2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

　　

2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　Glancing at the spec sheet for the 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible might leave you feeling a tad underwhelmed. For the six-figure sum it commands, you might expect more than 471 horsepower, or more than 4 cubic feet of storage space. You might reasonably expect a usable rear seat, or even a less clever touchpad-style tech interface.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$242/mo  for LC 500 Convertible Base

　　LC 500 Convertible Base

　　2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $101,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　But the LC 500 is a car that's really more than the sum of its numbers. The LC 500 is all about feel, starting with the curves and pronounced angles of its bodywork, continuing with the luxurious expanse of cabin leather, and galvanized by the wash of power from its silky V8. We wouldn't call it exhilarating, but it is very satisfying. This year, the convertible gets a handful of new color choices and subtle suspension adjustments aimed at improved handling. It's a commendable gesture from Lexus, but riotous changes in direction are not the LC 500's forte. Rather, it's a car you point forward, press on the gas and choose a destination many miles away. And lower the top when the sun's out. Read our Expert Rating below to learn more about where the LC 500 Convertible ranks among other sport-luxury convertibles.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the LC 500 Convertible drive? The LC 500 convertible is more about feel and experience and less about sheer performance. For the class, raw acceleration and braking figures are somewhat disappointing. But when you're actually behind the wheel, those figures are easy to forgive. The 5.0-liter V8 engine is a real standout, with smooth, linear power all the way to redline and one of the best-sounding exhaust notes today. It's a real joy to rev out.

　　The steering lacks feel but is quick, direct and firm without feeling heavy. The suspension is tuned to provide comfort rather than sport, but it's adequately responsive. Lexus improved on the LC's brake feel, making it easy to control and come to a smooth stop. The transmission is mostly issue-free, though we did encounter the occasional hiccup in low-speed traffic.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the LC 500 Convertible? On-road comfort is where the LC 500 convertible really shines. The ride quality is smooth and refined, soaking up bumps without feeling overly soft or bouncy. On particularly rough roads, it doesn't feel quite as buttoned-down as the LC coupe, but it's not far off.

　　The seats in the LC are fantastic, with well-shaped seatbacks that are supportive without feeling confining. They're well ventilated, too, and even have a small warm-air vent below the headrests to keep your neck warm when the top is down.

　　The LC is quiet too. It's easy to have a conversation with the top up or down. Plus, you get to listen to its wonderful V8. The climate control system works well, though the vents are not ideally placed and require some time to aim just right.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below