We drive the 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible and find out if it's the perfect GT droptop.

This is the 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible and when it came out in 2017 it was a striking piece of automotive sculpture. Fast forward to 2024 and it’s as stunning as it ever was, enhanced by the gorgeous powerplant under its swooping hood.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:26 Design
1:12 New for 2024
1:58 Cargo Space
2:28 Engine and Transmission
2:53 Pricing
3:57 Rear Seat
5:01 Interior and Tech
8:26 Driving Impressions
18:44 Verdict

I know how good the Lexus LC 500 is because I ask for one from Lexus every year and it’s always available because I think many automotive journalists overlook how good it really is. This car is an attempt by Lexus to make a sporting GT car, and while its on-paper stats don't quite match its rivals, it makes up for that by being an amazing experience when you are going down the road.  It is arguably one of the most gorgeous luxury two-door luxury sports convertibles on the road today.

The best way to enjoy the LC 500 is to not compare it with any of the competition because they’re all faster and have better handling. This is a machine to be savored, lusted after, and worshipped because very soon, they simply won’t be allowed to make cars like this anymore.

What's new for 2024?

All convertibles get a horizontal suspension damper (from Yamaha) in the back lessening vibrations from flex in the chassis. The LC 500 Convertible also gets the LC 500h’s standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels with three options available. They wear 245/45s on the form and 275/40s on the rear.

Under the hood

It has a gorgeous naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 with 471 hp @ 7,100 rpm and 398 ft-lb @ 4,800 rpm driven through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Select the hooligan (Sport S+) button on the side of the instrument binnacle and it will go from 0- 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Fuel economy on the highway is 25 mpg but the best I could do was 13.7 mpg.

2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Bespoke Build Numbers

BASE PRICE: $105,200
AS TESTED PRICE: $117,660
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, RWD, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
ENGINE: DOHC 32-valve Atkinson-capable 5.0-liter V-8
POWER: 471 HP @ 7,100 rpm
TORQUE: 398 ft-lb @ 4,800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode 
0-60 MPH: 4.6 sec
TOP SPEED: 168 mph
CURB WEIGHT: 4,540 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 5 cu. ft.
WHEELS: 21-inch split 5-spoke forged alloy wheels
TIRES: Dunlop Sport Maxx Summer -  Front 245/40, Rear 275/35
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: CITY/HWY/COMB:  15/25/18 mpg 
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 13.7 MPG
PROS: Stunning exterior, glorious engine note, sport mode is a hoot,  high revving V8 joy
CONS: No wireless charger