Cooler afternoons, crisp evenings as the seasons change. Oh what I wouldn't give to be back behind the wheel of the 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible right about now. I recently spent a week with it and it wasn't nearly enough by a long shot. And I daresay a road trip to check out fall foliage in the open air would be life-changing.
Exterior
To me, the LC 500 Convertible (coupe included) is one of the most gorgeous luxury sports cars on the road. It was my second time to fully review the LC 500 Convertible and I really love the color of this one in Nightfall Mica. The optional 21-inch wheels (part of a Touring Package) just make this thing smolder.
The black soft-top, too. This stunner gets looks everywhere, deservedly so. The large Lexus grille is flanked by Lexus' hallmark triple-beam LED headlights.
Performance
There is a lot of power behind the sculpted hood. A naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 delivers 471-horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque - numbers that add up to commanding power and amazing acceleration. A quick shifting 10-speed automatic is terrific - and of course the paddle shifters rule. The convertible is heavier than the coupe, but the 471-ponies is up to the task and power, acceleration feels great. It sounds great too thanks to Active Sport Exhaust. It's rear-wheel drive which you also want in a coupe. It's confident, fun to drive, engaging with performance brakes that don't disappoint.
Fuel economy? Who cares. You'll get 18 mpg combined. But this car is so amazing, even my pricey trip to fuel up at the pump didn't phase me one bit.
Soft-Top
The soft top continues to impress. Check out how fast it operates using a hydraulic system deigned to open in an elegant, seamless motion. 15 seconds to open, approximately 16 to close.
I've mentioned before they really worked on the engineering of the vehicle because the ride and cabin acoustics are quite different between a coupe and convertible. You can also open and close it up to speeds of 31 miles an hour. (For 2023, the LC convertible adds a lightweight soft top.)
Interior
Let's talk about the cabin and its attention-grabbing Circuit Red interior. Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail abound. The heated and cooled power front seats are perfectly designed. This model is equipped with the Touring package which includes semi-aniline leather trimmed seats, Climate Concierge, embossed headrests, and a Mark Levinson 13 speaker sound system.
It's equipped with a10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen controlled via touchpad or from the steering wheel. Other standard features include a 3-spoke steering wheel and 8-inch TFT instrument cluster.
No surprise, the rear seat is tight on room as in don't expect passengers to actually occupy it. Trunk space will get some groceries home but I wouldn't make a trip to a bulk store.
Ride and Drive
What an incredible experience it is to ride and drive the LC 500 Convertible. If you're like me you'll want to keep the soft-top down weather permitting. It's quite exhilarating. On the highway, the wind blocking mechanisms are quite impressive. There is a wind deflector - designed for higher-speed travel. Plus there is a removable wind screen. I employed the use of both. On the highway, with the top down and windows rolled up, it's almost like you're in a bubble.
I spent a lot more time on the highway during my week with the LC 500 than is typical. I found Comfort mode was the way to go on long highway stretches. Sport and Sport+ modes amp up the sporty handling factor - and sound -of course which I love as well when the occasion calls for it, tightening steering response and adding to a stiffer suspension. But do note this is not a tight cornering track vehicle. Adaptive variable suspension handles bumps in the road with no sweat.
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ is standard. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also standard.
Options and What You'll Pay
Options include the great Head-Up Display ($900), Torsen Slip Limited Differential and Yahama performance equipment ($460), carbon fiber scuff plates ($600), and the biggest ticket item is a Touring Package with 21-inch wheels, the semi-aniline leather trimmed seats, Climate Concierge, embossed headrests, and Mark Levinson 13 speaker sound system. (For 2023, the LC convertible adds an available advanced Climate Concierge with upper body heating.)
Add it all up and this model as equipped runs $112, 075.
Verdict
Really the only downside I see to the LC 500 Convertible (this goes for the Coupe, too) is the stress over getting it washed. You have to be careful with this beauty. It's an amazing example of a design, interior craftsmanship and incredible performance that I just can't get enough of.
- What I liked most: Stunning looks, outstanding interior, amazing performance. The whole glorious package.
- What I would change: For $110K+, give me massage seats.
- MSRP: Base price: $101,100; as equipped with transportation $112,075.
- Fuel Economy: 15 city/25 highway/18 combined. (Premium Fuel required.)
- Odometer reading when tested: 5,828 miles.
- Weight: 4,540 lbs.
- Spare Tire: None. Run-flat tires.
- Length-Width-Height: 187.4” long/ 75.6” wide/53.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.7 gallons w/filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Nightfall Mica.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
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2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible: A vacation from your life, worth every penny.
- Warranty: Four-year/50,000-mile Lexus Limited Warranty. Six-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. Six-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation Warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's Website: Lexus
