Designer Review: Lexus LC500 Convertible is a Fashion Statement
Everyone agrees that Lexus won’t be selling many LC500 Convertibles. But the LC represents way more than just sales numbers to the Lexus brand.
The 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible is the brand’s newest glamorous sports car. And the design score video above will demonstrate just what a wonderfully designed automobile it is. But there seems to be a general consensus among the auto journalists who have tested it. Everyone thinks its mostly great, but no one will buy it. Well, I’ll let you in on a little industry secret. Lexus doesn’t care how many they will sell!
But wait a minute! A car manufacturer would go through the trouble of taking a car into production and not care about making profits? The answer is YES! And that’s because the LC500 is not just another product in the long Lexus lineup. It’s the brand’s flagship. It’s a representation of the ‘lifestyle’ image that Lexus wants to be associated with. And we all know Lexus is nothing if not a lifestyle brand.
“So why not just keep it as a concept car?” you might ask. Think of it this way. What happened when Nissan revealed the IDx concept? We all got excited for about a week. And then disappointed, knowing Nissan is more about Altimas and Versas that cool sports cars.
Don’t get me wrong. Concept cars are a great way for brands to express their aspirations. But when Lexus designs a gorgeous expression of pure opulence, and then they put it in their lineup next to the IS and the UX, they make a much more powerful statement. They scream ‘we make amazing cars.’ And the presence of such successful design as the LC elevates the image of every other product in the lineup.
What makes the LC500 a successful flagship ‘design’ for Lexus?
As talked about in the video, the exterior design of the Lexus LC500 Convertible makes it one of the most aesthetically pleasing automobiles on the market today. On all three levels, (1st, 2nd, and 3rd read) the LC has received the highest level of effort from the best designers within the Toyota team.
On the inside, it’s more of the same. A gorgeous overall design theme. Big sweeping lines connecting all different elements in the interior space. Amazingly designed details. And supreme manufacturing quality. Combine that with the trademark Lexus ergonomic design, and you’re left with a truly enjoyable interior space. The negatives in this area are the practically useless rear seats, and the unanimously considered ‘outdated’ infotainment system UI.
And when it comes to the driving experience, we all know the LC500 is not the fastest or sportiest in its class. But it’s probably not completely on the ‘luxury’ side of spectrum. Its strongest characteristic in this category is the amazing sound of the naturally aspirated V8, best experienced with the top down.
Stand out from the crowd in the most fashionable way…
In reality, the Lexus LC500 and the LC500 Convertible are actually fashion statements. They are fashion statements for the Lexus brand. And they’re fashion statements on behalf of the exclusive group of folks who own them. The LC is not a vehicle you drive to work everyday (though you certainly could). It’s not your fun canyon driving or track-ready machine either.
It’s the sculpture on wheels in the corner of your 4 car garage. It is the car you take out twice a month on a night out with your significant other. The LC is more of a status symbol and a representation of one’s taste and style than just a vehicle. If you’re looking for the most practical way of spending $100k, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking stand out from the crowd in the most fashionable way, the LC500 is the way to go.
Photos by Michael S. Palmer
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