Lexus LC 500 Convertible 5.0 V8 (A) Review

Every once in a while, an unexpected motoring treat comes along and takes our breath away. About a decade ago, the Lexus LFA came along and gave not only nightmares to Italian competitors but also altered enthusiasts' posters on their walls.

Then there was the BMW i8, a progressive plug-in hybrid vehicle that gave new meaning to drama, flair and character to sports cars.

Now, there's this - the Lexus LC Convertible.

Just let me stare at it a little longer

Stylistically speaking, there's nothing quite like the LC Convertible on the road. Not the BMW 8 Series Convertible, not the Jaguar F-Type, not the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class or even the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

Some will argue it's way over the top, which will get too many eyes on you on the road. And I cannot disagree, but sometimes, just sometimes, it feels good to be seen in something this desirable and different.

With its gigantic spindle grille, sexy curves and arrow-shaped head and taillights with swooshes in them, the LC Convertible manages to bring the essence of what the Lexus LFA would have looked like if production of the supercar hadn't stopped.

In a way, that's not a bad thing because at $556,888 (as of 18 March 2021) the car that you see here on this very page brings itself into a more affordable realm compared to the LFA supercar.

Just let me sit inside a little longer

But that doesn't mean Lexus delivered short cuts with its fit and finish. In fact, everything in its cabin - from the design and versatility to the layout and build quality - remains exclusive to what you'd come to expect from the Japanese carmaker.

In here, everything you see, touch and feel are about dedicated craftsmanship. It's decidedly sporty and aggressive yet supple and luxurious enough to sort of tell you that this is the car you'll need, nothing else, should you decide to take it through the different states up North.

There's almost that cheekiness and purpose about the car when you sit inside, but it doesn't quite boldly show like the 8 Series grand tourer, just like how an immature father does his best to keep his child-like behaviour in check just so his two daughters will think of him as a role model.

And a role model this LC Convertible ought to be because the soft top manages to rise and shut in just 15 seconds (similar to the BMW 8 Series Convertible and 3 seconds faster than the SL-Class) and can be operated from up to speeds of 50km/h.

But it's not so much about the speed here. Rather, it's the level of refinement in the way the roof operates that makes this car such a poetry in motion.

Just let me drive it a little longer

The whole poetic experience is further enhanced by the way it grooves on the tarmac, accompanied by a glorious V8 soundtrack that'll make your eyes dilate a little and your heart skip a beat every time you put pedal to the metal.

Backed by a 5.0-litre V8 gem in front, the Lexus churns out a healthy dose of 470bhp and 540Nm of torque from the word go. Such is the beauty of a naturally aspirated powerplant, where every input of your right foot immediately translates to a reaction from the car.

Of course, it does lack the drama that's often associated with turbocharged engines, but with the LC Convertible, you take comfort in knowing that there isn't any false theatrical sense, which makes it stand miles apart from its peers.

Such composure has to do with the silky smooth 10-speed automatic that has been tuned to shift almost imperceptibly when you're driving like a gentleman. Toggle it into Sport/Sport + modes and the car immediately becomes more urgent and intense.

In these modes, the LC Convertible has ample capacity to dive into corners and power itself out without steering off the line, but you do get the awareness that it lacks the sharpness of an out-and-out sports car like a Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

But we will have to understand that this Lexus is more of a grand tourer - and a rather sporty one at it - that will swallow miles and miles of tarmac without any shortage of breath and with ample style.

A little longer, a little longer...

Thus, in more ways than one, the LC Convertible doesn't come across as a car that tries hard to be something it's not. Sure, it doesn't disappoint with its on-road performance, but it also doesn't quite come across as a true blue sports car either.

And we're not complaining. Seeing how this car had no problems stealing stares of envy from onlookers and fellow road users, and still managed to satisfy a pint-sized fussy driver like this writer, the LC Convertible is a phenomenal depth of talent that deserves to be savoured.

Watch as we put that 5.0-litre V8 to action in this video review!