Lexus' new 5.0-litre V8 LC Convertible now in SA: It will cost you a cool couple of million

• Lexus introduced its new LC 500 Convertible in South Africa.

• The car is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine producing 351kW and 540Nm.

• Only one model is available and it is priced at R2.3 million.

• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24.

The Lexus brand is synonymous with luxury offerings, and its flagship LC range just got a lot cooler with the introduction of a convertible version. Only one derivative is available, and it's priced at R2.3 million. The coupe, on the other hand, retails for R2.1 million.

It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that channels 351kW and 540Nm to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is no slouch in the performance stakes - accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, according to Lexus.

Grade levels are pretty extensive, as one would expect of such a premium offering. Some of the luxury additions include a quilted semi-aniline leather trim upholstery, 21-inch forged-alloy two-tone alloy wheels, and not forgetting the Pièce De Résistance convertible top that opens in approximately 15 seconds.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Motorpress

Quality here, quality there

Customers can choose from 11 colour options paired with a black trim and black roof, flare red trim and black roof, ochre trim and beige roof, or ochre trim and black roof. There are also four interior colour trims to choose from.

A pre-crash safety system, Lane keep assist, Lane Departure Alert, Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, six airbags and vehicle stability control serve as standard driver safety assistance systems.

Connectivity and convenience are taken care of with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation with speed limit display and the reverse camera that can be monitored from the 10.3-inch multimedia screen. Another cool touch is the LFA-style 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, while occupants can also enjoy the 13-speaker, 918-watt Mark Levinson Sound System.

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Also present is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature whether the top is raised or lowered. The climate concierge with upper body heating automatically manages the air conditioner, seat heaters, neck heaters and steering-wheel heater to ensure the cabin is comfortable.

It comes standard with a seven-year or 105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.