2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review

The luxury convertible sports car market in Malaysia has always been niche but pursued for quality, and the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is one of the representatives in this segment that balances performance and luxury. Its core selling point is straightforward—pure driving pleasure brought by a large naturally aspirated V8 engine. Combined with the convertible design and Lexus's iconic luxurious configurations, it makes many consumers curious about whether it can truly balance daily usability and driving passion. The purpose of this test is to see how this car performs under Malaysian road conditions and to determine what kind of users it is most suitable for.

In terms of exterior design, the LC 500 Convertible retains the sleek lines of the hardtop sports car. The front spindle grille is large and highly recognizable, with chrome trim around it that is not overly ostentatious but adds a touch of sophistication. The side of the car has a waistline running from the front to the rear, combined with 21-inch large wheels, which makes it appear particularly long and sleek. The rear LED taillights adopt a through-type design, which offers high recognition when illuminated at night. The quad exhaust layout clearly highlights its performance orientation. The design of the soft-top convertible blends seamlessly with the body when closed, maintaining the overall sleekness, and it opens in about 15 seconds, which is relatively fast in its class.

Sitting inside the car, the interior materials are solid, with large areas wrapped in leather and soft materials, offering a good tactile experience. The dashboard layout is driver-oriented, and the 8-inch center control screen is moderate in size with a clear operational logic. However, it does not have touch functionality and can only be controlled via the adjacent touchpad, which takes some getting used to. Key features include a HUD head-up display, Mark Levinson sound system, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning as standard, combining practicality with a sense of luxury. The front seats support eight-way electric adjustment with memory function, providing good support and ensuring comfort even during long drives. However, the rear seat space is relatively small, suitable for temporary passengers or storing personal items.

In terms of space, the car's dimensions are 4770mm×1920mm×1350mm, with a wheelbase of 2870mm, which is already considered spacious for a two-door convertible sports car. The front-row seating is ample, and a 180cm tall passenger would still have enough headroom and legroom. For storage, the door pockets can hold two water bottles, and the center armrest compartment is not large, only accommodating small items. The trunk has a capacity of 149L; with the top closed, it can fit a 20-inch suitcase, but the space becomes smaller when the top is open. It is suitable for short trips, but for long journeys, luggage may need to be minimized.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering a maximum power of 477PS and a maximum torque of 540N·m, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, the power response during start-up is very direct; a light press on the accelerator gives an obvious push-back feeling. Acceleration remains strong in the mid-to-high range, and when pressing the pedal to the floor, the deep roar of the V8 engine is something that turbocharged engines cannot replicate. The transmission logic is intelligent, offering smooth shifting in normal mode and delayed shifts in sport mode to maintain high RPMs for a more aggressive driving experience. Driving modes include ECO, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with noticeable differences in throttle response and shift speed under each mode, catering to various driving scenarios.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel has very high steering precision, minimal play, and clear directional accuracy, providing the driver with enough confidence when cornering. The suspension system adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link structure, offering good support. Body roll during cornering is minimal, but the tuning is on the stiffer side, so vibrations are transmitted directly into the cabin when driving on bumpy roads, slightly sacrificing comfort. As for braking performance, the brake pedal feels linear, braking force is sufficient, and the stopping distance from 100km/h is approximately 38 meters, which meets expectations.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 12.7L/100km. During actual tests, city driving consumed about 15L/100km, while highway driving reduced it to around 10L/100km. For a 5.0L V8 engine, such fuel consumption is considered normal. Regarding noise control, when the convertible top is closed, the interior sound insulation is excellent, with wind and road noise being barely noticeable, allowing the quality of the Mark Levinson sound system to be fully appreciated. When the convertible top is open, wind noise becomes significantly louder once the speed exceeds 80km/h, requiring the music volume to be turned up to hear clearly.

Overall, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible stands out for its strong highlights: the pure driving pleasure brought by the large-displacement naturally aspirated V8 engine, the luxurious interior features, the romantic allure of the convertible design, and Lexus's renowned reliability. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the BMW 8 Series Convertible or the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, its value might not be the highest, but it excels in its unique naturally aspirated V8 powertrain and more refined interior craftsmanship.

This car offers a well-balanced overall performance that is suitable for both daily short commutes and enjoyable weekend drives. The target consumer demographic is clear—those who appreciate the driving experience provided by a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine, seek luxurious features and brand sophistication, and occasionally desire the added charm of a convertible. This could include middle to high-income individuals aged 35-50 or young people who are not satisfied with ordinary luxury cars and want to experience pure driving pleasure.

To sum up, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is not a high-performance sports car pursuing the ultimate in speed but a convertible GT that balances luxury and driving enjoyment. Its strengths lie in the unique experience offered by its large-displacement naturally aspirated V8 engine and Lexus's luxurious quality. If you're looking for a convertible that can be used daily but also offers bursts of passionate driving, it would be a great choice.