Lexus

LC Coupe/Convertible

Boasting awesome V8 power, the flagship Lexus LC is available in Coupe or open-top Convertible guise. It delivers blistering pace combined with a level of luxury rarely found in modern day cars. Factor in all the high-end technology and superb handling ability and this model is well worth its £100k price-tag.

The good

Styling, handling, comfort and option of an open-top experience

The bad

Expensive and very dated touchpad

Tech Specs

Price from

£95,660

Combined Fuel up to

34.8mpg (hybrid coupe)

0-62 from

4.7 second

max speed up to

168 seconds

co2 from

184g/km (hybrid coupe)

Test Drive

Lexus LC 500 Convertible V8 Regatta Inspiration (2023)

When Lexus launched its stunning LC 500 Coupe in 2017, it instantly took its rightful place as the flagship model in the company’s line-up.

Fast forward a couple of years and there was a similar, if not more impressive convertible in the wings, boasting an equally-powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine.

With prices starting from £106,385 for the entry-level car and rising to £113,885 for the LC 500 Convertible Regatta Inspiration trim, Lexus finally had its first drop-top car.

We opted for the range-topping version and it lived up to all the big build-up with blistering pace, dynamic handling, luxurious refinement and even a spot of sunshine so we could sample that wind-in-the-hair driving experience.

Our LC Convertible boasted 457bhp and 530Nm of torque with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 168mph, while delivering 24.1mpg and carbon emissions of 275g/km.

The acceleration through the 10-speed automatic transmission is ultra-quick with steering wheel mounted paddles for added driver engagement. In addition, there are drive modes that alter the dynamics and character of the vehicle. These are called Eco, Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+, Normal and Custom, plus a separate Snow mode that adds extra grip in more challenging conditions.

Out on the open road, the car is beautifully balanced with a low centre of gravity meaning it can be pushed hard into long sweeping bends without any loss of grip or the slightest hint of body sway. It is quite wide measuring almost 2.2 metres across so you will need to tuck in snug to the hedgerows, but it handles exquisitely with nicely weighted steering offering ample feedback.

The LC Convertible is a very accomplished cruiser too and will effortlessly eat up long motorway miles for fun and then, in busier town centre settings, the array of parking sensors and cameras make life that much easier.

We were blessed with a little glimpse of summer during our test so it was the ideal opportunity to lower the roof – a task that takes about 15 seconds and can be carried out at speeds of up to 31mph. The canvas cover folds neatly away into a specifically-designed compartment behind the rear seats. This is also where the hydraulic motor is located, so it does not impact on boot space and, according to Lexus, the system has been thoroughly tested so should last at least 10 years before it requires any mechanical attention.

The seats and steering wheel are power-operated and the seats, steering wheel and head rests can be heated which is fabulous when driving with the roof down. It is quite noisy as you would expect, but as soon as the top is closed again, the cabin becomes completely insulated with barely a sound filtering through, apart from the throaty roar of that V8 of course, which won’t make you any friends if you start work early in the morning.

But the drop dead gorgeous looks of the car will attract admiring glances wherever it passes thanks to its sleek streamlining and striking silhouette. Eye-catching design cues include the trademark large Lexus spindle grille, sweeping light clusters with signature daytime running lights, prominent front and rear wings, plus 21-inch alloys with black brake calipers. It’s a convertible that looks just as appealing roof raised or lowered.

Moving inside, the interior is luxury through and through with the finest white and navy leathery upholstery, along with navy blue seatbelts. There is a wealth of technology to explore, much of which is accessed via a crystal clear 10.3-inch infotainment screen with sat nav, full smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a pitch perfect 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The only real gripe is the very dated control pad which is so clunky and difficult to operate on the move. But this issue will be addressed and upgraded when the new model comes out.

Like all 2+2 models, space in the rear seats is only okay for children, but more realistically for throwing a coat or bag on. However, there’s plenty of handy storage compartments throughout the car, including door bins, a glovebox, cup holders, nets and a central cubby box.

The boot, which is accessed via a powered lid, can hold 149 litres of goodies, which again is on a par with rival models.

With relatively low sales volumes, the LC line-up has not been tested for a Euro NCAP safety rating, but it is packed with a comprehensive range of safety features and driver assistance aids.

And that low sales volume also gives owners a sense of exclusivity that they wouldn’t have if they owned a premium convertible from one of the mainstream manufacturers.

All in all, as we move at quite a click towards full electrification, it’s great to still get behind the wheel of a car powered by a V8 engine. That sound and, oh, that performance.

Test Drive

Lexus LC 500 Sport+ Pack (2023)

If you’re looking for something a little bit special that’s not from one of the bigger, mainstream names, then Lexus could have the ideal model.

It’s called the LC, is available in coupe or convertible styles, and it is powered by either a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid engine or a more powerful V8 5.0-litre unit.

Whichever body style or drivetrain you opt for, one thing is definitely guaranteed, the flagship LC will deliver a dynamic driving experience that is matched by the level of on-board luxury.

We opted for the LC 500 Coupe Sport+ Pack model, costing £104,920, although that price-tag climbed to £107,770 thanks to the addition of an upgraded 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system and head-up display.

Our two-door coupe was powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine with 457bhp and 530Nm of torque. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 4.7 seconds and topped out at 168mph, while delivering a combined 24.3mpg with carbon emissions of 262g/km.

There’s no denying the fact that the Lexus LC Coupe is a great looking car with a strong road presence. Design cues include a roofline that tapers away to create a distinctive silhouette, LED headlights with daytime running lights plus Automatic High Beam, a retractable rear spoiler, a carbon fibre roof, 21-inch forged alloy wheels and smart F Sport white paintwork.

The interior is classy in its layout with the finest upholstery throughout. The sports seats are power-operated and can be heated or ventilated and the steering wheel can also be warmed against the winter chill. There are carbon fibre scuff plates, an auto-dimming frameless rearview mirror and a leather gear lever surround.

On-board tech is plentiful with the likes of a 10.3-inch display featuring sat nav, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection, a DVD player, DAB radio and Bluetooth.

An eight-inch tft display behind the steering wheel shows all the vital driving data, but the one real downside is the very dated touchpad that is used to navigate many of the car’s functions. It is really slow and clunky to operate on the move.

That gripe aside though, the LC is a powerhouse of a car when it comes to performance. The coupe model boasts a low centre of gravity and, with its wide stance, it feels incredibly well balanced and grounded when fizzing through the country lanes. Our car featured a Torsen limited-slip differential as standard allowing the driver to accelerate while cornering. it works in tandem with the Dynamic Rear Steering system for added stability and agility.

The acceleration through the recently-enhanced Direct Shift 10-speed automatic gearbox is perfectly timed and there are steering wheel-mounted paddles for added driver engagement. In addition, you can flick through drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Sport S, Spirt S+, Normal and Custom that alter the car’s reactions. There is also a Snow setting for extra grip.

The latest model also features an improved steering set-up and, with the car dropping 10kg in weight thanks to suspension revisions, the LC feels nimbler and more responsive than its predecessor.

It’s a vehicle that cruises effortlessly at 70mph on motorways and is agile in busier town centre settings, but you will need a large parking space as the LC stretches more than 4.7 metres in length.

When it comes to practicality, you need to remember this is a 2+2 coupe model. That means it has two rear seats, but in reality, they are only suitable for throwing a jacket or bag on. Legroom is ridiculously limited even for children.

The boot is accessed via a powered lid and is quite small with a 197-litre capacity. But there a few handy storage options throughout the cabin, including a glovebox, deep central cubby, trays and door pockets.

Another thing to take into consideration is where to park. The LC has wide opening doors so if someone parks too close at a supermarket and blocks you in, you will need to patiently wait for them to finish shopping.

The Lexus also boasts a comprehensive list of safety specifications and driver assistance aids making it the complete package for anyone searching for an upmarket two-door coupe with bags of charm and character. It’s not cheap, but none of its closest rivals are either.

Test Drive

Lexus LC 500 Convertible Sport Plus Pack – First Drive (2021)

With car makers the world over exploring ways to lower carbon emissions and make the industry a cleaner place, Lexus has unleashed a potent 5.0-litre V8 convertible model that bucks every trend in the book.

It arrives hot on the heels of the latest two-door LC 500 Coupe model and this drop-top version, aptly named the LC 500 Convertible, aims to take on the big guns in the premium sports car league.

With a mighty 457bhp of power and 530Nm of torque, the performance from the naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine almost matches that of the coupe with a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.0 seconds and top speed that is limited at 168mph.

It hardly goes without saying, this is not the cheapest car in the Lexus line-up. It’s a flagship model with a high-end price-tag to match. There are two trim levels to choose from – the ‘standard’ LC 500 Convertible and the model with LC 500 Convertible Sport+ Pack and it was the latter that we tested costing £96,625, increasing to £98,625 with optional extras.

The day-to day running costs are not exactly cheap either with a combined 24.1mpg and carbon emissions of 275g/km. So you can expect regular trips to fill up, costly road tax and expensive insurance as the car sits in group 50.

But in all fairness, these figures are to be expected as Lexus designers were set the task of designing the world’s most beautiful open-top car that looks as good with the roof up or down. And they have certainly succeeded in that mission.

Approach the LC 500 C from any angle and the sleek model is guaranteed to stop bystanders dead in their tracks. It possesses all the powerful styling that helped the Coupe model scoop numerous design awards with its beautiful, powerful lines.

Eye catching features include the large spindle grille that is a hallmark of Lexus design, LED light clusters with LED daytime running lights, a low bonnet line with short front overhang and a retractable rear spoiler. There are door handles that are flush to the bodywork and when they pop out they have the letter ‘L’ displaying. The front and rear wings flare away from the centre of the car and house the large wide-diameter wheels with 21-inch forged alloys and black brake calipers completing the styling.

Move inside and the interior is modern, clutter-free and very driver focused with a wealth of technology to explore. The power-operated leather sports seats feature a memory function and are designed using a unique quilted pattern that looks both elegant and upmarket.

On-board technology includes a 10.3-inch display screen with navigation system, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a DVD player, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control and a rear wind defector.

Mated to the powerful V8 engine is a perfectly timed 10-speed automatic transmission that features a clever AI-SHIFT set-up that is a world first and uses past driving history to work out the driver’s preferences based on speed and accelerator use.

When it comes to driving, the power at your disposal is relentless and the low centre of gravity means the rear-wheel drive car is perfectly balanced and really confident into long sweeping bends. The road holding is sublime and the steering is perfectly weighted with plenty of driver feedback. There are steering wheel mounted paddles too for extra driver engagement.

The LC 500 Convertible effortlessly eats up the motorway miles and, despite sitting so low to the ground, the comfort levels are extremely high. Even after a 175-mile journey without stops and with the top down, I still felt perfectly comfortable with the seat, neck and steering wheel heaters fending off the winter chill.

There are stalks ideally positioned each side of the steering wheel that control the drive modes with the left lever offering access to Eco, Comfort, Sport S and Sport S+ modes with the option to customise your preferences. The right stalk introduces a Snow function and can also be used to turn off the traction control.

Special mention too to the vocal accompaniment from the engine because it is spot on with just the right amount of noise to draw attention without screaming unnecessarily raucously. The car features Active Noise Control which works similarly to noise cancelling headphones to counteract any unwelcome engine and drivetrain sound. Obviously, the volume does get considerably louder as you move up through the drive modes with the gear shift timing altering accordingly, but one thing is guaranteed – you’ll get out of this car beaming from ear to ear!

Yes, it’s aggressive, but not in a brutal way and the LC 500 C has a calmer, more. chilled side when needed. Switch across to Comfort and you could be travelling Business Class. It’s a car that suits your mood whatever it may be.

The LC 500 Coupe 2021 model gained an upgraded suspension system and that is fitted to the convertible version too bringing additional handling stability and agility along with greater responsiveness and that, in turn, adds to the driving exhilaration.

And should the sun put in a surprise appearance, then tucked neatly beneath a leather cover by the gear lever are the controls to operate the four-layer multi-folding canvas roof. This can be raised or lowered in 15 seconds while on the move at speeds of up to 31mph. When lowered, the roof tucks neatly away behind the rear seats and, as a result, the luggage space remains the same as the coupe model at 149 litres.

The LC 500 Convertible is classed as featuring a 2+2 cabin which means there are rear seats, but in reality, they are best used for convenient storage as the leg space is really restricted. There are also a number of handy storage options scattered throughout the car such as a glovebox, door bins, central cubby box, cup holder and a net on the passenger’s side of the centre console.

Safety specifications are comprehensive with the likes of dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system, lane keep assist, automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, road sign assist, adaptive variable suspension, a full suite of airbags and auto-deploying roll-over bars.

The LC 500 Convertible is the Japanese car maker’s first soft-top model and wow, what a debut. It boasts jaw-dropping good looks with blistering performance to match. Now all we need is some sunshine!