2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review (Including Full Video Review)

I feel fortunate being able to evaluate different vehicles for my job, so that I can report my impressions back to you.
My hope is that my research will assist you in your research. We are all searching to find that perfect vehicle, right?

I have tested sedans and SUVs and luxury SUVs and hybrids. Enjoyed just about every one of them and for many different reasons.

And then there is Lexus LC 500 Convertible.

This one, though. This LC 500 Convertible. This takes the cake.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

“Luxury Coupe.” That is where the LC comes from.

My initial feelings and first impressions when seeing this vehicle were of just that. Lexus has combined sleek and muscular styling with luxurious looks and amenities both inside and out.

My test vehicle for the week was a 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible in Ultra White with a black top. It did not disappoint.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible Performance

Three-two-one-GO.

If you press firmly on the gas pedal from a dead stop, you may get a surprise shot of adrenaline. You see, LC 500 Convertible can reach 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds (falling mere tenths of a second behind Lexus RC F, which I tested and wrote about previously).

Maximum track speed is 168 mph. This is a piece of trivia that is a “nice to know” as opposed to a “Jeff got it up to 168” fact. I should have found a track. Why did I not look for a track?

A powerful speed achievement like this is due mainly to the LC 500 Convertible naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower @ 7,100 rpm and 398 lb.-ft. torque @4,800 rpm.

VIDEO REVIEW: I hope you enjoy my full review including test drive.

This muscular engine is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission as its powertrain partner. Accelerating from zero to your top cruising speed barely allows the driver to feel the various shift points. So smooth and crisp.

Of course, you have paddle shifters if you want to simulate manual transmission driving. Sport S and Sport S+ driving modes take performance-oriented driving to “next level status” with a more responsive powertrain.

2021 Lexus LC 500 mpg

Fuel estimates are 15mpg in the city, 25mpg on the highway, and 18mpg combined. In my opinion that is reasonable fuel efficiency for the type of car it is. Plus, I doubt many people are overly concerned with gas mileage over other factors when looking at a $101,000 luxury sports car. I drove LC 500 Convertible mainly aggressively and with spirit and conviction. I averaged 17.9 combined for the week, but I am sure this would have improved quite a bit with average driving habits.

Handling was impressive. I found Lexus smoothly leaned into winding country road corners. Active Cornering Assist gently applies the brakes to the inside wheels all the way through corners. This allows you a smooth, comfortable, and “in-command” type ride on nearly all types of roads and driving conditions.

Now, if you want to have a little fun and open things up and slide around a little, try turning off the traction control. This button is located in a quirky yet out-of-the-way spot to the left of the steering wheel. Since 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is rear-wheel drive, turning off traction control might allow for some drifting and sliding fun on dusty or snowy roads.

Although this luxury coupe is a hybrid of two vehicle segments, LC 500 is more luxury than sporty as far as drive and ride comfort. This is a plus.

I enjoyed the ride tremendously. You may too.

Exterior styling for LC 500 Convertible

“WOW. That car is stunning.” Marveled Rick.

Dennis exclaimed. “Luxury personified! Look at that styling. It just flows from front to back.”

“So sexy.” Added social media influencer TRD Jon.

Ray had perhaps the best suggestion. “Toyota should let you keep it for promoting them so well.” Great idea Ray. Not sure I see this being approved, but I will put your note in the suggestion box haha.

These comments were from viewers of my social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Their views mirrored many of my thoughts about exterior styling.

It sounds cheesy, but I felt initially as though I was staring longingly at a piece of artwork. A sleek, flowing, aerodynamically appealing canvas of perfection.

My test car was Ultra White, but LC 500 Convertible is also offered in Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Flare Yellow, Infrared, Smoky Granite Mica, Caviar, Obsidian, Nightfall Mica, Cadmium Orange and Nori Green Pearl.

LC 500 comes with hard top or soft top convertible. Mine was soft black top but you can also get it in sand color.

The convertible top can open and close in about 15 seconds. It is an easy and smooth process that can be performed up to 31 miles per hour. It works – I tried it. A nifty graphic on the multi-information display keeps you updated on the status of opening and closing operations. We do not want this process stopped halfway with the top half up, after all. Would not be good.

Front end highlights include a long-but-symmetrically-pleasing graphite colored spindle design front grille. I did not mind the grille at all despite its size. This is a long front end, and the spindle grille complements it well.

Look for premium triple-beam LED headlamps, along with LED taillamps and turn signals. Wide and tall visibility especially at night. And it looks great as well.

On a similar note, the flush door handles take some getting used to, but accentuate the rich and luxurious vibe.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible rides around on standard 20-inch staggered-width split-10-spoke cast alloy wheels. My ride was upgraded to optional 21-inch wheels.

Standard safety features include Lexus Safety System+, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and six airbags.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Interior styling

Let me just say this. I am in love with the interior. Especially the Circuit Red seating and red accent highlights throughout the cabin. Mixed with black, this is a winning color combo.

LC 500 Convertible is a four-seater, although truthfully, I am not all that confident you would want to attempt a third and fourth passenger due to minimal rear seat leg room.

Plan on a standard 12-speaker premium audio system with navigation and a 10.3-inch color LCD multimedia display. I was thrilled to be upgraded with the Mark Levinson 13-speaker, 915-watt reference surround sound audio. Crystal clear. Booming. Heart-pumping.

Controls were laid out in mostly logical fashion, with one drawback.

I apologize, but I will never fully learn to use the smart touch pad that controls climate, audio and other multimedia functions. I find the system awkward and it does not assist in minimizing distractions while driving. My preference is to use voice commands in the car whenever I can.

My favorite gadget is the awe-inspiring sliding speedometer-to-multi-information display. You can change this display on the fly and it never stops being Fonzie cool.

No wait, there is another one I like better. Since I reviewed this coupe in 40-degree temperature, driving with the top down got chilly very quickly. Having front headrest heat vents was the best thing ever. Wind in my face. Heat on my neck and head. It works.

I am huge fan of Apple CarPlay. This is my go-to. Thankfully, the LC 500 Convertible comes standard with this popular application, along with Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Look for push button start, backup camera with dynamic gridlines, SiriusXM, rear seat-mounted speakers and illuminated entry system as well.

Again, I am so impressed with the interior. To me, exterior styling initially pulls a person in, but interior styling and technology commits that person to a car.

Call me a fan. A committed fan.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Price

If you have been researching the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible already, you will not be surprised at the factory MSRP. $101,100. With options, pricing can easily jump up to around $110,000. My tester was right in that range.

Hard top 2021 Lexus LC 500 starts at $93,050.

Time for your thoughts on Lexus

I find the pricing reasonable considering everything you are getting with this one.

I suggest you visit your local Lexus dealership and test one out. Especially if you want a smooth and comfortable ride with adrenaline-inspired acceleration. And gadgets and safety and technology and convenience.

Thanks for reading my review.

Are you a Lexus fan and have you studied or tested the LC 500 convertible yet? What are your impressions?

See you next story.

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