Lexus LC500 Convertible

The article was originally produced on October 23, 2020, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Ever since I saw it as a concept, I have wanted to experience this beautiful convertible from Lexus. Now the time had finally come and this is how I experienced the LC500 Convertible.

The trick to getting people to come to the kitchen, tell them it smells amazing and wonder what you're cooking is simple. It is enough to fry a little garlic in olive oil. The trick to designing a car that appeals to the senses is almost as simple. Put a great-sounding naturally aspirated V8 in a car without a roof and you've pretty much done the job. As easy as garlic sauteed in olive oil.

Olive oil and garlic

Of course, it takes more than just a chubby engine and lack of a roof for the perfect recipe for a lovely car. Just as more ingredients than olive oil and garlic are needed for a perfect dinner. Lexus has succeeded really well with the other ingredients to create the perfect convertible LC500 Convertible.

Actually, it should have been test driven already at the beginning of the summer, but due to the pandemic it was not possible to carry out a test drive until September. Then I was finally able to go to Spain for the international presentation. Unfortunately, however, the Polish journalists were not allowed to go due to their domestic restrictions. This meant that some special color combinations among the test cars became available. Namely one that I really wanted but that had been booked by precisely the Polish journalists: "Regatta Edition". A version in a limited edition of 200 copies in a fantastically delicious blue color with white interior.

Down towards Marbella

The test drive started in Seville with a lunch stop outside Ronda where the test drive route went over the famous bridge in the center of the city. After lunch, the test drive continued via winding small roads down towards Marbella, where the day ended. I have been on many test drives in this area and one that reminded me of this was the Jaguar XKR-S Convertible. It too was an actual car with a wonderful engine sound. The roads here are incredibly beautiful, but challenging if you keep a high pace.

The heart of the LC500 Convertible is a naturally aspirated V8 of five liters. It produces 477 horsepower and 540 newton meters. When you press the start button and the car comes to life, it is with a wonderful sound that brings to mind Nascar cars. The engine sound is raw and loud, just like a V8 should sound.

Will the forms be perfected

The temperature in Seville was already over 25 degrees even though it was not yet nine in the morning. This meant that the roof was of course lowered already on departure. A maneuver that takes 15 seconds and can be done while driving at up to 50 km/h. With the roof down, the forms are perfected on this long, low and slim convertible. Personally, I have a hard time with Lexus' sharp and angular shapes on some of their models. But on the LC500 Convertible, the shapes come into their own. It is both beautiful and cool in a tasteful combination.

For an optimal climate in the car, Lexus has a system named "Lexus Climate Concierge". The system automatically adjusts the temperature in the car, the seats and the exhaust in the headrests. Unfortunately, because it is so hot today, I cannot fully test the system. It is complicated to control the system, Lexus has chosen to let you control the air conditioning through a sub-menu in the infotainment system. Of course, it's nice to have a clean interior without a lot of buttons, but for simple functions such as AC, you want to find them quickly without having to search through menus.

Speeds over 100 km/h

There is a ten-speed gearbox in the LC500 Convertible. The ninth and tenth gears are only reached at speeds above 100 km/h and result in lower consumption when driving on the motorway. On the curvy test roads, I don't reach such high gears because I drive actively. Unfortunately, the consumption will follow, but the joy of hearing the rumbling V8 engine at high revs compensates for the higher consumption.

The scenery is fantastic, just like the car. Despite the harsh provocations I subject it to, it shows no fatigue whatsoever. The winding roads have been consumed in a tasty way with full control and enjoyment. The last stretch down to Marbella is calm with a sun quickly setting on the horizon. Lexus has built the LC500 Convertible for those who want to enjoy one hundred percent both behind the wheel and when looking at it. Just like that perfect dinner with simple, but delicious ingredients.