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• Lexus' new LC500 Convertible has been launched in South Africa.
• Priced at R2.3 million, it is the flagship vehicle in Lexus' portfolio.
• The LC is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine.
• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24
Lexus South Africa has welcomed the seasonal change from winter to spring with the local introduction of its achingly beautiful LC500 Convertible. Based on the just-as-sexy LC500 Coupé, the Convertible continues with the very traits that made its sibling such a hit when it first arrived some four years ago.
Back then, the LC500 was widely regarded as the most beautiful car on sale in South Africa, with dramatic lines and a sensual shape taking preference over anything else. What's more, the ride quality was hailed as a standout feature, with the naturally aspirated engine doing duties propelling the car. Fast-forward to 2021, and Lexus' most beautiful car - not considering the LFA - drops its top, offering prospective buyers choice at the upper echelons of the Lexus portfolio.
We drove the newcomer on some of Mpumalanga's most beautiful roads, with the R536 between Hazyview and Sabie presenting a unique opportunity to sample several of this attention seeker's traits.
Dropping that top
When automakers are presented with converting one of their cars to a convertible, they are faced with several challenges. These include keeping overall weight down, strengthening the body, and, perhaps importantly, ensuring that the car loses none of its aesthetic appeal. In Lexus' case, the Takumi craftspeople stayed true to what the LC was set out to be.
To achieve this, the team only redesigned the forward pillar, rear-guards, and boot lid. Furthermore, headroom for front and rear passengers are mere millimetres off the Coupé's figures. And with the addition of the mechanisms that retract and detract the roof, boot space is within 48 litres of the Coupé's offering (197L).
Opening or closing the roof is also an easy task. Users must open a holder between the front seats and use the easy-to-understand button to execute either command. According to Lexus, the roof will open in 15 seconds, while closing it will take 16sec. This operation can be done when the car is at a standstill or speeds up to 50km/h. Neck heaters have also been fitted to the front headrests to counter the cool air one might experience.
Opulent interior
The LC500 Convertible's interior has been carried over from the Coupé, with minimal changes brought about to accommodate the drop-top's nature. From the moment one opens the door, you are met with pure opulence. From door to door, the car is decked in leather and soft-touch materials. The steering wheel, with the gear changing paddles behind it, feels grippy between your hands, with a clear and unobtrusive view of the instrument display ahead of the driver.
On either side of this display, drivers can engage the various driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, Sport S+) and the ESC (electronic stability control). To the middle of the cabin, the normal controls are within easy reach. And with clear readings, it is not difficult to navigating through the different settings.
While not cumbersome, the mousepad-like device used to operate more of the car's menus and settings on the 10.3-inch screen do take some getting used to. It can happen that drivers must take their eyes off the road for a moment longer than what's necessary. Coupled to the double-look to ensure that you're at the right menu, users might find it less user-friendly than the systems offered by its German counterparts. The multimedia system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
Engine and drive
Over the last few years, Lexus' focus has shifted to hybrid technology. It has meant that many of its cars adopted small (sometimes turbocharged) capacity engines mated to an electric motor. The LC, however, is a far cry from it. Powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine, the motor sends 351kW and 540Nm to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Lexus says that the LC500 Convertible will clear 0-100km/h in 4.7sec, while top speed is rated at 270km/h.
On the Mpumalanga roads, the LC was exposed to a series of conditions that put its reputation to the test. In avoiding the strewn potholes, the car reacted confidently to steering inputs, with the odd bump sending very little shudder into the cabin. Even with the driving mode in Sport S+, the ride quality is not unforgiving nor uncomfortable.
READ: DRIVEN | Lexus LS 500 reaffirms its position as a front-runner in luxury mobility
Road conditions do improve, opening the proverbial curtain to some of the area's best twisting roads and scenery. Here, the car's adaptive variable suspension (AVS) could be tested as hard braking, hard acceleration, and aggressive steering inputs were put under scrutiny. The LC500 Convertible remained composed throughout, with the V8 burbling beautifully as the 7 100rpm redline was continuously explored.
Drivers driving the LC exuberantly should note that the gearbox's mid-gears are best suited for the task, as the higher gears come into their own when cruising about on your Sunday drive.
In summary
The Lexus LC500 Convertible justifiably sits at the top of the Japanese automaker's portfolio. It's a serene vehicle with the luxury to boot. The LC oozes class and style, with very little to suggest that it would not succeed in tasks set out. It is a proper Grand Tourer (GT), offering ample comfort over journeys. Cabin-quietness is another treat, with the car showing superb levels of quietness at speeds. For R2 345 500, the Lexus LC500 Convertible provides substantial value for money, with a seven-year or 105 000km warranty and maintenance plan included in the price.
