Pebble Beach Drives: Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Revealed in concept form for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the LC was officially launched in 2017 for the 2018 model year. Essentially a decade-old design, the LC still impresses inside and out. While Lexus and Toyota have struggled with over-styling their vehicles, Lexus got things just right with the LC – it’s a clean design that successfully manages to be both luxurious and sporty.

Unlike other Lexus models on display at Pebble Beach, the LC’s interior is more than befitting of its premium price tag. The LC coddles occupants in a cocoon of luxury with leather and suede along with impressive stitching. With the thick steering wheel and the dash beautifully wrapping around the driver’s seat, the LC fit like a glove.

Fortunately, the LC also wins on function as well as form. Ingress and egress were much easier than I anticipated for a sporty, lower-slung 2-door and the LC also has an excellent driving position. The latest LC benefits from the updated infotainment system from the rest of the Lexus lineup. I found the infotainment screen to be nicely sized from a usability standpoint. It’s large enough, while also not so large that it aesthetically takes over the interior. I appreciated the separate buttons for the climate control and found the dash to be a nice balance of tech, luxury, and usability.

My Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 tester featured a Toasted Caramel interior with Satin Metallic trim and a Sand soft top. The nearly $8k Touring Package added Semi-Aniline leather-trimmed front seats, an Alcantara®*-trimmed headliner, Mark Levinson®* 13-Speaker, 915-Watt Reference Surround Sound, a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, embossed headrests and more.

A 471 HP 5.0-liter V8 engine powers the LC and emits a satisfying exhaust note. I was expecting the driving dynamics to be a bit dull but was pleasantly surprised as handling was a strong suit. Comfort was also not sacrificed in pursuit of sportier driving dynamics. Confined to a course within the gates of Pebble Beach, I was unable to test the LC on the highway. However, it was enjoyable to drive on the twisty backroads of the community.

As consumer preference has shifted away from cars and towards trucks and SUVs, automakers have reduced the number of convertibles they produce. There was a late 90s resurgence at the premium level with the introduction of the BMW Z3 and Z8, Audi TT, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster, and Volvo C70, but the segment has since dwindled.

Thus, the LC doesn’t have many competitors. It’s not as sporty as a Corvette, but is larger and pricier than the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster. The closest competitor I drove at Pebble was the new Mercedes AMG SL 63, the most powerful in the SL lineup and thus costing $60-70k more than the LC. However, the entry-level 4-cylinder AMG SL 43 can be had for $110k just over the LC’s starting price of $107k. However, the LC comes with a V8 and to get a V8 SL, one must drop another $30k for the AMG SL 55 which starts at $141k. Other potentially cross-shopped open-top options include the lower-priced Mercedes AMG E 53 cabriolet and the closer in price BMW 840i and M850i convertibles.

The low volume in LC sales grants a degree of exclusivity not found in other Lexus models. I would assume the buyer base is typically a 50 + male who has owned at least 1-2 Lexus models in the past. It would make a great second car for golfing or errands.

Overall, I wanted the keep driving the LC and was sad to return it to the Lexus pavilion. I was drawn in by its styling but once behind the wheel, I admired its balance of comfort and fun.