2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible – First Drive Review

Jeff Glucker

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The 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible is a drop-top work of art. Sure, we prefer the coupe version because it’s nice having a roof over one’s head, but it’s hard to argue with the NOISE the Convertible lets in. That noise comes courtesy of a 471-horsepower 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. And it helps push both the $102,025 LC500 and your senses to great places.

Yes. Very expensive. But it’s competing against heavy hitters so it’s priced right. Well, actually I guess just one heavy hitter right now since the MB SL550 is about to take a year off. Still, there’s a 2020 SL550 and BMW has its 8 Series convertible. All three cars have V8 engines, but the Germans also offer smaller forced-induction V6 offerings for a bit less dough. That’s not fun though, so let’s just focus on the versions with proper cylinder counts for luxury grand tourers.

Here’s the deal on both the BMW 850i and Mercedes-Benz SL550. Each one starts signifcantly higher than the Lexus LC500. The Benz is $116k and the Bimmer is $123k. On the BMW, you have a mighty twin-turbocharged V8 making 523 horsepower. The Benz “only” offers up 449 hp from its also twin-turbocharged mill. Lexus keeps things naturally aspirated and manages to crank out 471 hp. Still, the Lexus is likely to be slower than both, definitely the BMW and probably the Benz. But you’ll be enjoying the noise more in the Lexus since the engine isn’t being muffled by a pair of turbos.

It’s the BMW that likely actually drives the best, if you’re looking for sporting feedback and engagement. But that’s not what these three are about. The grand tourer is a car in which you can hop in, complete a 1,000 mile trip, and arrive fresh and smiling on the other end.

And when all three are parked on the side of the road, one of them will most catch your eye. It’s the Lexus. Benz has a new SL coming for model year 2022, so that one is overdue for a style upgrade. The BMW 8 Series is the least offensive model in the automaker’s lineup, but it would likely still look boring next to the LC500 Convertible.

All are expensive. All make touring a grand affair. But the Lexus will look the best at the end of the day, when all three are cooling off in the valet parking area. Parked near the door, of course… with the Lexus in front.

[Disclaimer: Lexus tossed us the keys to the LC500 Convertible and included a tank of fuel.]

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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7 responses to “2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible – First Drive Review”

  1. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    This is the only execution of modern Lexus design language that isn’t heinous, and it looks… fantastic. It’s strange how the styling cues that colossally fail on other Lexus vehicles absolutely shine on this car. It’s not exactly to my tastes (too ostentatious, for one thing), but it’s without question a knockout.

    I’m not into convertibles or automatics or “look-at-me” cars, but this a damned nice ride for those who are. And the music from the tailpipes ranks right up there with that of the Jag F-Type and Shelby Mustang GT350. I’d love to transplant that engine into something old. [Old and sedate, like a 1964 Rambler 770.]

    Reply
  2. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    This is the only execution of modern Lexus design language that isn’t heinous, and it looks… fantastic. It’s strange how the styling cues that colossally fail on other Lexus vehicles absolutely shine on this car. It’s not exactly to my tastes (too ostentatious, for one thing), but it’s without question a knockout.

    I’m not into convertibles or automatics or “look-at-me” cars, but this a damned nice ride for those who are. And the music from the tailpipes ranks right up there with that of the Jag F-Type and Shelby Mustang GT350. I’d love to transplant that engine into something old. [Old and sedate, like a 1964 Rambler 770.]

    Reply
  3. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    That’s not fun though, so let’s just focus on the versions with proper cylinder counts for luxury grand tourers.

    The proper cylinder count for luxury grand tourers is (or at least includes) 12.

    Jeff, the interior of the car is stylish enough, but you keep calling the car good looking. Clearly, your tastes diverge from mine, apparently, by a lot. It isn’t nearly as ugly as an Aztek, but is a lot closer to that end of the scale than to, say, a DB11.

    Reply
    1. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      I asked ten elementary-school-aged kids which of these cars was the outlier, and 10/10 chose the Aztek. But, I’m sure depending on the illicit psychedelic substances employed, one might see just about anything.

      https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50167201293_9356f4d5e6_k.jpg

      Seriously, I’m actually surprised I don’t despise the LC500 (given my reserved automotive tastes), but it’s really hard to make a case for your Aztek/DB11 argument. To each his/her own, though!

      Reply
  4. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
    SlowJoeCrow

    This appears to be a less lame revival of the SC430, a car I remember mostly as the last car sold in the US with a factory cassette player, I have no use for this so the question is how much of the of old Lexus SC/Mercedes SL market is still buying 2 seat convertibles?

    Reply
    1. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      Very good observation. I hated that car.

      Reply
  5. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    This car is the best sounding stock vehicle this side of a Maserati. So out of character for LexYota, but welcome.

    Reply