liter V8 develops 351 kW and 540 Nm of power.
It's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and sends all that grumbling to the rear wheels, while Lexus Active Cornering Assist and a mechanical limited-slip differential help keep you from messing up when cornering.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Remember I said it was a beefy V8? When has it ever been good news for fuel use?
Lexus reckons you'll get 12.7L/100km on the combined cycle, but being tempted by all that grouchiness pretty much ensures that never happens. CO290 emissions are capped at 02g/km.
The 500 liter fuel tank of the LC 82 Convertible is designed for 98 octane fuel only.
What is it like to drive? 7/10
The LC 500 convertible is a tough nut to crack.
It feels like it really wants to be a super-perfect car, and on the longer, tighter corners it is, with that thick flow of power ensuring you just skim through the corners before blasting out the other side, air filled with that growling exhaust note as your right foot finds its way to the carpet.
But on tighter stuff, there are several factors that play against this. The suspension feels polished and this engine is always ready to go, but to me the steering and brakes felt a bit out of touch with the experience, not inspiring much confidence in late braking. And then there's the sheer XNUMX-plus-ton weight that can't be completely hidden by even the finest Lexus magic.
The LC 500 convertible is a tough nut to crack.
Don't get me wrong, it's very effective even on surprisingly dense materials. There is just something like a gap between the car and the driver.
It's not that bad, really. Are you really buying a premium convertible to attack a mountain pass? Probably no. And keep smooth cornering and the LC 500 Convertible will keep a smile on your face, thanks in large part to the wave of torque you can deliver to your destination.
Putting your foot on the accelerator should be exactly what the president feels when he stands next to a nuclear soccer ball, when his big V8 is always ready to set off fireworks.
Keep it smooth through the corners and the LC 500 Convertible will keep a smile on your face.
Away from the red haze, you'll find the LC 500 Convertible moves confidently from destination to destination, a 10-speed transmission that can feel thrilled at pace, smoothly shifts its options, and riding in the most comfortable conditions gets rid of most of the bumps in the road. even before they enter the salon.
The cabin is also very cleverly insulated, not only when the four-piece roof is up, but also when it's down, with the climate and atmosphere inside being virtually unaffected by what's going on in the outside world.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
4 years / 100,000 km
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10
The Lexus LC 500 convertible comes with six airbags, a reversing camera with guide lines, parking sensors and the usual array of traction and braking aids, but there's a lot more to the safety story as well.
More high-tech stuff includes parking sensors, AEB pre-collision assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and active cruise, and special convertible safety gear such as active roll bars that deploy. when the car is in danger of rolling over, protecting passengers under this soft roof.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10
Lexus vehicles are covered by a four-year, 100,000 km warranty, while the LC 500 convertible requires service every 15,000 km.
The Lexus Encore Ownership Program includes pick-up and drop-off service, but the new Encore Platinum tier for owners of more exclusive models opens up even more options.
Lexus vehicles are covered by a four-year, 100,000-kilometer warranty.
One of them is the new On Demand service, which allows owners to book a different type of car when going on vacation or business trip. Loans are available in your state or elsewhere in Australia if you are traveling and your vehicle will be waiting for you at Qantas Valet when you arrive.
The On Demand service is available four times during the first three years of ownership (this is also the Encore Platinum membership term).
Verdict
Stunning to look at and even more so to hear, the LC 500 Convertible will no doubt attract as many heads as its owners are sure to want. It's not the last word in performance, but it's a well-equipped transporter nonetheless.
