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LEXUS LC Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2016
Engines: Gasoline, Hybrid
Body style: Coupé (two-door)
LEXUS LC 500 Convertible photo gallery

After almost a decade of absence in the open-top premium luxury segment, Lexus tried to conquer its lost ground with the LC 500 Convertible that it launched at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2021 model year.

Lexus tried to compete in more areas of the premium market, and besides its SUVs and luxury sedans, it also tried to get a slice out of the convertible segment. As a result, in 1991, it launched the SC 430 and made it until 2010 in two generations. But in 2010, it stopped production since sales were not very significant.

Moreover, the world financial crisis affected the automaker, and it had to ditch its hard-to-sell models. But in 2019, Lexus made a comeback with the LC 500 Convertible, a model that tried to attack the BMW 8 Series convertible and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class convertible. The new model offered a competitive and luxurious alternative to those vehicles.

The convertible version of the LC 500 carried over most of the design elements from its coupe sibling. As a result, the front fascia featured the same spindle grille design and the organic, swept-back headlights. From its profile, the LC500 Convertible revealed thick A-pillars for the windshield and a slightly raised waistline behind the cabin.

On the rear quarter panels, at the lower side, the automaker added air intakes that channeled airflow around the rear wheels and reduced turbulences. Finally, at the back, the LED taillights mimicked the headlights’ design with a three-spike shape. Underneath the bumper, two rectangular exhaust trims adorned the apron in front of the actual pipes.

Inside, Lexus tried its best to create a luxurious cabin fit for two adults. Even if the car featured two seats in the back, there was actually no legroom for someone to sit there. The front sports seats were offered as standard, and there was a special package for premium sports seats that offered aniline leather and high bolstered area for comfort and side support during high-speed cornering. On the center console, the automaker placed the buttons and touchpad for the infotainment system and, under a flip-up cover, the buttons for the fabric roof.

Unlike its predecessor, the LC500 Convertible featured a four-layer rag top that could be opened or closed at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) in about 20 seconds. The instrument cluster featured a digital display for the speedometer inside the tachometer. On its visor, Lexus placed the controls for the driving programs and the traction control settings. As for the trunk, the Lexus LC 500 was not very generous, offering just 149 liters (5.3 cu-ft) of space.

Under the hood, Lexus installed its 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine. It was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission that sent all the oomph to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.

full description and technical specifications
LEXUS LC photo gallery

Lexus unveiled the LC in concept form in 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. Most people loved the idea of a personal luxury coupe made by one of the most reliable brands in the world. They were not disappointed in 2016 when the Japanese premium automaker unveiled the final product.

When the final product hit the market in 2016 as a 2017 model year, bystanders were delighted. Unfortunately, sales were way less than expected, with just a little bit over 3,000 units delivered in 2017. Still, the car was delightful in many ways. Even though it had pretty much everything a personal luxury coupe should have, sales didn’t go through the roof. Some considered it a very polarizing vehicle since it had a futuristic design, a high-tech hybrid drivetrain, and luxurious interior amenities. Unfortunately, its six-figure price was not that attractive, and customers already had alternatives from other premium automakers such as Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar.

With a front fascia dominated by Lexus’ spindle grille and aggressive angular headlights that looked intimidating, the LC was clearly a different kind of product than what the automakers’ customers were used to seeing from this brand. The tall triangular side scoops on the lower bumper and the fang-like trims on the front fascia were suitable for a concept car but not so much for a production vehicle. From its profile, the low roof and sloped back emphasized the car’s sporty character. In front of the rear wheels, Lexus installed a set of scoops that cooled the rear brakes. Finally, at the back of the car, the automaker installed a four-exhaust system that sported two wide and two narrow rectangular tips flanking the rear diffuser.

The interior took inspiration from the LF supercar with its fully digital instrument cluster, where the tachometer took center stage. In addition, atop the center stack, Lexus installed a screen for the infotainment system. That could’ve been controlled via a touchpad housed by the center console. It was one of the most difficult-to-use infotainment systems in the automotive industry, and that also affected sales. But the leather-wrapped interior and the front bucket seats with high-bolstered areas were attractive. In addition, there was also a bench seat in the back for two additional passengers, although room there was very limited.

Lexus offered the car with a choice of two engines: a hybrid V6 and a V8, both paired with automatic transmissions. While the former featured an eCVT gearbox, the latter boasted a ten-speed, torque-converter-based one. Both sent their power to the rear wheels only and provided enough excitement and a high level of performance. The independent suspension in all corners and adaptive dampers allowed customers to ride in comfort or drive fast around corners.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

LEXUS LC 500 10AT (475 HP)