2021 Lexus LC Convertible

If ever a car embodied the spirit that progress is a bad thing, it would have to be the Lexus LC Convertible. Progress, by its very definition, can never be a negative trend. Or can it? What if every automotive innovation of the past decade has actually sullied the luxury experience to a point where all cars feel too soulless and similar? Sports cars now reach ticket speeds faster than you can blink, and good luck finding any emotion along the way. But the Lexus LC 500 is different. Lexus's flagship model has never been concerned with lap times, 0-60 mph sprints, and other performance metrics. Lexus didn't model the LC 500 with specific criteria to target a calculated percentage of the market, it built the car that it wanted to make. And it shows.

Now, for the 2021 model year, Lexus has finally given us the LC 500 Convertible, a roofless version of the coupe that stole our hearts. Powered by the same 471-horsepower, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, LC owners can now experience one of the world's great exhaust notes through the unfiltered lens of a drop-top. The LC Convertible technically enters the market squarely against the BMW 8 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Convertible, and the Mercedes-Benz SL, but it diverges so strongly from those cars that any comparison between them would be superfluous. The new LC 500 Convertible looks completely outmatched by all of its rivals on paper, but truly great GT cars are driven out in the real world, where this car shines by embracing the past and bucking convention.

Styling will always be subjective, but few would deny that the LC Convertible is an exceptionally striking thing, whether with the top up or down. It shares much of the coupe's styling cues such as the large Spindle Grille and the extravagant taillights that resemble one of those infinite lights from Spencer's Gifts. The four-layer, power-operated soft-top roof of the Lexus LC roadster - available in black or 'Sand' - doesn't take up much space, helping to retain trunk space when the roof is stowed. Along with standard features like triple-beam LED headlights, flush door handles, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish, the convertible also comes with active roll bars and a wind deflector. The limited Inspiration Series gets 21-inch wheels.

The LC Convertible shares most of its key dimensions with the LC Coupe. It measures 187.4 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width, and has a 113-inch wheelbase. At 53.2 inches in height, it's just 0.2 inches taller than the coupe. With its low stance, the LC has 5.2 inches of ground clearance. Lexus says it has reduced the weight of the roadster by forgoing a traditional spare wheel in favor of run-flat tires and by using lightweight die-cast aluminum for the rear suspension tower brace, but the convertible still has a curb weight of 4,540 pounds, which is exactly 200 lbs more than the coupe.

Lexus has availed a selection of 11 exterior shades to customize the LC Convertible, including subtle hues like Ultra White, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Granite Mica, Caviar, and Obsidian. For the more adventurous, there are brighter shades such as Infrared, Flare Yellow, and Cadmium Orange, each of which will add an additional $595 to the price. Finally, for no additional cost, there is also Nightfall Mica and Nori Green Pearl. The soft top is available in either Black or Sand. Besides the racy Flare Yellow which seems better suited to an F-badged Lexus, the LC Convertible looks glorious in just about any other color combination. The 100 lucky customers who manage to score one of the Inspiration Series models will have their LC finished in a striking Structural Blue color. Our tester came wearing Ultra White paired with a red leather interior. Though this combination is pretty fashionable, we'd go for one of the brighter hues like Infrared.

The convertible shares the coupe's characterful 5.0-liter V8 engine, doing without forced induction to generate 471 hp and 398 lb-ft. Power gets fed to the rear axle via a ten-speed automatic transmission, which is the sole gearbox choice. According to Lexus, the LC Convertible will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 168 mph. That's just two tenths off the pace of the lighter coupe in the benchmark sprint. If it's speed you're after, the LC matches the similarly priced BMW 840i xDrive Convertible but falls short of the pricier M850i xDrive. Every version of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is quicker, and it too offers the option of all-wheel drive. So, while the LC Convertible isn't the quickest drop-top you can buy, our road test revealed that this does little to diminish its appeal.

Although the absence of turbocharging means that the LC can't quite match its rivals on paper, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 is such a joy that most won't care. With 471 hp and 398 lb-ft, it's hardly short of grunt, but its strength is in its linear power delivery and the stirring acoustics that are emphasized when the roof is lowered. The noise is irresistible and at every possible opportunity, we were downshifting through a tunnel or overpass just to hear it wail.

Turbocharged engines may have more torque, but we'd trade it away in a heartbeat for the deafening roar of natural aspiration. The ten-speed automatic transmission is the perfect partner for the V8 and comes with paddle shifters and a manual mode. In automatic mode, it shifts imperceptibly and keeps the V8 humming near-silently with zero vibration. Taking manual control, the auto 'box lets the engine rev to its 7,200-rpm redline, ripping shifts on the way up and blipping the throttle on the way down. The V8 doesn't reach its peak power until 7,100-rpm, so there's added incentive to wring out every ounce of revs from the engine.

Piloting the LC 500 Convertible acts as a stark reminder that progress is not always positive. Sometimes, the old ways are best, as evidenced by the LC's intoxicating analog drive manners. The steering doesn't feel overly artificial and the suspension soaks up the road without stealing away all sensation from the driver. Yes, harsh impacts can upset the car, but this is a two-door convertible GT and not a luxury sedan after all. When driving the LC in normal, comfort, or eco mode, it feels akin to most Lexus products; soft, comfortable, unremarkable. It's so quiet and refined, we'd easily feel comfortable taking it coast-to-coast. But place the car into its Sport or Sport Plus modes and trigger the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, and the LC Convertible awakens a sleeping beast.

This 5.0-liter V8 is, unequivocally, a masterpiece of epic proportions. It serves as an eye-opening reminder of Lexus' unmatched ability to outdo the competition by ignoring the rest of the market. At 4.6 seconds to 60 mph, the LC Convertible will be left for dead by an M850i or 911, but this just means you can enjoy the pleasurable experience for longer without getting pulled over. It's pretty easy to get it off the line, and through the bends, the car never feels its porky curb weight of 4,540 pounds. Remember, though, this is a GT, not a sports car. The LC Convertible doesn't attack back roads, it guides you through them like a helpful sherpa. You will feel the suspension lean in as you guide the steering wheel through the bend, but once it sets, the car is remarkably simple to maneuver, never losing its composure. This GT lands less on the sporty side of the spectrum, closer to the luxury end. So if you are more concerned with magazine times and bragging rights, one of the German drop-tops might be the better option.

There's a price to pay for that creamy, large-capacity V8 as the LC 500 Convertible simply isn't as thrifty as some competitors. Based on EPA estimates, the gas mileage figures of 15/25/18 miles per gallon on the city/highway/combined cycles are heavy. The BMW 840i Convertible mimics the 2020 model's 22/29/24 mpg figures, which shows just what a difference a smaller engine size and turbocharging can make. The LC's fuel economy depends on how you drive it. By taking it slow on the highway, we could almost manage around 30 mpg. During our week of testing, though, we fell victim to the LC's intoxicating V8 engine, repeatedly hitting redline and killing our fuel economy, the combined readout dropping to around 12.3 mpg. With its 21.7-gallon gas tank, the Lexus will manage a combined cruising range of approximately 390 miles in ideal conditions.

The rich, sumptuously detailed interior of the Lexus LC Convertible is a feast for the senses. It looks fantastic, and the detailing is phenomenal, from the flowing creases in the door panels and the stitched leather covering almost every surface. Along with the gentle ambient lighting and the integration of a Lexus analog clock, it evokes a sense of occasion that's second to none. Unfortunately, usability plays second fiddle to craftsmanship in some cases; the infotainment system remains frustrating to operate with that dreaded Lexus touchpad. However, there is no shortage of features to play with, including power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, SmartAccess keyless entry, and navigation with a 10.3-inch central color screen. Blind-spot monitoring and pedestrian detection are among the standard safety features.

Lexus markets the LC 500 Convertible as a four-seater, though calling it such in reality feels like a lie. There are rear seats, though they only offer 28 inches of legroom and 32 inches of headroom. For anyone larger than a small child, this amount of space won't be sufficient. At least the front seat occupants have plenty of space with just over 42.5 inches of legroom and 36.7 inches of headroom. The LC's chairs are less aggressive than those found in the similarly-sized RC F coupe, meaning we found them more comfortable on longer trips.

The classy cabin can be specified in a choice of three leather colors: Black, Toasted Caramel, and Circuit Red, although the latter requires additional options such as the Touring Package and special alloy wheels. In all cases, Satin Metallic trim is standard, along with stainless-steel scuff plates and aluminum pedals. Exclusive for the Inspiration Series is bespoke Amalfi White upholstery, which looks stunning but will be more challenging to keep clean. Without a doubt, the LC's cabin materials and the general layout are a cut above most other competitors.

Pop open the trunk lid, and you'll find a shallow space that measures just 3.4 cubic feet, so you'll need to pack lightly for those weekend jaunts out of town. Anything tall simply won't fit in the cargo area. Then again, if you wanted a practical Lexus, you'd get a crossover. Storage space isn't much better inside the cabin, where the most notable aspect of the glovebox is the way it softly glides open; it is incredibly tiny, though. There is more space beneath the center armrest and an oddly-shaped square area than can be used as a cupholder in a pinch. As for actual cupholders, there's only a single one located ahead of the shifter. Like the other storage areas, the door pockets aren't as large as we'd like but can be handy for sunglasses.

With its six-figure price tag, the open-top LC expectedly comes with most luxuries befitting a luxury car of its stature. The power-adjustable front seats include memory settings for the driver. Along with a power-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column, this helps find a comfortable driving position quickly. Although the front seats offer both heating and ventilation as standard, we would have liked to see a heated steering wheel as standard rather than optional equipment, especially for a convertible. Additional standard features include a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-operated soft-top, and an eight-inch LCD TFT multi-information display. The LC gets all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, and intuitive parking assistance on the safety front. Scanning the options list reveals extras like a head-up display, a windshield wiper de-icer, and additional upper body seat heating.

The Lexus Enform infotainment system lives on a 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen, positioned in a landscape layout. Both the screen resolution and graphics look clear, but the remote touch controller and on-screen interface are cumbersome at best. Since the LC has so few physical buttons, simple tasks such as turning on a heated seat required several swipes and presses through menus on the screen. Operating the screen can be distracting as well because the remote controller often misses its menu target. Fortunately, Android Auto finally joins Apple CarPlay as a standard feature, giving access to outstanding voice-command features and cleaner interfaces. The standard audio system includes 12 speakers, but the optional 915-watt Reference Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio system adds another speaker to the mix. Typical audio inputs like satellite radio and Bluetooth are standard, as is a built-in CD player because Lexus says it is still the most high-resolution format to listen to music.

At the time of writing, there were zero recalls for the 2021 LC Convertible. Last year, the mechanically similar LC Coupe was also recall-free, which bodes well for the new convertible customers.

In the unlikely event that the 2021 LC 500 Convertible lets you down, the brand offers a standard four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Corrosion perforation coverage runs for six years with no mileage limitation. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is included for the first two visits at either six months/5,000 miles and then again at 12 months/10,000 miles.

Both the IIHS and the NHTSA have yet to review the LC Convertible or its hardtop sibling, not surprising since both are upscale vehicles with high price tags.

The 2021 Lexus LC Convertible is stocked with plenty of active and passive safety gear to keep occupants safe in the event of an accident. Along with six airbags, the convertible also comes with active roll bars that extend upwards if a rollover occurs. Other safety technologies for the 2021 LC Convertible include a backup camera and the Lexus Safety System+ suite. The latter includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian protection, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, intelligent high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and intuitive parking assist with auto braking. The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system prevents skidding by braking individual wheels and modulating torque.

On paper, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible comes out behind most of its rivals when benchmarking performance metrics. Its 0-60 mph time and top speed are not mind-blowing, nor is its interior technology. But none of that matters. The LC Convertible is not a car you purchase because it makes the most logical sense. You buy it because the styling looks like a concept car, so does the interior. The engine sounds like an angry god smiting nonbelievers, and it delivers more emotion to the driver than any Audi, BMW, or Mercedes model currently in production.

By ignoring what the rest of the market has been chasing - outrageous speeds, sub-three-second 0-60 times, overly complicated technology - Lexus has crafted a car that feels like a time capsule that will remind us what a GT car should be like for years to come. Soft seats, a cushy ride, world-class interior, and an exhaust note that will make your spine tingle. That's the LC 500 way. Now, with a convertible option, Lexus somehow made its masterpiece even better. We'd gladly take one if we were shopping in the six-figure price range.

The Lexus LC 500 Convertible has a starting MSRP of $101,000, making it $8,050 more expensive than the LC 500 Coupe in the US market. Similar cabriolets for sale within this price range include the BMW 8 Series Convertible, which starts at $97,400, and the base model Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet beginning at $112,000. The Lexus LC 500 Convertible price excludes tax, licensing, and registration costs, and a delivery charge of $1,025.

The 2021 Lexus LC Convertible eschews multiple trims for a single, well-equipped variant, the LC 500. It comes with a 5.0-liter V8 engine paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated V8 has specs of 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque and will see the drop-top hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, based on Lexus's specifications.

Outside, the LC is distinguished by triple-beam LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-operated soft-top roof, and flush exterior door handles. The leather-lined cabin features a 10.3-inch color infotainment display, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and a 12-speaker premium sound system. Driver-assistance features include a pre-collision system, blind-spot monitoring, and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control.

A limited-edition LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series offers structural blue exterior paint, Amalfi White semi-aniline leather interior trim, and additional upper body seat heating.

Lexus offers several upgrades for the LC 500 cabrio, but pricing for these isn't as appealing as it initially appears, as many optional extras have to be paired with others. For instance, the $5,290 Touring Package with semi-aniline leather, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and more can only be optioned in conjunction with special 20-inch alloy wheels at $1,210. More palatable in terms of price is the $250 All-Weather Package that adds a heated steering wheel and a windshield wiper de-icer. The $900 head-up display looks like an appealing option at first, but it requires adding the $5,290 Touring Pack and the accompanying 20-inch alloy wheels. The same goes for the $460 Torsen limited-slip rear differential with Yamaha performance dampers.

There is only one trim level of the Lexus LC 500 Convertible to buy, so how you option it hinges on options and color choices. We'd opt for Infrared paired with the Caramel leather interior. The Touring Package is a worthwhile option for $5,290, adding semi-aniline leather seats, climate concierge, Mark Levinson audio, and a heated steering wheel, but can't be paired with the Infrared paint, so if it's a must-have package, opt for the Nightfall Mica paint instead. Both the Torsen limited-slip differential and head-up display are affordable options at $460 and $900, respectively, bringing the price of the LC Convertible to around $110,000.

At the time of writing, the Lexus RC carries a price less than half that of the LC, providing a much more affordable entry point into the world of Lexus. Of course, at that level, you're getting half the power as well; the 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four in the base RC doesn't come close to the LC's sonorous V8 in any non F guise. However, there is a V6-equipped RC that offers up to 311 hp. The RC is stylish and distinctive but can't match the LC's allure and offers no drop-top version. Both cars prioritize serene cruising over overtly sporting handling, but again, the LC is the more accomplished in this aspect. Although both have small rear seats, the RC has a far bigger trunk by comparison. However, the LC has even more upscale materials and a stunning cabin design that is one of the best in any car. The RC is a stylish and enjoyable coupe, but the LC - especially in convertible form - is a far more desirable machine and shows you why it costs so much more.

Lexus wasn't aiming to conquer the Porsche 911 with its LC. Instead, it stuck to its guns and came up with a posh and refined convertible at its happiest cruising at high speeds or garnering plenty of attention when parked. In contrast, the latest 911 remains the dynamic benchmark in every review there is. The Porsche remains the winner if driving entertainment is a non-negotiable, and its turbocharged flat-six engine makes it quicker than the Lexus. When you aren't carving through a mountain pass, the Lexus feels more special, but the Porsche is a much sharper tool when you are. At $112,200, the base 911 Carrera Cabriolet is pricier, but despite the lower cost of the Lexus LC Convertible, it has that power roof and more overall equipment. For wind-in-your-hair motoring, the 911 Carrera cabrio starts at $112,000. Each car serves a different purpose, so it's up to you to decide which best fulfills your needs.