2024 Lexus LC

Based on the same platform as the LS large luxury sedan, the Lexus LC takes the company’s finest materials and highest values, and puts them into a more intimate setting. This is one of those cars where the pleasure of driving starts just by walking up to it and climbing in.

We mentioned grand touring above; that’s because Lexus has made the LC more of a comfortable cruiser than some ultra-focused (and ultra-firm) track-day tool. That’s the smart thing to do and plays to the car’s innate strengths.

One particular thing about earlier LC models we weren’t so impressed by was the infotainment system and its user-unfriendliness. This year sees a complete overhaul with items like a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, voice activation, digital assistant, and over-the-air updates.

The convertible LC is now eligible for the Bespoke Build program offering a greater range of interior and exterior design elements. New colors become available. Parking sensors at both ends are added to every new LC, along with a 360-degree camera system. And the standard set of advanced safety features is upgraded for improved effectiveness.

Looking at what else is out there, the Jaguar F-Type enters its final year of production and begins at around $80K. The BMW 8 Series is priced from about $90K, and the Porsche 911 is closer to $115K.

Before buying a new LC luxury coupe or convertible, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values may not be a major consideration at this level, but the LC performs respectably here.

The 2024 LC 500 is energized by a 471-horsepower V8. Sprinting from standstill to 60 mph happens in an impressive 4.4 seconds, and the engine sounds glorious in the process — yet never obnoxious. The hybrid version’s 354 horsepower is still capable of doing the run in 4.7 seconds.

As a grand tourer rather than a true driver’s machine (like a Porsche 911), we’ve found that the LC definitely has its own fine qualities. It’s reassuringly stable at high speeds. And the standard brake-based torque vectoring, where the inside rear wheel goes around a corner slower than its outside counterpart, helps the car stay tidy in the curves.

We think the car’s heft (each variant weighs over 4,000 pounds) tends to discourage more aggressive driving. For journeys through scenic areas, however, the LC can be a perfect companion. The comprehensive array of standard safety features, meanwhile, is both confidence-inspiring and helpful on freeways and in cities alike.

It’s a Lexus, so the 2024 LC is predictably brimful of quality materials put together with wonderful attention to detail and a high degree of craftsmanship. The dashboard houses an analog clock, the driver’s footwell has aluminum pedals, and the passenger side of the center console morphs into a grab handle.

Space is plentiful up front, although the two rear seats are better for weekend bags than they are for humans, especially since the trunk’s volume is only 5.4 cubic feet at best. The hybrid makes do with 4.7 cubic feet and the convertible has only 3.4 cubic feet.

Starting this year, the Bespoke Build program is now applicable to the convertible model as well as the coupe. A new blue/white color scheme is exclusive to the convertible. Dark Rose is another fresh addition, available with all variants.

It might just be that 2-door cars invariably look a bit special. Or perhaps the Lexus design philosophy has found its perfect vehicle of expression in the 2024 LC. It’s available as a coupe with a fixed metal roof or a convertible with a power-operated soft top (which takes only about 15 seconds to open or close, and can do so at speeds up to 31 mph).

The convertible’s fabric roof now offers more color choices beyond the previous black or sand. The Bespoke Build program, which has expanded this year to include the soft-top LC, brings blue and Dark Rose.

The coupe’s roof doesn’t have to be all-metal. The alternatives are glass or carbon fiber.

New paint choices for the entire 2024 LC range are Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Copper Crest. Both LC 500 models gain the same 21-inch alloy wheels as their hybrid sibling. Lexus also adds wheels with a machined finish and gloss black metallic coating to the options list.

Panoramic View Monitor
Newly standard for 2024, this provides a bird’s-eye view of the LC and its surroundings — invaluable when maneuvering.

Intuitive Park Assist
Another new standard feature this year, this rather flashy term means parking sensors at both ends.

Connected Services
The 2024 LC offers several remote functions, such as locking/unlocking, starting, stolen vehicle location, fuel tank levels, and guest driver alerts.

Mark Levinson audio
One of a few options, but worth having. This 13-speaker/915-watt surround-sound system was developed especially for the LC. It even knows when the convertible’s roof is down and recalibrates its settings accordingly.

Dynamic Handling Package
Even though the LC is not a precision sports machine like some Porsches, this options bundle is still worth considering. As well as things like a limited-slip differential and a sportier rear suspension, it also includes rear-wheel steering and variable-ratio steering — both of which enhance the driving experience at high speed and maneuverability at low speed.

Head-up display
Projecting information onto the windshield means the driver’s eyes don’t have to stray from the road ahead to pick up crucial information. This optional feature also seems fighter-pilot cool.

The LC 500 coupe and convertible employ a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 developing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This goes solely to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The coupe-only 2024 LC 500h hybrid has a 3.5-liter V6 augmented by two electric motors. One motor acts as a primary generator and starter, the other helps the V6 drive the rear wheels. These motors run off a lithium-ion battery. A special hybrid-specific automatic transmission is deployed here. Total system output is 354 horsepower.

Both drivetrains require premium gasoline. LC 500 versions achieve 18 mpg combined, the hybrid LC 500h manages 29 mpg combined.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Lexus new-vehicle warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first, is typical for the luxury sector. The 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty is a little better than many. And hybrid batteries are covered for eight years or 150,000 miles — better than most. The first two scheduled services (six months/5,000 miles and 12 months/10,000 miles) are also free.