2020 Lexus LC 500 Convertible: prices, specs and release date

• Convertible version of flagship LC 500 coupe
• Uses a 457bhp V8 petrol engine
• Some metallic paint colours free of charge

The Lexus LC 500 Convertible is now on sale, with prices starting at £90,775. It’s more expensive than the coupe, which costs from £80,100, and initially only comes with a V8 petrol engine; the coupe has the option of a hybrid. Potential LC 500 buyers may also be considering the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, Jaguar F-Type Convertible, BMW 8 Series Convertible and Mercedes SL.

As you’d expect, there’s plenty of equipment as standard. The LC 500 comes with kit including a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, an electric boot release and a reversing camera.

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A Sport Plus Pack is available for £96,625, adding a Torsen limited-slip differential, 21-inch forged alloy wheels and carbon-fibre scuff plates. Both models come with a choice of free-of-charge metallic colours; upgrading to a special colour costs £500. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is £1,000 as an option and a head-up display is £1,250.

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Like the Lexus LC coupe, the convertible uses a 5.0-litre V8, but with a different power output of 457bhp. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes five seconds and the top speed is 168mph. Fuel economy of 24.1mpg is all you’ll be able to expect as a result. When the roof is down, active exhaust valves and a sound generator work to enhance the noise of the V8.

The Japanese company says the convertible is as rigid as the coupe, and that the additional bracing is made from aluminium to reduce the extra weight. Despite that, the convertible still tips the scales at over two tonnes.

The convertible gets a fabric roof that’s stored in the boot when not in use but the rest of the styling is the same as the coupe. That means a sharp design front and rear, with split headlight units, a huge grille and intricately shaped bumpers. The roof opens and closes in under 16 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and it’s made of four layers to improve sound insulation.

Besides the sound of the engine, the LC500 convertible should be very quiet inside. Lexus has worked on the aerodynamics of the car and has fitted a lightweight wind deflector, so less wind ruffles around the cabin. There’s Active Noise Control (ANC) to get rid of any unwanted road noise.

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The flagship Lexus also comes with a ‘Climate Concierge’, which can automatically control the temperature inside the car by using the air conditioning, heated seats, heated steering wheel and even neck heaters in the seats. As a result, LC500 convertible owners can have the roof down in the coldest weather, if they wish.

Read our review of the Lexus LC coupe, and see where it places on our list of the best-looking cars on sale today.