[ĐÁNH GIÁ XE] LC 500 Convertible 2021 - The most expensive Lexus model

The commercial version of the luxury convertible model Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2021 was first introduced at the Los Angelos Auto Show 2019 and was officially opened for sale with a listed price of 101,000 USD (~ 2.34 billion VND) in the US. This incredibly high price makes the LC 500 Convertible 2021 the most expensive Lexus model currently available in the US market.

Admittedly, there is no convertible on the market that is more highly regarded than its fixed-roof version. Because convertible versions are usually heavier and less stable, especially in performance. Not only that, choosing convertible cars will require a trade-off in luggage space. However, it must be recognized that the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is a special exception.

With a soft canvas convertible top and powerful 5.0L V8 engine, the 2021 LC 500 Convertible erases all previous concepts and shows that convertibles are not inferior to sedans, especially in performance and practical driving experience. With an amount of money spent of 101,000 USD (~ 2.34 billion VND), it must be admitted that the Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2021 deserves to be one of the best luxury convertible cars today.

To evaluate a convertible car compared to its fixed-roof version, there will be three main factors: the mechanism and timing of opening/closing the roof, the ability to control the amount of air entering the cabin when the roof is open, and the quietness in the interior compartment when the roof is closed. And the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is certainly highly rated, especially in the third criterion – the level of quiet in the cabin when the roof is closed is comparable to the fixed roof version.

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is equipped with a 4-segment pleated roof made of soft canvas, helping to optimize the weight of the car, and is designed to recreate the roof as similar to the coupe version as possible. With just one simple button on the center console, the driver can easily open/close the hood of the LC 500 Convertible 2021. It takes about 15 seconds to open the hood and 16 seconds to fold it when the car moves at a speed of up to 50 km/h. In addition, the LC 500 Convertible’s display screen on the dashboard also allows the driver to easily observe the opening and closing operation of the hood.

More specifically, Lexus engineers have cleverly arranged and “hidden” the soft top of the LC 500 Convertible in a special compartment at the back, without affecting the luggage space. Thus, whether the roof is closed or opened, the luggage compartment capacity of the Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2021 will still be guaranteed at 96 liters.

The soft top of the LC 500 Convertible 2021 receives the design style from the LC Coupe model, ensuring the aesthetics of this convertible version is maintained. Not only that, the designers were very sophisticated and skillful in integrating a roof line at the end of the car door, allowing the LC 500 Convertible 2021 to become a true sedan when the roof is closed. Thanks to smart design and active noise control technology, almost no outside noise enters the cabin when the vehicle is moving.

When opening the hood and lowering the windows, the unique design mechanism of the LC 500 Convertible 2021 will only allow a moderate amount of wind to enter the seating area when traveling in the city. However, the car will fully unleash its capabilities at high speeds with all the windows rolled up – clever aerodynamics will provide a cabin that allows the driver and passengers to comfortably converse without having to speak too loudly. In addition, the driver can completely immerse himself in a lively and realistic space with the 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Although it has a wet weight of 2059 kg – about 200 pounds (~ 90.7 kg) heavier than the LC 500 Coupe, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible still uses a familiar powertrain with a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine, producing a maximum capacity of 471 horsepower and maximum torque of 540 Nm. All this power is transmitted to the rear wheel axle through a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, giving the LC 500 Convertible impressive acceleration compared to competitors in the same segment.

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is capable of accelerating from 0 – 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds slower than the LC 500 Coupe version – due to the roof structure adding about 90.7 kg. The maximum speed of this luxury convertible model is electronically limited to 270 km/h. In particular, when the hood is lowered, the engine sound trigger and exhaust valve will combine to create a powerful roar, creating a feeling of excitement for the driver.

Equipped with a Direct-Shift gearbox on the Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2021, the driver can freely choose manual or automatic mode. In particular, when the manual transmission mode is activated, the car’s exhaust pipe will emit pleasant sounds every time the gear shift is performed. The 2021 LC 500 Convertible steering wheel is also integrated with a rear gear shift lever, providing the sportiest driving feeling.

Handling has never been the Lexus LC’s forte, and the same goes for the Covertible convertible. Neither the steering wheel nor the chassis give the driver the confidence to make strong and daring journeys. However, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is more than capable of providing stability in everyday urban road conditions. The steering wheel is weight distributed appropriately, while the suspension system strictly controls each movement of the vehicle body.

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible possesses the typical design style of the new generation of Lexus products, bringing a feeling of harmony with nature and an enjoyable driving experience – which can only be enjoyed when driving a convertible. The chassis structure inside and out is optimized with an aerodynamic shape, creating a dynamic driving experience with sharp steering feedback according to the driver’s needs.

In the US market, the listed selling price of the Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2021 was announced at 101,000 USD (~ 2.34 billion VND), only 8,050 USD (~ 187 million VND) higher than the Coupe version. This can be considered a quite attractive price for customers who favor this segment, because compared to other competitors in the market, Lexus only requires a very small amount of money to upgrade from the Coupe version to the Convertible.

At first glance, it can be seen that the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible has an advantage in terms of price. The LC 500’s rival, the BMW 840i Convertible, has a lower price – only 97,400 USD (~ 2.26 billion VND), but provides significantly less powerful operating experiences. Meanwhile, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet costs 112,000 USD (~ 2.6 billion VND) or the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S560 Cabriolet costs 138,600 USD (~ 3.21 billion VND). Although the Lexus LC 500 Convertible is not really an ideal choice in the segment, from the design and equipment and performance it offers, the price of 101,000 USD is indeed very attractive for many people.

Quang Hung (Tuoitrethudo)

According to: Motor1