- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
5.0i, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
351kW, 540Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 12.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2024 Lexus LC500 Convertible review
It’s not every day that you get handed keys to a car that makes you want to jump out of bed every morning. The car I'm referring to is a handsome-looking soft-top convertible that packs a naturally aspirated V8. Here's my verdict on the Lexus LC500 convertiable after living with it over my summer break.
- The blistering V8 engine and heavenly exhaust note
- Ride comfort is sublime
- The fact that it's a soft-top convertible makes it even cooler
- Boot space is limited
- Why bother with rear seats?
- Insurance is very expensive
2024 Lexus LC500 Convertible
The Lexus LC500 Convertible is a good-looking grand tourer that packs a blistering naturally aspirated V8 engine. Remember those? Yes, they still exist.
Quickly becoming a rarity, though, I can't recall the last time I piloted a vehicle that boasted a V8 and a potent one at that. It's not just about what's under the bonnet of this beast, though, as there's so much to love about the Lexus LC500 convertible.
Firstly, it's incredibly handsome-looking. Okay, looks are a personal preference, but it is fair to say that this bold GT is unique in appearance and undoubtedly a head-turner, more so with the Infrared finish of this test car.
I met a lot of people during my time with this car, and that's because I was stopped at servos, coffee shops, shopping centres, you name it. Everyone seemed to love it, and that made me question why I see so very few of them on the road.
Along with its sleek design, there’s the added beauty of cruising with the roof down. That sensation of the cool breeze blowing through the cabin, proudly exiting the car with tousled hair.
It's a fun, feel-good Lexus – a car that has the power to trigger emotions with the simplest of tasks. Whether you're starting her up, giving it a rev, upshifting, downshifting, taking off at the lights, or opening the roof – the LC is a driver's car and a sensory delight.
The Lexus LC500 first launched in 2017 for the 2018 model year, with the convertible joining the line-up in 2021. There are three variants to choose from – the LC500 V8 coupe, the LC500h hybrid coupe, and the LC500 V8 Convertible.
Unsurprisingly, the coupe sells the best, but with just 70 LCs of all stripes delivered in 2023, the model remains a fairly rare sight on Aussie roads.
In late 2023, Lexus updated the LC coupe and convertible for the first time in two years, resulting in price rises and new equipment across the range. We’ll get to pricing, but first, here are some of the standard features you can expect in this model.
LED headlights with dusk-sensing functionality and automatic high-beam, 21-inch forged wheels, 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display, semi-aniline leather-accented front seats, power-adjustable steering column, sports pedals, heated steering wheel, 'easy access' front-seat slide function, three-year Lexus Connected Services subscription, retractable door handles with illumination, to name a few. Refer to our pricing and specifcations article for additional information.
The Lexus LC500 goes up against the likes of the BMW 8 Series and new Mercedes-Benz SL.
How much does the Lexus LC500 Convertible cost in Australia?
The Lexus LC500 range kicks off with the coupe, which starts at 204,635. Next in the line-up is the hybrid, starting at $212,727, and finally, the convertible, which has a starting price of $218,242.
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With the recent updates in 2023, Lexus increased prices across the board, with the flagship hybrid up $19,704. Both the entry-level coupe and convertible models went up $4704.
The increase to the flagship model is exorbitant, attributed to Lexus now fitting it with equipment from the previously-optional Enhancement Pack as standard – though the package remains as a $15,000 extra for the LC500 coupe.
In comparison, the BMW 8 Series convertible kicks off at $212,600 for the 3.0-litre 840i, while the Mercedes-AMG SL costs a whopping $374,900, albeit it in twin-turbo 430W AMG guise only .
Note that the prices above exclude on road costs.
Key details | 202X |
Price | $218,242 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | Infrared |
Options | None |
Price as tested | $218,242 plus on-road costs |
Drive-away price | $242,684 (Melbourne) |
Rivals | Mercedes-AMG SL | BMW 8 series |
How much space does the Lexus LC500 Convertible have inside?
Put simply, there's not a great deal of space. To be fair, it’s a two-door sports car, so I’m guessing you’re not buying it for its space and practicality.
There's enough space for two, though, with ample legroom and sufficient storage up front. The front row gets two cupholders, which are best suited to coffee cups and smaller bottles, as larger, thicker drink bottles don't make the cut. What's more, the door bins are narrow, so a standard Mount Franklin water bottle will only fit sideways.
There's no charging pad but rather a slim compartment where you can house your phone vertically. In the way of charging, you get two outlets in the centre console, which can be easily accessed by rear occupants.
The centre compartment is large, but curiously isn't double-hinged, so access for the passenger is limited.
The rear seats are the big question mark, better utilised as a storage shelf or a spot for your pets. It’s almost impossible to fit adults in the rear unless they're sitting almost sideways, and the front passenger is happy to place their legs under the glovebox with their head resting on the dash.
For the purpose of this review, I enlisted some willing volunteers to asses the space and comfort, namely the rear.
My brother, who's 193 centimetres, felt comfortable in the front passenger side, but for him to fit, his seat was pushed against the second-row seating. My cousin is 175cm and sat behind me, which meant that I had to adjust my seating position to the point of feeling immensely out of sorts.
The leg room was tricky, yes, but the head room was a bigger concern in the rear, as his neck started to get sore. To make the ride bearable, we had no choice but to open the roof and endure the sprinkles of rain.
So, road trips work better with two adults, and the second row can serve as an additional storage spot. I say this as the boot is compact, offering 149L of cargo space.
In comparison, the SL offers 240L, while the 8 Series has 280L.
2024 Lexus LC500 convertible | |
Seats | Five |
Boot | 149L |
Length | 4770mm |
Width | 1920mm |
Height | 1350mm |
Wheelbase | 2870mm |
Does the Lexus LC500 Convertible have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Lexus LC500 gets Apple CarPlay, both wired and wireless, along with wired Android Auto. It also has DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
Connecting your smartphone to Bluetooth or CarPlay is a quick and seamless process via the updated infotainment system.
This updated model is equipped with the new-generation 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (up from 10.3 inches), along with a revised, and may I say excellent, 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, plus a three-year subscription to Lexus Connected Services. This allows owners to check their recent trip history, fuel level, and vehicle location, or open/close windows and unlock doors via a smartphone app.
This system is much more intuitive than the previous generation, removing the haptic touchpad and offering a much more user-friendly touchscreen. There’s also an 8.0-inch digital instrument display, and while it doesn’t look overly modern, it’s clear and easy to navigate.
While the Apple CarPlay connected seamlessly, even once I restarted the car, it wasn’t all good news.
There were countless occasions when I would make a phone call through Apple CarPlay, (both wired and wireless), and the system had a complete meltdown. This is something that couldn’t be fixed on the go, meaning I'd have to pull over and reboot the system, which took a good five minutes or so.
My Spotify would come back to life, but my phone calls wouldn't reconnect to the system, and the screen would often freeze. So, there were various trips without taking calls, but there was a silver lining – ample time to enjoy the impressive stereo system. Thankfully, this didn’t happen every day, just randomly over the three-week period.
Something else worth mentioning is the fact that not every function is operated through the touch screen. Lexus has been kind enough to provide physical buttons and dials, something that a lot of manufacturers are extracting in newer vehicles. The climate control buttons are well-positioned, plus there’s also a volume knob, along with buttons to access seat and steering heating.
Is the Lexus LC500 Convertible a safe car?
Like many other sports cars, the Lexus LC500 is yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
The TAC's How Safe Is Your Car website rates the LC500 Convertible 7/10 for safety features at a glance.
2024 Lexus LC500 convertible | |
ANCAP rating | Not tested |
What safety technology does the Lexus LC500 Convertible have?
The Lexus LC500 is equipped with a plentiful list of standard safety features. These include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, road sign assist, (speed signs only), lane tracing assist, automatic high beam, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and active rollbars that deploy when a collision or rollover is detected.
Lane tracing assist isn’t abrupt like many vehicles that tend to forcefully pull you back into the lane but rather sounds with multiple beeps. Just enough for me.
I found the automatic high beams a little overactive, tending to activate when I didn't require them. It was an appreciable function but something I needed to keep my eye on when driving through urban streets, which were dark but also often busy.
The panoramic view camera is excellent. Not only does it give you a close-up view, but there's also a video option that turns the car, so you can see all angles from a birdseye view. Impressively, the colour of the car can also be changed, with all 10 colour choices available.
What's more, cruise control is straightforward to engage on the steering wheel.
How much does the Lexus LC500 Convertible cost to maintain?
Lexus provides a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty.
Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Services are capped at $695, equalling $3475 over five years or 75,000km.
When purchasing an LC500, customers gain access to top-tier the Lexus Encore Platinum benefits program which includes benefits such as complimentary valet parking visits at selected shopping centres on-demand Lexus loan vehicles in Australia and New Zealand (useage limits apply), Ampol fuel offers, exclusive events, service loan cars, and Lexus drive care, which provides 24-hour roadside assistance and basic mechanical assistance.
As for insuring the Lexus LC500 convertible, our go-to insurer quoted close to $6700 based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates will vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
At a glance | 2024 Lexus LC500 convertible |
Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
Servicing costs | $1390 (3 years) $3475 (5 years) |
Is the Lexus LC500 Convertible fuel efficient?
With a large 82L fuel tank, I didn't spend as much time at the bowser as I anticipated.
Lexus quotes 12.7L/100km, and after my time with the car, I averaged 13.8L/100km. That figure dropped after long highway stints, with the lowest recording at 13.5L/100km.
My first top-up cost was close to $160, with the fuel sitting at just under a quarter of a tank.
I didn’t spend much time at all in Eco mode, but Sport and Sport+ modes certainly got a workout. As I had this car for three weeks, I drove it in all kinds of conditions, mainly urban, but I also did my fair share of longer freeway stints, which included two trips from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula.
Fuel Consumption - brought to you by bp
Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 12.7L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 13.8L/100km |
Fuel type | 98-octane premium unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 82L |
What is the Lexus LC500 Convertible like to drive?
The LC500 convertible joins the list of one of the most engaging and enjoyable cars I've tested as a motoring journalist.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to utilise the soft top as often as I would have liked (thank you, Melbourne weather), but it's always nice to know that the option is just a press away.
The thrill of starting her up every morning never faded, greeted with that harmonious rumble from the 5.0-lite naturally aspirated V8 engine. The engine and 10-speed automatic transmission are an exemplary match, always smooth and refined, whether you’re driving at low or high speeds.
The power is startling, kicking in from the moment you press the accelerator, and with 351kW and 540Nm, getting off the line and executing snappy overtakes is effortless.
Admittedly, on take-offs, there were times when I had to glance at the speedometer to ensure I was in check. The power of this car is impressive, capable of soaring from 40km/h to 100km/h without a hitch.
Having said that, this is a tourer and a brilliant one at that. While you just want to open her up on a highway or winding back road, this car still offers an incredible amount of enjoyment merely cruising at 30km/h in first gear. Proof that this is an everyday driver's car – something you can enjoy on long road trips and short stints to the supermarket.
The V8 offers a scintillating exhaust note that pounces from the engine and can still be heard with music playing. What's more, the cabin insulation is impressive, so much so that you can easily hold a conversation with your passenger when the roof is deployed without having to raise your voice.
The build quality of this car is excellent, so it’s no surprise that Lexus has nailed the execution of its soft top. With the push of a button, it takes just 15 seconds for the four-layered cloth lid to unseal, and it can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h.
With the roof on, the sleek sports design hampers rear visibility, as the rear windscreen is tiny. Otherwise, creating the perfect driving position didn't take long, providing a good view out over the bonnet and alongside the car as well.
The Lexus LC500 is equipped with five driving modes – Sport, Sport+, Normal, Comfort and Eco. Gear ratios are closely stacked, making it easy to stay in the engine's peak power band, but making a tougher job of adhering to 50km/h speed limits around town.
Get her out on the open road, though, and the Lexus will shine. At any speed and no matter the gear, this car offers the same unrelenting power delivery.
What’s more, the ride is sublime, with little to no clunks or rattles on harsher surfaces. In fact, ride control is impressive for such a performance-oriented car, and it thrives on snakey roads.
The sophisticated traction-control system allows you to lean into corners with confidence, much sharper than you’d expect for a 2000kg vehicle. But, with power injected from the rear, it can get a little squirmy in the wet or when exiting a corner with too much speed.
This car is fitted with a very nifty head-up display, which indicates your speed, sign speed recognition, and rev limiter. In addition, if you're using a map function, the directions will appear in your eyeline, displaying turn-by-turn prompts and next-turn distances.
It didn't take long to get used to sitting low to the ground, as Lexus has mastered the execution of this tourer – a cozy, luxurious, and refined machine with a riveting wild side.
Key details | 2024 Lexus LC500 convertible |
Engine | 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine |
Power | 351kW @ 7100rpm |
Torque | 540Nm @ 4800rpm |
Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
Transmission | 10-speed torque converter automatic |
Power-to-weight ratio | 170.8kW/t |
Weight (kerb) | 2055kg |
Spare tyre type | Tyre repair kit |
Turning circle | 10.8m |
Should I buy a Lexus LC500 Convertible?
If you have the money! There's no secret that this car is pricey, and people have said that it's too expensive for a Lexus. But let's not forget that Lexus is a luxury brand and a reliable one at that.
For a manufacturer that’s known for its impeccable hybrid drivetrains, I praise Lexus for offering something so unique in their line-up. And it's not just an afterthought; rather, it is a well-executed, stylish vehicle that boasts great drivability, an incredible engine, and great standard features to boot.
If you can't afford a Mercedes-Benz SL or a Porsche 911 but are after something fun and performance-focused, I think you should take this for a test drive.
How do I buy a Lexus LC500 Convertible – next steps?
I tested the convertible for this review, and while it ticks a lot of boxes in the way of features, performance and style, it's the most expensive of the range.
As mentioned, the entry-level coupe is the best seller in the line-up. So, if you're shopping for a stylish tourer with the power to boot for a lot less coin, then this is your go-to. But only if you're willing to sacrifice the soft top and settle for a coupe.
Every Lexus LC500 convertible is made to order and generally takes around 6-12 months, depending on the specification.
The next step on the purchase journey is to check the Lexus website, where you can build and price your preferred LC500 variant. You can also find Lexus cars for sale at Drive.com.au/cars-for-sale.
If you want to stay updated with everything that's happened to this car since our review, you'll find all the latest news here.