First Lexus LC 500 Convertible priced

Lexus Australia has announced local pricing and specs for the first open-top version of its top-shelf LC Coupe and its first convertible since the previous-generation IS 250C departed in 2014.

Priced at $214,000 plus on-road costs, making it about $20,000 pricier than the upgraded 2020 Lexus LC 500 Coupe on which its based, the 2020 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is now available.

To mark the launch of its fourth flagship model alongside the LC Coupe, LX luxury SUV and LS limousine, 10 examples of the LC 500 Convertible Limited Edition in Structural Blue paint are also now available for $234,000 plus ORCs.

Lexus says the LC convertible “delivers a unique and enthralling proposition in the luxury convertible segment by combining options-free indulgence with incredible V8 performance and sound”.

Like the LC Coupe, the drop-top version is based on the Toyota premium brand’s rear-wheel drive GA-L platform and is fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential, but in this case kerb weight increases to 2035kg.

Lexus says this is due to additional under-body bracing and a shear panel “to support the same driving qualities as the dynamic rear-wheel drive LC Coupe” and that, as a result, the drop-top brings more rear-biased weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity.

Unlike its fixed-roof sister model which is also available with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, the Lexus LC 500 Convertible is powered by a 351kW/540Nm 5.0-litre petrol V8 that’s matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and consumes 12.7L/100km.

Following the redesign of just three major panels (A-pillar, rear guards and bootlid), Lexus says a light-weight aluminium and magnesium roof structure allows front and rear headroom to stay within 11mm and 4mm of the LC Coupe, and that boot space is reduced by 48 litres (149L).

The four-layer roof can be lowered in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h, via a serrated-finish roof mechanism, while other unique features include an expanded seat heating range, variable neck heaters and quilted semi-aniline leather trim for the updated front seats.

2020 Lexus LC 500 Convertible features:
• 21-inch forged-alloy two-tone wheels
• Clearance and reversing sonar
• Pre-collision safety system (PCS) with pre-collision braking (PCB)
• Lane keep assist2 (LKA) with steering assist
• Blind spot monitor2 (BSM) with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
• All-speed radar active cruise control (ACC)
• Pop-up pedestrian-sensing safety bonnet
• Six SRS airbags
• Vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC)
• Triple-stack LED headlights with cornering lights and washers, dusk-sensing function and automatic high beam (AHB)
• Keyless smart entry with smart key card
• Retractable door handles with illumination
• LFA-style 8.0-inch digital instrumentation with slide-out meter ring
• Colour head-up display (HUD)
• 10.3-inch multimedia screen with Lexus Remote Touch-pad (LRT) controller
• Reversing camera with rear guide assist (RGA)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• DAB, USB and AUX inputs
• Satellite navigation system with SUNA live traffic alerts
• Navigation with speed limit display
• Advanced multimedia voice control
• 13-speaker, 918-watt Mark Levinson DVD Audio with Clari-Fi
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Self-dimming interior mirror
• Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning with Lexus Climate Concierge
• Semi-aniline leather-accented front seats
• 10-way power-operated front seats with driver memory settings
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Front seat neck heaters
• Power steering column adjust
• Steering wheel heater
• Touch-sensitive interior lights
• Sports pedals
• Stainless-steel scuff plates
• Active noise control (ANC)
• Mechanical limited-slip differential
• Drive Mode Select – ECO, COMFORT, NORMAL, CUSTOMISE, SPORT S & SPORT S+

The Lexus LC Convertible will be available in 40 exterior colour, interior trim and roof colour combinations, including black trim and black roof, flare red trim and black roof, ochre trim and beige roof, or ochre trim and black roof.

In addition, there are 10 exterior colour options: Carnelian, Khaki Metal, White Nova, Slate Grey, Sonic Silver, Titanium, Graphite Black, Infrared, Zinnia Yellow and Deep Blue.

As with all new Lexus vehicles, the LC Convertible comes with a four-year warranty and three-year membership to the recently announced Lexus Encore Platinum program.

This includes DriveCare 24/7 roadside assistance, capped-price servicing including pick-up and drop-off from home or work and a loan vehicle, and the ability to swap into another Lexus at local or interstate dealerships, or Qantas Valet in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.