We’ve waited a decade but Lexus is finally reintroducing a flagship, V8-powered droptop to Australia with its new LC500 Convertible.
The introduction of the new flagship two-door will be heralded with a limited edition model, of which fewer than 10 examples will be sold. They’ll arrive from September 29.
The LC500 Convertible is priced at $214,000 before on-road costs, while the LC500 Convertible Limited Edition is priced at $234,000 before on-road costs.
In comparison, the LC500 Coupe is priced at $194,747 before on-road costs.
There’s a nautical connection with the LC500 Convertible Limited Edition beyond the fact it’s arriving by boat. Painted in very oceanic Structural Blue, the limited edition features an exclusive white-and-blue semi-aniline leather-accented interior and unique scuff plates.
Perhaps to avoid pushing the nautical theme too far like some Bill Blass-edition Lincoln from the 1970s, the LC’s fabric roof is also finished in blue instead of a contrasting white.
Of course, if blue isn’t for you, Lexus is offering 40 colour combinations on the regular LC500 Convertible. There are 10 exterior colours, including the fiery new Carnelian and the verdant Khaki Metal seen on the LC500 Inspiration Series.
Each exterior colour can be had with black trim and a black roof, red trim and a black roof, ochre trim and a beige roof, or ochre trim and a black roof.
Though the LC Coupe is available as an LC500h with a hybrid V6 powertrain, the droptop is only offered as an LC500. That means a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque and mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The droptop also includes the under-skin updates recently made to the LC Coupe, including lighter front suspension arms and the introduction of Active Cornering Assist, which provides torque vectoring via braking.
Total luggage space is 150L, 48L less than the LC500 Coupe. Front and rear headroom are also down 11mm and 4mm, respectively, though the front seats add adjustable neck heaters.
The LC500 Convertible’s roof can be lowered at speeds of up to 50km/h in 15 seconds. Lexus claims the convertible has a lower centre of gravity than the coupe, while the exterior bodywork changed (other than the absence of a hardtop) is limited to the A-pillars, rear guard, and boot lid.
Whatever it costs, Lexus is bundling in a three-year membership to its Lexus Encore Platinum Owner Benefits program. This includes hotel and dining benefits, capped-price servicing and courtesy loaner vehicles.
