2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Arrives In The US With Updated Suspension And Refined Color Palette

Almost a month after Lexus announced a series of updates for the LC flagship sportscar in Japan, the company unveiled the 2022 LC 500 Convertible for the US market, bringing the same handling updates alongside an updated color palette. This comes two years after the original debut of the LC Convertible and a year and a half after Lexus gave the LC Coupe less weight and a sportier chassis setup.

The suspension tuning, which is unique to the convertible, has been reworked to offer a more dynamic driving experience. Lexus talks about “enhanced ground contact feel, linear steering response and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range” which results in “nimbler vehicle handling” and creates a “sharper connection between driver and vehicle”. Mind you, the Lexus LS 500 Convertible comes standard with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system.

Under the bonnet, there is the same, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 471 hp (351 kW / 477 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear axle through the 10-speed  Direct-Shift automatic transmission with the help of a limited-slip differential. The V8-powered convertible accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).

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While there are no visual changes for 2022, the model comes with a refined color palette including nine exterior shades (Ultra White, Atomic Silver, Smoky Granite Mica, Caviar, Infrared, Flare Yellow, Nightfall Mica, Nori Green Pearl, and Cadmium Orange) and these, in turn, can be combined with two color options for the four-layer retractable soft top (Black, Sand), and three interior trims (Black, Circuit Red, and Toasted Caramel).

The hydraulic system takes 15 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close the roof, at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Besides the standard 20-inch cast alloy wheels shod in run-flat tires, Lexus is offering optional 20-inch forged wheels and even larger 21-inch forged wheels.

Inside, the standard 10.3-inch infotainment comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration plus a voice-activated navigation system featuring a three-year trial to the Lexus Enform Destination Assist service. Using the Lexus Enform Remote service that is also included for the first three years of ownership, the driver can access some of the car’s features remotely through his/her smartphone or smartwatch.

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The Lexus Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating is in charge of the air conditioner, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater, allowing the driver to spend more time with the roof down. A transparent polycarbonate wind deflector and the Active Noise Control contribute to a quiet cabin even during high-speed driving.

In terms of safety kit, the Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beams, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The convertible also comes with active roll bars that deploy automatically in case of a rollover accident.

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is expected to hit US dealerships in late 2021. The starting price of $101,100 (MSRP) does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $1,075. In any case, the updated model is only $150 more expensive compared to the previous model year.