2026 Lexus LC 500: One of Two Japanese Convertibles
Launched in 1990, the Lexus division made a lasting impression on the industry with a large sedan that would provide a superb response to the success of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That car was the LS. Unfortunately, Lexus was unable to keep it in its lineup, as efforts were instead focused on SUVs. Was discontinuing the LS a difficult decision for Lexus? Probably not, since sales in 2024 and 2025 had become negligible. And unfortunately, the same goes for the LC sports car, which will suffer the same fate.
This is a fascinating car. It was first launched as a coupe in 2018, when it looked every bit like a futuristic prototype. In a way, it carried on the legacy of the long-discontinued SC, proving to the industry that Japan, too, could create magnificent grand touring coupes. The following year, the automaker unveiled a convertible concept of the LC, which would go on sale for the 2021 model year. Since then, aside from the discontinuation of the hybrid-powered LC500h coupe, very few changes have been made to the model.
Treat Yourself
Let's call a spade a spade. The LC is a car for retirees, one you buy for its style, power, and prestige, but also for its comfort. It isn't designed to break track records or to give certain M or AMG models from rival brands a run for their money. Rather, it's a refined car for long drives, designed to be a pleasure to drive.
That’s the conclusion we were able to draw from this latest test drive, before, of course, the LC is phased out. It will be discontinued toward the end of the year, with production set to cease in August 2026. Its replacement? Most likely an electric model inspired by the LFA concept unveiled last December.
In the meantime…
With only 29 units available on the Canadian market, the Inspiration #08 edition is said to add an extra touch of exclusivity to the convertible model. That’s quite amusing, considering that the convertible is likely to be more popular than all other configurations combined, given that Lexus sold a total of 143 LC500 coupes and convertibles in Canada last year.
This package includes a “wind” paint finish, a dark brown soft top, and an all-leather interior combining white and brown. A limited-edition car where, once again, the build quality is a work of art. Of course, there’s nothing rational about choosing a car like this. It offers rear seats that can barely fit a grocery bag, a semi-digital instrument cluster that takes us back a decade, and an unnecessarily complex infotainment system. That said, this is a car that awakens all five senses and, above all, provides its driver with a sense of peace of mind that’s impossible to find in German cars. In this case, the Lexus LC is a reliable, high-quality car.
Under the hood, its 5.0-liter V8 roars magnificently. With 471 horsepower, it requires no forced induction. Available until very recently in the IS 500, this V8 is a true gem. Powerful, loud, and highly refined, even though its acceleration figures are nothing to get excited about. Just imagine: you’ll go from 0 to 100 km/h faster in the Toyota C-HR, to which the LC 500 trails by two-tenths of a second (completing the sprint in 5.4 seconds).
Remarkably stable, the LC 500 features an adaptive suspension system that delivers exceptional comfort. When cornering, body roll is minimal, thanks to its very wide track and low center of gravity. Extremely quiet, it is equipped with a highly effective active noise control system, even with the top down. Note that the soft top can be lowered while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h, and the process takes only 15 seconds.
Driving enthusiasts might opt for the coupe equipped with the Performance Package ($15,000), which includes a retractable spoiler, a carbon-fiber roof, a rear performance shock absorber, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. It’s a nice package that can certainly improve handling in certain situations, but it won’t make the experience any more exhilarating. Let’s not forget: the LC is no Porsche 911.
Expensive, but…
Due to its rarity and the strong demand for it on the used-car market, the LC retains excellent resale value. Could it be because buyers aren’t worried about being “bled dry” by maintenance and repair costs? Most likely, yes. At just over $139,000, our LC 500 is therefore not a financial disaster. Of course, the purchase price is astronomical and far from affordable for everyone, but the cost of ownership after purchase remains reasonable. It’s thus a more rational purchase than some of its rivals, even if there’s nothing rational about buying a convertible at this price point.
In closing, don’t forget that this Lexus will be the brand’s last car to feature a V8 engine. For some enthusiasts, that’s a real selling point. With its discontinuation, there will be only one Japanese car still available as a convertible: the Mazda MX-5.
