2021 LC 500 Convertible Review Roundup: ‘The World’s Most Desirable Car’
Before the new LC 500 Convertible hits showrooms, have a look at the handful of reviews on Lexus’ new topless flagship coupe.
With summer in full swing, it’s time for Lexus to put the top down once more. The luxury brand first offered such a thing with the SC 430 in the 2000s. The IS 250 C and IS 350 C arrived in 2008, sticking around until the end of the 2015 model year. And now, the LC 500 Convertible arrives to play.
Originally set to launch in Monterey, California at the start of August, the pandemic threw those plans in the fire. Thus, a handful of reviewers invited to drive the new LC were sent copies to go over, instead. However, there’s an embargo on driving impressions until July 29. Yet, we do have a few reviews already. Let’s go around the horn to see if a consensus forms.
“The World’s Most Desirable Car”
“I’m just gonna say it: this brand-new Lexus LC 500 is the best-looking — dare I say, the sexiest car of the decade,” said The Fast Lane Car publisher Roman Mica. “I am just completely smitten by the look of this car.”
Along with his son, Tomas Mica, Roman goes over all he can on the LC 500 Convertible. The first thing Tomas points out is the automatic folding top, controlled via a hidden panel on the console. Once discovered, the top goes up or down in around 15 seconds. It also operates at speeds of up to 30 mph, in case the rains arrive.
Meanwhile, Roman notes the Lexus L is embedded in the design of the new LC, including the grille and headlights. Plus, the chrome wheels match up with the side view mirrors “in a beautiful and organic way,” lending “a natural balance” in design between the two. The duo agrees the LC 500 Convertible “is going to be a classic one day.”
“Why Don’t We Do a Tech Review?”
“Making a convertible out of a coupe is not as easy as simply chopping off the roof and calling it a day,” said George “MotoMan” Notaras. “It’s an engineering balancing act between adding structural rigidity and minimizing weight gain.”
While driving impressions are embargoed, Notaras takes us for a quick spin to show off what else the LC 500 Convertible can do. If you’re an Android user, the convertible is the latest to receive Android Auto; he’s rocking Apple CarPlay, though. He also loves the craftsmanship of the top, from the canvas material of the exterior to the thicker insulation between it and the headliner. Said insulation eliminates “that hungry cow look when the roof is up,” allowing for a smoother look.
“The Most Expressive Version of the Lexus Lineup”
“Generally speaking, two-door luxury cars don’t exactly sell in huge numbers,” said Alex Dykes of Alex on Autos. “But it seems like in order to be taken seriously as a luxury car company, you have to produce a two-door vehicle or a sports car every now and then.”
Dykes adds that Lexus has done so with the LC 500 Convertible, considering it the flagship of the entire line. In fact, he says it’s Lexus’ S-Class alternative, “designed to be the ultimate in Lexus style.” Furthermore, the hot droptop could be cross-shopped with both the Porsche 911 and the Acura NSX, its two closest competitors. We’d take the Lexus, though.
“The First-Ever Sexy Droptop from Lexus”
“If you thought it looks great with the roof up, holy moley does it look even better when you put that gorgeous soft top down,” said Sofyan Bey of Redline Reviews. “Everywhere I take this thing, attracts so many stares. It’s not just beautiful. People literally freak out when they see that Lexus badge on it because it just doesn’t look like a Lexus.”
The top, indeed, is Bey’s favorite part of the LC 500 Convertible. Meanwhile, he wasn’t happy with the lack of a touchscreen with the infotainment system, though the trackpad’s better than nothing. The Circuit Red leather, Ultra White paint, and black canvas top go well together, too. For Bey, Lexus has a winner in its pocket.
“The Sexiest Car on the Street”
“I like most anything with an engine and four wheels and have since I was a kid. And, generally, the faster and sleeker the automobile, the more I like it,” wrote Jeff Mitchell for Hermosa Beach, California paper Easy Reader News. “So you can probably imagine my reaction to the first time I set eyes on Lexus’ LC 500 Convertible. I was stunned. I also fell immediately in love with the darned thing.”
Mitchell, too, loved the canvas soft top. He knows, however, owners will keep the top down to enjoy the sun and colorful leaves to come. The supportive seats up front provide the sort of luxury only Lexus could offer, while the rear seats serve as a place for a golf bag. Finally, the new Lexus “offers a respite from some of the things troubling this old world of ours.”
From the looks of things so far, the new LC 500 Convertible is a hit. We can’t wait to see it in the showroom.
Photos: Lexus
