5 Things We “HATE” (and LOVE) About the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible (ClubLexus Review!!!)

Rather than offer separate lists of things we dislike and things we do, I’m going to pair the love and “hate” elements as we count down to the best and worst features of this (pretty amazing) car.

“HATE”

5. Vague Magnetic Ride Settings

While the LC 500 Convertible certain jumps between pothole-soaking comfort and tighter-turning road-hugging, the various suspensions settings offered between Comfort and Sport+ aren’t dramatically different. Yes, if you go from the most compliant to the most aggressive, you can feel a difference, but there’s a missed opportunity to make the LC’s suspension tuning more unique in each mode. Where Comfort could be more luxurious and softer. And where Sport+ could improve the heavy car’s handling.

I also think it might be smarter, when ordering one of these, to stick with 20″ rims rather than the 21″ versions on our loaner — with 20s, you would not only get a smoother ride, but be able to pick up Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

LOVE

5. DCT-Esque Manual-Shifting 10-Speed Auto Transmission

The LC’s 10-Speed auto transmission is pretty good when you leave it to shift for itself. Drop the hammer from a dig and the car roars forward, for example. But it gets a little confused if you’re already driving and suddenly want more go-fast goodness. HOWEVER, if you’re in manual mode, or simply tap one of the shifter paddles while in Drive, this transmission shifts almost as quickly as the Dual-Clutch Transmissions you’ll find in cars like the C8 Corvette and Shelby GT500.

In manual mode, the LC 500 Convertible absolute shreds and screams like a sports car. Super quick up and downshifts. Lovely engine burbles on the downshifts. And all the red-line acceleration you can handle. Just don’t get too close to the 7,200 RPM redline, or you’ll bounce off the limiter and hang for a while. (Ahem, or so I’m told, ahem).

Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.