2023 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

　　

2023 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuVehicle 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.

　　A few automakers have cars that perhaps don't get the recognition or sales that they deserve. For Lexus, it'd be the LC 500. This quick and comfortable grand tourer is the brand's impressive flagship model. The first thing you'll notice is its standout design. The LC 500 has been out since the 2018 model year, but its exterior styling still looks classy and distinctive. When you step inside, you'll appreciate the elegantly designed interior and exceptional craftsmanship.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $102,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The rear-wheel-drive LC 500 is offered as a coupe or convertible, and there is also a hybrid model (which we review separately). Under the hood is a standard 471-horsepower V8 engine. It's plenty strong and makes an alluring soundtrack that will make you want to take the long way home.

　　As desirable as the LC 500 is, there are other luxury coupes and convertibles to consider. The Porsche 911 is certainly sportier, but the Lexus is still entertaining to drive and can hold its own when the road gets twisty. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz SL is a compelling roadster with a long heritage, but it's pricey. There is also the BMW 8 Series, which is similar in size and is also offered as a coupe or convertible. Deciding among these will probably be hard, but check out our test team's scoring and evaluation below to learn where the LC shines and where it comes up a little short.

　　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