This is the 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible and when it came out in 2017 it was a striking piece of automotive sculpture. Fast forward to 2024 and it’s as stunning as it ever was, enhanced by the gorgeous powerplant under its swooping hood.

I know how good the Lexus LC 500 is because I ask for one from Lexus every year and it’s always available because I think many automotive journalists overlook how good it really is. This car is an attempt by Lexus to make a sporting GT car, and while its on-paper stats don’t quite match its rivals, it makes up for that by being an amazing experience when you are going down the road.  It is arguably one of the most gorgeous luxury two-door luxury sports convertibles on the road today.

The best way to enjoy the LC 500 is to not compare it with any of the competition because they’re all faster and have better handling. This is a machine to be savored, lusted after, and worshipped because very soon, they simply won’t be allowed to make cars like this anymore.

What’s new for 2024?

All convertibles get a horizontal suspension damper (from Yamaha) in the back lessening vibrations from flex in the chassis. The LC 500 Convertible also gets the LC 500h’s standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels with three options available. They wear 245/45s on the form and 275/40s on the rear.

Under the hood

It has a gorgeous naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 with 471 hp @ 7,100 rpm and 398 ft-lb @ 4,800 rpm driven through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Select the hooligan (Sport S+) button on the side of the instrument binnacle and it will go from 0- 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Fuel economy on the highway is 25 mpg but the best I could do was 13.7 mpg.

Driving

The extra mass of the convertible doesn’t dampen the overall driving experience, but it is noticeable when pressing on in tighter turns.  My tester was shod with Dunlop Sport Maxx tires rather than the usual Bridgestones that Lexysu often uses on the LC.

Starting the LC 500 Convertible was a joy every morning, so much so that I made every excuse to drive it. The rumbling V8 barks to life and settles down to a slightly uneven idle, all programmed in of course. There are several driving modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport, and Sport+ all controlled by the right-hand controller on the main instrument cluster.

The plus side of Sport + is a truly engaging driving experience, once you get out of town and push your right foot into the carpet, the car seems to know you’re up for some fun. Roof down is the best way to enjoy the exhaust but it’s best to use the paddle shifters for maximum enjoyment. That way you can enjoy the engine’s sweet spot all the way to the red line, but be careful it’s easy to hit the rev limiter.

Settle down in Normal or Comfort mode and it’s the most relaxing boulevard cruiser you can drive, amp it up and what the Lexus LC 500 may lack in sharpness, it makes up for with excellent dampening and body control. albeit with a little body roll.

Interior

Step inside, and my tester LC 500 greets you with its blue and white leather cabin with perforated front seats for cooling, it’s a beautifully made cabin and everything feels expensive.

For 2024, Lexus has ditched the clunky infotainment system centered around a difficult-to-use trackpad and introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen. It runs the latest software has well-sorted menus and is quick and responsive. Below that is a row of aluminum climate controls, a hidden cup holder, and some storage in the armrest but sadly no wireless charger.

If you opt for the Drive Connect trial you get the “Hey Lexus” Intelligent Assistant as well as navigation. The multimedia system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Dual Bluetooth Connectivity, and has over-the-air updates. A WiFi hotspot is also available.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is slightly compromised by the roof mechanism, it offers 3.4 cubic feet of space, so enough room for a child’s set of golf clubs. Regarding that roof, it can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 mph and it takes 16 seconds to do so.

Pricing

The base price for the convertible is $105,950, however, my tester had the Bespoke Build package which allows you to customize your LC. This will cost you $5,500 and was previously only available on the coupe. The Bespoke Build option costs more than the Sport package, and it doesn’t come with high-performance brakes or the option to specify the sports seats.

Since the Sport package itself isn’t offered on the droptop, the Bespoke Build program is the only way to get the Torsen rear differential and Yamaha rear performance dampers on the LC convertible.

My tester also included beautiful white and blue semi-aniline leather seats for $1,900 which wouldn’t have looked out of place on a Bentley Continental. It also included some dark chrome exterior trim for $650, a head-up display for $900, a Mark Levinson audio system for $1,220, and finally carbon fiber scuff plates for $600. Add that all together and the car is $117,600.

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Verdict

In a world of forced induction engines, the LC 500 is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air and an endangered species as well. It’s a shame more people don’t buy it. Don’t get confused though this is definitely not a sports car, it’s a world-class cruiser, brimming with character and a fantastic naturally aspirated V8.

2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Bespoke Build Numbers

BASE PRICE: $105,200
AS TESTED PRICE: $117,660
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, RWD, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
ENGINE: DOHC 32-valve Atkinson-capable 5.0-liter V-8
POWER: 471 HP @ 7,100 rpm
TORQUE: 398 ft-lb @ 4,800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode 
0-60 MPH: 4.6 sec
TOP SPEED: 168 mph
CURB WEIGHT: 4,540 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 5 cu. ft.
WHEELS: 21-inch split 5-spoke forged alloy wheels
TIRES: Dunlop Sport Maxx Summer –  Front 245/40, Rear 275/35
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: CITY/HWY/COMB:  15/25/18 mpg 
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 13.7 MPG
PROS: Stunning exterior, glorious engine note, sport mode is a hoot,  high revving V8 joy
CONS: No wireless charger