Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Specs
Class: Premium Sporty/Efficiency Automobile
Colour: Copper Crest
Seating Capability: 4
Miles pushed: 187
Actual-world gas economic system: 19.8 mpg
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortC+
Energy and PerformanceA-
Match and FinishA
Gas EconomyB
ValueB
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.
Large & Tall Consolation
Large GuyB+
Tall GuyB-
Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs471-hp 5.0-liter
Engine TypeV8
Transmission 10-speed computerized
Drive WheelsRWD
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 15/25/18 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Premium gasoline
Base value: $105,200 (not together with $1150 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: White & Blue Inside ($1900), Bespoke Construct Bundle ($5500), Darkish Chrome Exterior Trim ($650), gloss-black wheels ($40), Head-up Show ($900), Mark Levinson-brand audio system ($1220), particular paint ($550), carbon-fiber door scuff plates ($600)
Worth as examined: $117,755
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Dramatic, exotic-car styling; fantastically trimmed cabin; sturdy acceleration
The great: Fast-operating convertible prime; throaty exhaust be aware
The not so good: Rear visibility (particularly top-up), not likely unique
Evaluation
Philosophically, there’s in all probability no automobile within the Lexus lineup more true to the model’s core mission than the LC. Whereas the LC, provided as each a coupe and a convertible, seems to be like a Ferrari, it contains a useful, emergency-use rear seat, it’s comparatively straightforward to get out and in of, and an oil change gained’t price you an arm and a leg.
Additionally, the LC is a Lexus, which implies that the cabin is effectively appointed, the construct high quality prime tier, and the drivetrain refined. And whereas all which will sound a little bit rational and mature, take into account that the LC can be an excellent wanting automobile that’s rewarding to drive, and positive to earn you loads of compliments.
Competitors
And whereas a Ferrari, the least costly of which has a beginning value greater than two and a half occasions larger than the LC, is quicker and more-nimble than the Lexus, only a few drivers will ever discover the bounds of their automobile’s efficiency. For most people, a Ferrari is an advanced, costly dedication, requiring a number of upkeep, costly insurance coverage, and common appointments with a chiropractor. Whereas the LC is, as famous above, a Lexus. An excellent-looking Lexus.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2024, the Lexus LC is obtainable in coupe and convertible type. Energy comes from a conventionally-aspirated (no turbos) 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 horsepower. Additionally provided is a hybrid variant of the coupe, which contains a 3.4-liter V6 good for 354 horsepower. The V8 fashions are mated to a 10-speed computerized, whereas the hybrids function a CVT-automatic.
Right here’s a breakdown of the 2024 Lexus Lineup:
LC 500 Coupe ($99,800)
LC 500h Coupe ($103,100)
LC 500 Convertible ($106,350)
LC 500 Inspiration Collection Coupe ($116,700)
LC 500 Inspiration Collection Convertible ($121,900)
The limited-edition Inspiration Collection automobiles function a limited-slip differential and performance-oriented rear suspension dampers. Lexus guarantees to construct simply 125 Inspiration Collection fashions, and can supply them solely in Surge Satin White with a blue inside.
Choices
Additionally new for 2024 is the Bespoke Construct program, which permits for purchaser customization of issues together with convertible-top shade, and a variety of different trim parts.
Shopper Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible in Copper Crest that includes the Bespoke Construct possibility. All advised, our check automobile got here to $117,755 together with vacation spot cost.
Design
In the event you drive an LC for every week, you may be approached by strangers who really feel they should let you know how lovely your automobile seems to be. And, primarily based on our depend, no less than one-in-five of these people will ask in case your automobile is a Ferrari. Additionally of curiosity to random people in parking heaps is the new-for-2024 Copper Crest shade. We predict we captured the colour properly within the photographs accompanying this evaluate. Please take a while to take pleasure in them.
Cabin
The LC cabin doesn’t instantly current a sporty. As a substitute, the leather-based lined inside reminds us extra of a lounge, with giant, accommodating seats, infinite yards of high-end supplies lining the sprint and doorways, and a perky two-tone motif that retains issues gentle.
Room and Consolation
As notde earlier, the LC’s giant doorways and generously-sized seats assist to make this premium Lexus roadster straightforward to enter and exit. And, even with the highest up, there’s loads of headroom for taller front-seat occupants. Although restricted, the LC’s rear-seat lodging should not determined, and can suffice for smaller people in a pinch.
And, talking of house, the LC’s trunk—although not generously sized, is an precise trunk, and never compromised in capability by the roof’s deployment as on many convertibles.
Connectivity
New for 2024 is an up to date infotainment system, inclusive of a bigger touchscreen, and fashionable interface graphics. We discovered the system to work simply fantastic, and admire the intense show which doesn’t wash out, even in direct daylight.
Energy and Efficiency
Underway the LC feels extra Lexus than tremendous automobile, which isn’t to say that this exotic-looking convertible isn’t enjoyable to drive. There’s loads of energy obtainable from the LC’s huge V8, and the engine pairs effectively with the 10-speed computerized transmission. The engine sounds nice too, in a extra pure means than many performance-oriented automobiles do today.
Journey and Dealing with
Dealing with is great, too, although we’d admire firmer feeling brakes. That mentioned, the LC supplies wonderful steering really feel, and good management in corners and on sweeping on-ramps. Not like a really unique automobile, the LC feels extra competent than actually athletic, and is greatest thought of a grand touring automobile slightly than a sports activities automobile. And as such, the LC 500 shines.
Gas Financial system
It appears a moot level discussing the gas economic system of a $100,000-plus sporty convertible, however the LC shocked us with its thrift. Pushed aggressively for every week, our check automobile returned practically 20 mpg, which is spectacular given this Lexus’ energy and heft. In fact, predictably, the LC does require expensive premium-grade gasoline.
Worth
Right here’s the deal, in case you are within the place to reward your self for a profession effectively spent, however assume one thing alongside the strains of a Ferrari or Lamborghini is simply an excessive amount of of a dedication, assume critically in regards to the Lexus LC, in both coupe of convertible type.
The Lexus is delightfully unique wanting, however is, by comparability to the aforementioned Italians, inexpensive to personal and function, any could show to carry its resale worth higher as effectively. If there’s house in your storage for a cool third automobile, and your accountant offers the nod, we are saying go for it.
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2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Photos
Click on under for enlarged photographs
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