Meet the 2024 LC 500 & LC 500 Convertible!!! (The Best Lexus Just Got Better)
In addition to killing the LC’s worst feature, the 2024 LC 500 will also be more customizable than ever and feature new colors and wheels.
Roughly one month after debuting the Euro-spec 2024 Lexus LC, Lexus USA has unveiled the 2024 LC 500, LC 500h, and LC 500 Convertible for North America and they’re set to go on sale next month. THIS is it, my friends. THE update Lexus and LC enthusiasts have been craving for years now and what is otherwise the best modern Lexus. How so? What’s the big news?
The touchpad infotainment interface is DEAD. *Raises champagne glass*
Dark Rose interior, new for 2024
Normally a new radio isn’t a cause for celebration. Nor would what is effectively a mild refresh. But the LC’s odd touchpad interface may currently be The Worst infotainment interface on the market. It’s genuinely horrible and the car’s biggest flaw. But all of that’s about to change. That’s right, the already-amazing LC will now feature Lexus Interface along with a 12.3-inch honest-to-god touchscreen along with features like over-the-air updates and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
But that’s not all.
New for 2024 (The Most LC Updates Yet)
New 21″ wheels based on the 2018-2023 500h wheels
Manufactured at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, the 2024 LC will feature two new exterior color options – Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, a gorgeous metallic blue, and Copper Crest, which debuted with the RX 500h F Sport Performance. Caviar, Cloudburst Gray, Atomic Silver, Ultra White, Infrared, Flare Yellow, and Nori Green Pearl remain. On the inside, Lexus plans to offer Dark Rose as an interior color along with Black and Toasted Caramel.
Unlike our European friends, US-bound LCs won’t offer an Ultimate Edition. Instead, there will be a customizable Bespoke Build option. This allows customers to configure their vehicles with a mix of performance and styling components. Most specifically, there’s a unique white and blue interior color combination (see below). And for Convertible buyers, Bespoke Build cars can opt for Dark Rose and Blue convertible tops in addition to the standard colors, Black and Sand.
New 21″ forged glossy black wheels
2024 wheel options are also new and improved. The base 20-inchers and current (optional) 21s are both gone. Instead, Lexus took the five-spoke 21-inch wheels from the 500h and gave them a new black and polished finish. These are now standard on every LC. Optional forged glossy-black five-spoke wheels will also be available. (And they look awesome.)
Lastly, every LC 500 will be thoroughly updated from a tech perspective. This includes the aforementioned Lexus Interface, of course. But also several connected features (that require subscriptions) and safety components.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is now standard across the board, adding several key features. This includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist are also standard now.
Power & Performance
2UR-GSE
While it would have been nice to get a power bump, the 2024 LC lineup carries over its power and acceleration metrics from previous model years. To wit, the 2024 LC 500 and LC 500 Convertible are both powered by the 2UR-GSE, a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine making 471 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled with a lighting-fast 10-speed automatic, the coupe hits 60mph in just 4.4 seconds, while the heavier Convertible sprints to 60 in 4.6 seconds.
The 500h combines a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motors, creating a combined net system output of 354 horsepower. Lexus didn’t list a 0-60 time in its 2024 press materials, but MotorTrend recorded a 5.3-second 0-60 run back in 2018 when the 500h first debuted.
Pricing & Availability
Bespoke Build exclusive white & blue interior
The LC 500, LC 500h, and LC 500 Convertible will go on sale next month (June 2023) with the following base MSRPs:
- LC 500: $98,850
- LC 500h: $102,150
- LC 500 Convertible: $106,530
Our Reaction
Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 with the Bespoke Build-exclusive Blue convertible top
Funny enough, Lexus sent over a 2023 LC 500 (coupe) for review just yesterday. Stay tuned for some coverage on that, but getting some more seat time in this flagship Lexus confirmed two things:
- V8-powered LCs offer one of the best driving experiences on the planet, but —
- The infotainment system is awful. Think you’re selecting “go” on AppleMaps to your destination? Just kidding, everything’s canceled. Want to turn on your cooled seats? No problem at all, you just have to touch these 8 buttons and hope you don’t toggle in the wrong direction or get ready to start over.
Lexus Infotainment is going to perfect an already stunning car. New safety features never hurt. And the new colors and wheel options are the icing on the vehicular cake. Just do yourself a favor and skip the 500h. The 2024 LC 500 will be all about soul and experience. And the only way to get that is with a V8 symphony roaring under your hood. More soon.
What do YOU think about the 2024 LC?
Let us know HERE in the forums!
Photos: Lexus USA
