Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2021 Review

In recent years, Malaysia's luxury coupe market, though niche, has seen a growing demand for a "balance of individuality and practicality" — consumers want the thrill of open-top motoring without compromising on daily driving comfort or complete configurations. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible hits this sweet spot: it is equipped with a large displacement naturally aspirated V8 engine while retaining Lexus's signature luxurious features and reliable warranty. This has sparked curiosity among quality-conscious buyers: Is it just a "showpiece," or is it an "all-rounder"? This test drive focuses on two core aspects: does the driving experience remain excellent in convertible mode? Can the 5.0L V8's power and fuel efficiency adapt to local road conditions?

From a distance, the LC 500 Convertible's lines appear more fluid than the hardtop version. With the soft-top roof retracted, the roofline extends seamlessly from the A-pillar to the short rear, avoiding the abruptness of a hardtop structure. The front features Lexus's signature spindle grille with a honeycomb pattern, complemented by sharp LED headlights on either side, offering high recognition. The car's side profile showcases a character line running from the front fender through to the taillights, while the 21-inch large wheels (front 245/40 RF21, rear 275/35 RF21) fill the wheel arches, exuding a sense of power. The rear LED taillights are designed in an "L" shape to echo the headlights, while the dual exhaust outlets on either side at the bottom hint at its performance capabilities. The soft top can open or close within 15 seconds and can be operated at speeds below 50 km/h, making it more practical than many convertibles in its class, especially when switching modes during everyday red lights.

Sitting inside, the first thing you’ll notice is the materials — the dashboard and inner door panels are wrapped in soft leather, with neat stitching and a refined touch. The center console is angled slightly towards the driver, and the 10.3-inch display (operated via a touchpad) is positioned just right, though the touchpad's response speed is fairly average. The configuration is generous: it includes a HUD head-up display, 8-way power-adjustable memory front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Mark Levinson 13-speaker audio system as standard, even offering a 220V/230V power outlet, catering to everyday needs. In terms of space, as a 2-door 4-seater model, the front seats offer ample room, leaving about a fist's worth of headroom for passengers up to 180 cm tall. The rear seats are more suitable for short trips, as legroom might feel a bit cramped for a 170 cm passenger, but they're sufficient for emergency use. The trunk capacity is 149L, slightly smaller than the hardtop version, but still enough to fit two cabin luggage cases.

Starting the engine, the sound of the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 is highly refined — steady at low RPMs and becoming deep and rich without being harsh when revving above 3,000 RPM. Its power specs are impressive: a maximum horsepower of 477 PS, maximum torque of 540 N·m, and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an official 4.9 seconds. In actual driving, the throttle response at takeoff isn’t overly aggressive, but pressing harder delivers a continuous surge of power, while the gearbox downshifts responsively during overtaking, making mid-range acceleration highly confident. The driving modes include ECO, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. Switching to Sport+ raises throttle responsiveness, and the gear-shifting logic becomes more dynamic, making it suitable for occasional "spirited" driving.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel provides precise control with minimal slack. It feels light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, making daily driving effortless. The suspension system is tuned for comfort but provides sufficient support—most vibrations are filtered out when going over speed bumps, avoiding harsh jolts; meanwhile, the body roll is well-controlled when cornering. Despite a weight of 2450kg, the rear-wheel-drive layout gives it some agility in turns. As for fuel consumption, it averages around 15-16L/100km in congested urban traffic, while dropping to 9-10L/100km during highway cruising, with a combined fuel consumption of 12.7L/100km, which aligns with expectations for a large displacement V8. The braking performance is reliable as well, with a front ventilated disc and rear ventilated disc setup, ensuring stability during emergency braking without veering off course.

The convertible experience is a highlight: When the soft top is closed, cabin noise is well-controlled, with wind and tire noise being barely noticeable even at high speeds of 120km/h. With the top down and speeds below 80km/h, the wind deflector effectively blocks turbulence, preventing your hair from becoming messy, while the sound quality of the Mark Levinson audio system remains clear. The seat comfort is commendable, offering good support without fatigue even on long drives. Additionally, the safety features are comprehensive, with 6 airbags, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, front and rear radar, and cameras as standard; the 5-year unlimited mileage warranty also provides peace of mind for owners.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible are clear: First, the linear power delivery and unique engine sound of the 5.0L V8 naturally aspirated engine, which stands out in a market dominated by smaller turbocharged engines. Second, it comes fully loaded with luxury features like the Mark Levinson audio system, HUD head-up display, and electrically adjustable memory seats, offering better value compared to competitors like the BMW 8 Series Convertible or Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Third, its convertible usability is practical, with a quick open/close mechanism that makes it convenient for daily use. It appeals to two types of buyers: those middle-aged consumers who seek individuality without sacrificing comfort—making it suitable for daily commuting and family weekend getaways—and car enthusiasts who appreciate large-displacement naturally aspirated engines, offering driving enjoyment without the high maintenance costs of supercars. If you're looking for a "daily-drivable convertible sports car," it will be one of the top choices in the Malaysian market.