2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review: Nothing Else Like It

Seven model years into production, and the Lexus LC 500 just might be the most criminally underrated car on sale today. There are other (oftentimes better) sports cars, and there are other grand tourers, but none have the same distinctly Japanese style and flair offered by Lexus’ striking two-door.

As always, the best way to approach the LC is as an Aston Martin by way of Lexus. There’s genuine drama to be found in every inch of the LC, from the fantastic naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 under that sculptural front hood to the heady mix of angular surfaces that give way to rounded edges. Better still, it’s refreshed for 2024 with new colors and aesthetic options, though the biggest change is found in the new 12.3-inch infotainment display that is finally a touchscreen, fixing what was long the worst part of the LC’s otherwise sublime driving experience.

West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden snagged some seat time in a gorgeous 2024 LC 500 Convertible in Copper Crest paint, giving us a chance to see if Lexus’ fabulous grand tourer remains the same experience we’ve loved all these years.


Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Styling
1:38 Interior
2:06 Infotainment update
2:34 Odd quirks
3:01 Retracting the roof
3:28 Engine
4:22 Exhaust sound
4:30 Driving impressions
5:22 Power and acceleration
6:10 Experience, not numbers
6:48 Interior details
7:45 Closing thoughts
8:05 Outro

Editorial mission:

[cultofmodernism]

The designers are right that this car is pure emotion. Its unique design grabs attention right away. Step in, and you're blown away by the interior. Turn on the engine, and you hear it growl. Hit the gas and it roars. This is why I would totally get the convertible, though the coupe is lighter and more rigid. This simply isn't a performance car. It's a make-me-happy car.

[davidmagen]

I am the proud owner of a ‘23 LC500 Convertible. Yes the car is pure emotion, yes the car is sexy as hell, yes the interior is beautiful and second to none. I’ve had it just over a year and have only 1200 on it. Just sexy as any car has a right to be and I love looking at it in the garage. Now I’ve got to drive it🏖️

[emgee]

Lovely video, very calming and mature, unlike some car channels. Really enjoyed it!

I think the Lexus is it’s own car, unique, sophisticated and defies pigeonhole labelling. In the UK we never got these beautiful colours or ivory leather interior, and it’s been discontinued here😕

[islandgirlboss]

I bought RC 350 F Sport and im loving it! If i buy another car its gonna be the LC 500 for sure!

[nvn]

The beauty and the beast in one package

[LightsGoneWild]

You mentioned not being able to get the seat memory controls to work. As this is the 3rd time in a few months I've heard of this - I think it's an issue common to some of the 2024 models. We had the same issue with our LS and I saw another LC review where the front seats didn't automatically move forward when you pulled the back release lever. (Our 2023 LC definitely moves forward so I know it's supposed to.)

As it turns out, if you move the seat via the switches on the side and hear a beeping sound as it moves, it means the seat limits have not been properly set so the memory and automatic retract when the ignition is turned off won't work. You can Google how to fix this yourself (takes a minute) or take it back to the dealer to make them do it so they learn to check this before delivering the vehicle to a customer.

[grantlam]

Luxury, Elegant and just like its name.

[michaelberke]

Nice smart / quick review. The 24’s updated tech also brings a 360 camera, something I wish my ‘22 vert had. (Although the track pad and I get along quite well actually- thanks to voice control and Apple CarPlay). If ‘25 is the last year, I just might be tempted to trade for the Inspiration Series for the one-off color, numbered production, built in canards and a trans cooler….we’ll see.

[patricksimmons]

That touch screen is an albatross of automotive design with the current interior!

[thomasandrewphd.]

that beautiful blue and white interior, absolutely love it. but with the brownish exterior color omg, someone needs an eye exam, nothing a wrap can't fix...

[jerrywarren]

Counterpoint, the new info screen is hacked into the zen interior.

[RevLexus]

fantastic video, is this the same press car from Savage Geese

[carswatchesmoremx]

what do you think about this copper crest color? whould you choose it? I can't decide between this, or yellow, I'm a straight married 35yo man but since I live in Mexico and I can't see this color in person because local dealer has no stock, I wonder if it looks a bit girly or pink in person.

Thanks for your opinion.

[theactualdarthvader]

the seat memory with the key when you enter, i believe you have to hold unlock and set with the key in the car. haven’t done the procedure in a long time but i think that’s how it went

[MyGoogi]

Just try the coupe with 4 wheels steering version and you will find it as a true sport car.

[Johnny_Utah]

I hate the stalks shooting off the gauge cluster. Drives me crazy.

[louislazarus]

Not a bad review at all. Once "you" understand this an automobile designed for traveling on public roads, in traffic with the idea of getting from Point A to Point B safely, you then understand this is the perfect car. However, if you live in a fantasy whereby you think you're going to drive on a track, racing other cars, then you should buy...and waste your money on... a car suited for that purpose. Smart people want to "get there" without their cars breaking or falling apart. That's why smart people don't buy German cars, Italian cars or British cars. As for the "touchpad", you clearly didn't read the OWNER'S MANUAL. The LC500 infotainment features VOICE COMMAND. Once you set your prefs, you almost never have to use the touchpad which is a good thing because you should be keeping your eyes on the road at all times. We can't use our smart phone to text and the new infotainment system, with the TOUCH SCREEN, will have you taking your eyes off the road. That's how you get dead in a flash or worse yet, hurt somebody else. The world is full of low I.Q. lazy people who simply don't want to do the work. Buying a highly complex machine requires the owner to READ THE BOOK and to learn about the machine. You wouldn't buy a Learjet 60 and step into the left seat without learning all about the plane, would you? The LC500 is one of the best, if not the best, cars in its class ever made. There are faster, more powerful cars for those who love to spend their money at the dealership on repairs and for those people, that's exactly what they should buy. Just remember, most of us live in the real world. Most of us spend 90% of our time driving on public roads, in traffic and having to pay attention because there are so many lunatics out there who think they are driving on a race track.

[chipbarfield]

I don't understand why these damn car designers cannot put a nav system under the dash. I hate the navigation system and that would be a deal-breaker for me.

[naveenthemachine]

The lc500 is the only true Lexus

Rest of their lineup… not so much…

[neokibo]

Spectacular car, saw it, sat in it, drove it, in my top 5 list of cars I am considering next summer… but dead last in the list due to the fact it consume a lot of gas. It drinks a tad less than my 6.2L Silverado, not a good thing for a tourer. When I drive, I drive stupid spirited with 0-60 whenever I can, that thing will devour my wallet in gas. Moreover, wanting a convertible to enjoy with my wife… the convertible flexes like crazy, something I hate from my SL and did feel it when test driving, I am fed-up of low dynamics of some convertibles. Therefore, convertible 911 S is top pick, still. The LC500 is good for very wealthy people who cares less about gas consumption and do not understand vehicle dynamics (always speaking of the convertible).