The 2024 LC 500 Convertible is Finally Perfect
From a design, luxury, and performance perspective, the 2024 LC 500 is unchanged. Still, one small update makes the best Lexus even better.
You know you’re about to have a great week when Lexus drops off an LC 500. In this case, a 2024 LC 500 Convertible in Cloudburst Gray with the Bespoke Package and a new white and blue interior. From the outside, other than some new wheel and paint color options, the 2024 LC is identical to the 2018-2023 model years. It’s built at the legendary Motomachi factory in Japan where the best Lexus technicians also assembled the legendary LFA supercar. From a performance perspective, Lexus engineers continue to refine and tweak the suspension, but it’s very similar to its predecessors. It’s still a 472-horsepower 5.0L V8-powered flagship grand tourer that feels heavy but is otherwise a sublime driver.
But on the inside, the 2024 LC reveals the model’s biggest update since the Convertible debuted in the 2020 model year.
What do YOU think about the 2024 LC?
Let us know HERE in the forums!
New Screen, Who Dis?
2024 vs 2023 (RIP LC Trackpad)
That’s right, the controversial trackpad is gone for 2024, along with the dash-integrated non-touchscreen and a lovely clock.
In its place, 2024 LC owners will find a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So instead of fumbling around on something that felt like outdated laptop technology to do all but the most basic functions, we get a simple, reliable, easy-to-use touchscreen with a tablet-style modern interface.
To be clear, adding too many screens is a big problem facing the current auto industry. Touchscreens can be more numb and just as infuriating as the (I’m-so-glad-its-gone) Lexus trackpad when you need them for EVERYTHING. But for infotainment purposes, and when balanced with lots of physical buttons, touchscreens are a slick upgrade for those with enough dexterity.
And so I would humbly argue that — much to the chagrin of 2018-2023 owners who prefer the original interior design, which of course is a lovely opinion to hold — the 2024 LC 500 is now perfect because it has improved the relative ease with which one can enjoy the rest of its wonderous design, sumptuous interior materials, and glorious 5.0L V8 engine.
A Smile Factory
Naturally, you can enjoy the embedded video above for more of a tour and some other subjective reactions on my part. But what I will also say (type?) here is that the LC 500 Convertible is my personal favorite Lexus. I’d even go so far as to call it the Best (current) Lexus. It is both the literal and spiritual successor to the LFA, as a flagship, as a hand-built work of art. Quick, yet comfortable. Loud when you want, refined when you don’t. And a great representation of both the company’s heritage — of building high-quality refined vehicles — and its evolving future goals — of pushing design elements and building driver-focused, sporty vehicles.
Driving the LC is a joyful, comfortable experience that always puts a smile on my face… Unless I have more than one passenger and more than five bags of groceries.
It’s… it’s not great on space.
But otherwise, and despite the fact that it’s not as quick as modern EVs, nor all sorts of twin-turbo European luxury rivals, the LC is something more people need to experience. I’m gushing, I know. There’s nothing remotely objective about my LC infatuations anymore, save for its status as the last naturally aspirated V8-powered grand touring flagship coupe and convertible. In a world where Lexus and many other automakers will soon be all-electric, it is a unicorn to be celebrated. A rolling sculpture that feels like it was poured around the driver to comfort them and encourage an engaging driving experience with great tunes and one of the best-sounding V8s ever made.
Price As Tested
For those curious about this particular press loaner,
- Base Price; $105,200
- White & Blue Interior: $1,900
- Bespoke Build Package: $1,500
- Dark Chrome Exterior Trim: $650
- 21-Inch Forged Gloss Black Metallic Alloy Wheels with Machine Finish: $40
- Head-up Display: $900
- Mark Levinson Premium Audio System: $1,220
- Premium Paint (Cloudburst Gray): $500
- Carbon Fiber Door Scuff Plates: $600
- Delivery, Processing, and Handling: $1,150
- MSRP as Tested: $117,660
Many will argue that you can purchase a more propulsive sports car for this much money. And those people are right. But that doesn’t make driving the LC any less magical at any price. Plus, early model year LCs are finally starting to come down on price, so it might actually be worth going back to those trackpad-equipped models while saving thousands.
2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Image Gallery
