Best Car Reviews - 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

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Introduction

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is a flagship luxury grand-tourer for buyers who value dramatic design, open-air touring and the character of a naturally aspirated V8. It combines rear-wheel drive, a fabric soft top and Lexus craftsmanship in a compact four-seat format that is best considered a two-person luxury cruiser. For 2022, Lexus refined the convertible’s suspension tuning and color selection while retaining its distinctive 5.0-liter V8.

Design and Exterior Features

Long, low and sculptural, the LC 500 Convertible has a 187.4-inch body, a 113.0-inch wheelbase and a wide 75.6-inch stance. Its spindle grille, sharply shaped LED lighting, muscular rear haunches and intricate taillamps make it recognizably Lexus without looking conventional. The four-layer soft top preserves the elegant silhouette when raised and provides a dramatic open-cabin experience when lowered. Rather than a full redesign, the 2022 model brought subtle chassis revisions and a revised palette of nine exterior colors.

Four-layer power soft top offered in Black or Sand.
20-inch alloy wheels standard, with forged 20-inch and 21-inch wheel options.
LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and distinctive rear lighting signatures.
Standard wind deflector and windscreen help reduce cabin turbulence with the roof down.
Run-flat tires eliminate the need for a spare wheel.

Interior and Comfort

The LC 500 Convertible cabin feels special before the engine is started. Leather, Alcantara-like trim, metal switchgear and carefully finished details create a handcrafted atmosphere that remains a major strength against German luxury rivals. The front seats are supportive and the driving position is low and intimate. Rear seats are extremely small and are more useful for soft bags than adult passengers, while the 3.4-cubic-foot trunk requires light packing. Climate Concierge automatically coordinates climate control, seat heating, neck heating and steering-wheel heating to make top-down driving more comfortable.

Leather-trimmed front sport seats with heating and ventilation.
Climate Concierge with upper-body and neck heating.
Dual-zone automatic climate control and active noise control.
Available semi-aniline leather and Mark Levinson premium surround audio.
Power-adjustable front seats and a head-up display.

Performance and Handling

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible uses a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 with Lexus D-4S direct and port fuel injection. It produces 471 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, sending power to the rear wheels through a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. Lexus quoted a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 168 mph. The V8 is smooth, responsive and unusually theatrical, with an active exhaust and intake sound enhancement. Official EPA estimates are 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 15.7, 9.4 and 13.1 l/100 km. It is a relaxed but capable grand tourer rather than the sharpest track-focused convertible in its price range.

471-horsepower 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8.
398 lb-ft of torque and rear-wheel drive.
10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Adaptive Variable Suspension with 2022-specific handling refinements.
Official 0-60 mph claim of 4.6 seconds.

Technology and Connectivity

A 10.3-inch split-screen multimedia display is standard, with voice-activated navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration. The system offers useful connectivity and a strong audio experience, but its touchpad-style controller is less intuitive than the touchscreen-based systems used by many newer competitors. The available Mark Levinson system remains a desirable upgrade for buyers who prioritize sound quality.

10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
Available 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system.
Head-up display and digital instrument display.

Safety Features

The LC 500 Convertible includes Lexus Safety System+ as standard, along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Key systems include automatic emergency braking support, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and lane-support functions. Major U.S. crash-test organizations do not provide a verified crash-test rating for this low-volume convertible, so buyers should not assume a rating that has not been published.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist.
Intelligent High Beams.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible had a starting MSRP of $101,100 in the United States, excluding destination, taxes and dealer-installed extras. It was offered as a single generously equipped LC 500 Convertible trim, with equipment choices including the Touring package, all-weather equipment, upgraded leather, forged wheels and premium audio. Alternatives such as the BMW 8 Series Convertible, Mercedes-AMG SL, Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Jaguar F-Type Convertible may offer more customization, performance variants or cargo capacity, but few match the Lexus for naturally aspirated V8 character and visual distinction.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptionally striking exterior design that still feels distinctive.
Smooth, charismatic naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack.
High-quality cabin materials and excellent build quality.
Comfortable ride and effective top-down wind management.
Generous standard safety and luxury equipment.

Cons

Touchpad infotainment controller can be distracting and frustrating.
Rear seats are not realistically useful for adult passengers.
Very small 3.4-cubic-foot trunk limits touring practicality.
Fuel consumption is high for a luxury convertible.
Its price leaves room for faster and more configurable rivals.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable, model-specific annual maintenance-cost estimate is not firmly established for the 2022 LC 500 Convertible, and ownership costs depend heavily on mileage, tire replacement, dealer labor and soft-top care. Lexus included one year or 10,000 miles of scheduled maintenance when new, plus a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty. Owner and reviewer feedback for this generation most often identifies five concerns: the awkward touchpad interface, limited storage and rear-seat space, expensive wide performance-tire replacement, occasional brake squeal, and potential roof, weather-seal or interior-rattle concerns that deserve careful inspection on used examples. These are reported ownership patterns rather than evidence of a widespread mechanical defect.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.6/10. Design: 9.7/10. Comfort: 8.7/10. Performance: 8.5/10. Technology: 7.4/10. Safety: 8.6/10. The LC 500 Convertible earns its score through emotional appeal, craftsmanship and V8 character, while practicality and interface usability prevent an even higher result.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the LC 500 Convertible’s sense of occasion. Buyers tend to appreciate its styling, road-trip comfort and engine note, while accepting that it is less practical and less technology-focused than some competitors.

Owners frequently praise the car’s design and the attention it receives.
The V8 sound and linear power delivery are recurring highlights.
Many find the ride refined enough for long-distance touring.
The touchpad controller is a common complaint, especially while driving.
Buyers advise treating the rear seats and trunk as occasional-use space.

Best Cars in This Category

2022 BMW 840i Convertible
2022 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
2022 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
2022 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
2022 Audi R8 Spyder

Summary

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is best for buyers seeking a rare, luxurious and emotionally engaging grand-tourer rather than a practical daily family car or a pure track machine. Its design, craftsmanship and naturally aspirated V8 give it lasting appeal, while its compact rear seating, small trunk and dated touchpad demand compromise. For a driver who values style, top-down comfort and a memorable engine experience, it remains one of the most distinctive luxury convertibles of its era.