Sublime Sun-catcher |
It has been ten years in the making, starting with the LF-LC concept two-door vehicle first shown at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Then the drop-top version premiered two years ago at the LA Auto Show, and now it is finally here – the latest luxury convertible from Lexus.
Admiring the intricacies of the taut, bold lines of this delectable new drop-top – its ornate, yet elegant surfaces reflecting the rays of a pallid Lowveld sun – it seemed well worth the wait, as the LC 500 probably best represents the essence of L-Finesse, and the convertible takes it a step further.
From the spindle-shaped grille with its convoluted mesh lines, the thin headlights with L-shaped signature lights, and the beltline that creates a tight, clean profile, to the rear with its ornate lines and elongated taillights, this vivacious sun-catcher is simply gorgeous to look at, whether the roof is open or closed – and a far cry from its frumpy and bulbous looking SC predecessor.
Lexus has also done away with the SC 430’s retractable aluminium hard-top in favour of a tight-fitting soft-top. Compared to its coupé counterpart, the exterior changes include three redesigned panels – the forward pillar, rear guards and the boot lid. The lightweight aluminium and magnesium roof structure ensures front and rear headroom stays within 11 mm and 4 mm of the hard-top version.
Boot space, however, is restricted by 48 litres, and the aperture for luggage is relatively small. Still, it is a small price to pay for the sublime looks and advantages of open-top driving – with the cloth roof able to be opened in 15 seconds (and closed in 16 seconds) at up to 50 km/h.
Quality Craftmanship
Complementing the magnificent exterior lines, the levels of craftsmanship and build quality displayed in the opulent cockpit are just impeccable. The interior fit and finish further enhances the Japanese carmaker’s reputation for excellence, and the level of luxury is in keeping with its status as the marque’s flagship convertible.
With the cabin more open to view, some exciting and innovative colour coordination (four interior trim colours are available) enhances the convertible’s character and extrovert design. The tactile touch of the switchgear and the semi-aniline leather-accented interior trim is sublime, and the 10-way electrically adjustable and heated seats are comfortable and supportive.
A “walk-in” function with memory is available for access to the (very cramped) rear seat, and the steering wheel can be heated. Lexus Concierge, which controls seat heating, ventilation and a neck-warming function, is designed to keep you comfortable whether the roof is up or down.
The infotainment system now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a pair of USB ports. However, the haptic touch function of the central controller is still not user-friendly, and the manipulation of the navigation system is over-complicated. However, by turning up the delightful sound of the 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, you quickly forget the quirks of the info system.
As expected, the LC 500 comes with a full suite of safety features, including six airbags, a pre-crash safety system, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and stability control. Additional under-body bracing gives the convertible more rear-biased weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity than its LC Coupé counterpart.
Exalted Performance
Available in one model grade only (with no added options), the convertible benefits from the incredible sound and performance of the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre normally aspirated V8 petrol engine also used in the coupé. Delivering 351 kW of power at 7,100 r/min and 540 Nm of torque at 4,800 r/min, it urges the drop-top from 0-100 in only 4.7 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 270 km/h.
It may not be the quickest in its class, but that glorious V8 sound – turning from a sonorous rumble into a growl as the revs rise, with the necessary pops and bangs on downshifts – provides a fun element that, besides its vibrant styling, will turn heads and enthral onlookers. And herein lies the LC Convertible’s attraction.
On the road, power delivery via the fluent ten-speed auto transmission to the wide 21” rubber tyres at the rear is linear and smooth – with the rev counter changing colour from white through to red as the revs climb – and even with the top down, the lack of sense of speed in the cockpit is deceptive.
This is in part due to the wind noise-reducing design of the cabin, transparent polycarbonate wind deflector and Active Noise Control (ANC) sound insulation and absorption. And with the top closed, interior noise levels were on par with those of the coupé.
While brisk in a straight line, this refined grand cruiser was also surprisingly agile on corners. Riding on light forged aluminium suspension components with a hollow rear stabiliser bar and performance dampers, the LC 500 Convertible was quick and stable through the sweeps of the coiling road between Sabie and White River in Mpumalanga.
With optimised Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Active Cornering Assist (ACA) and the transmission in Sport+, the drop-top cornered flat and fast – with no hint of scuttle shake – confirming the inherent rigidity of its chassis. However, you need to work the gears in manual mode, as the final cog ratios are for cruising and do not suit the twists.
Even so, for a striking, luxurious grand tourer, the LC 500 Convertible is hugely rewarding to drive, making long trips even more enjoyable. Sure, its price tag of R2,345,500 is lofty, but this includes all the bells and whistles (unlike its competitors) and a best-in-class seven-year/105,000 km warranty and full maintenance plan. Verdict? Open-top opulence in the truest sense.
Report by Ferdi de Vos | Images © Lexus South Africa