Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review

The luxury sports car market in Malaysia has always been a niche but highly competitive segment, where consumers often weigh between design, performance, and brand appeal. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible, as the flagship convertible sports car of the brand, has attracted the attention of many hardcore enthusiasts upon its launch, thanks to its naturally aspirated V8 engine and the rare pure driving experience in the hybrid era. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle, with the core objective of evaluating its convertible practicality in tropical climates, whether its performance matches its million-ringgit positioning, and its overall balance in daily driving.

From a distance, the overall lines of the LC 500 Convertible continue the coupe stance of its hardtop counterpart, with proportions of a long hood and short tail, paired with 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that exude a strong sporty vibe. The front spindle grille is larger than that of ordinary Lexus models, with a honeycomb structure and a blackened finish, giving it very high recognition. The side profile features a waistline running from the fender to the taillights, with muscular wheel arches that perfectly accommodate the wide tires measuring 245/40 RF21 at the front and 275/35 RF21 at the rear. The L-shaped LED taillights at the rear are also blackened in design, complementing the quad exhaust layout on either side. The overall exterior style maintains Lexus' refinement without sacrificing the aggressive character of a sports car. The convertible mechanism is a key exterior highlight, with a soft-top that can be opened and closed in just 20 seconds, even while driving at speeds below 30km/h. When open, the roof is stored in the trunk, which further reduces trunk space from 149L to just enough to fit two carry-on suitcases.

Stepping into the interior, the material quality fully matches its million-ringgit positioning. The center console is wrapped in large areas of soft leather, while the door panels and seats utilize Alcantara material, providing a fine touch and anti-slip functionality. The center console layout leans slightly towards the driver, featuring an 8-inch floating touchscreen complemented by physical buttons and knobs, with a clear operational logic, though the screen size is not particularly outstanding within its segment. In terms of features, the HUD (Head-Up Display), multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory function are standard. The passenger seat also includes power adjustment. The front dual-zone automatic climate control comes with ventilated seats, ensuring quick cooling in Malaysia's hot weather. Noteworthy is the Mark Levinson sound system with 13 speakers and Sound Plus functionality, which maintains excellent sound clarity even with the top down, providing effective noise suppression.

In terms of space, the vehicle has dimensions of 4770mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1350mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2870mm. The front row provides ample seating space, with a passenger of 180cm height still having a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear seats are more like "emergency seats," with legroom barely sufficient for children or short-duration use by adults. Daily usage is primarily focused on two occupants. Regarding storage capabilities, the door panel pockets can hold two 500ml water bottles, the central armrest box has moderate depth, and the front cup holders offer heating/cooling functions, showing thoughtful attention to detail.

The powertrain is the core competitiveness of the LC 500 Convertible. The 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine delivers a maximum output of 477PS/7100rpm and a peak torque of 540N·m/4800rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 4.9 seconds. In real-world driving, the throttle response at the start isn’t overly aggressive, but when pressing it down, the roar of the V8 engine bursts instantly. Power delivery above 3000rpm is continuous, and during high-speed overtaking, the transmission downshifts actively, providing direct and linear thrust, completely avoiding the issue of turbo lag. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, with an overall sporty tuning. While cornering, the body roll is well-suppressed, and the steering accuracy aligns with its sports car positioning. However, when tackling Malaysia’s common speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension’s dampening effect is relatively stiff, causing noticeable bumps for rear passengers and compromising comfort to some extent.

As for fuel consumption, considering it is a 5.0L V8 engine, fuel consumption in urban traffic conditions is about 16-18L/100km. During highway cruising, it can drop to around 10L, with a combined fuel consumption of 12.7L/100km, which is consistent with the official data. The braking performance is commendable; the combination of front and rear ventilated discs paired with high-performance tires provides a braking distance of approximately 38 meters from 100-0km/h. Even after multiple brakes, there’s no significant heat fade. Noise control in convertible mode is worth praising; even at speeds of 120km/h, wind noise doesn’t affect normal conversations, thanks to the multi-layer soundproof design of the soft top.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible are evident: the pure driving experience of a large-displacement naturally aspirated V8 engine, exquisite interior craftsmanship, reliable brand warranty (5 years with unlimited mileage), and the practicality of a convertible that is rare in the same class. Compared to similarly priced models like the BMW Z8 (discontinued) or Mercedes-AMG SL 500, its naturally aspirated engine is a unique selling point, suitable for those who dislike turbo lag and seek linear power delivery. However, the weight of 2450kg makes it significantly heavier than the hardtop version, slightly affecting handling agility, and the rear seat space is only suitable for emergencies.

This car is most suitable for 35-50-year-old enthusiasts with a certain economic foundation—they want the ceremonial feel of a convertible sports car, value Lexus’ reliability and after-sales service, and hold a strong preference for large-displacement naturally aspirated engines. If used daily with occasional mountain driving, it fully meets expectations; however, those seeking extreme track performance might consider a lighter model.

In summary, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is a “rebel” in the hybrid era. It preserves the pure driving experience of traditional sports cars with its 5.0L V8 engine while embodying Lexus's consistent refinement and comfort. For consumers who appreciate the charm of natural aspiration, this car is definitely worth the price.