Fast Facts: Lexus LC500 Convertible launched in Malaysia
James Lee
18-11-2020
Though long retired, Lexus’ slogan of “The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection” still rings loud and clear in most car aficionados’ ears. Never an alternative to the Germans, the Lexus brand carries arguably even more prestige and exclusivity in Malaysia.
Lexus Malaysia has launched the open top version of the LC500 sports car (launched 2017), the Lexus LC500 Convertible.
What’s Outside? The LC500 Convertible is the first soft-top Lexus. A straightforward chop job it’s not, because the rear trunk has been lifted slightly and the integrated rear spoiler has also been widened. The 4-layer fabric roof takes 15 seconds to open, and 1 additional second to close within 50km/h.
Through some clever packaging, the luggage room for the convertible remains at 172 litres like its coupe brother. If you have to know, the fabric roof is tucked between the suspension towers while the hydraulic motors for the roof are at the empty space behind the rear seats.
When you are enjoying infinite headroom, there’s a transparent wind deflector that reduces air flow around the occupants’ face by about 20%, which means you can still converse in the car below 60km/h without raising your voice. Other goodies include:
6-pot caliper front brakes, 4-pot caliper rear
21-inch forged wheels
Rear performance dampers
Adaptive Variable Suspension
What’s Inside? If you still wish to chat with your occupants instead of enjoying the V8 growl, there’s a mesh windscreen which you could lift up to reduce airflow around the head by 67% at around 100km/h.
With cabin refinement as a hallmark of the brand, the Japanese firm has gone to great lengths to keep the noise level low. After carrying out acoustic simulations, it was found that the storage area for the folding roof is a challenge because it was a route for tyre and exhaust noise to permeate the cabin.
Without enough space for soundproofing material, Lexus’ engineers thought out of the box by changing the trim material of the storage area to be those of sound-absorbing type, clever eh? Other interior goodies include:
Head-up display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
13-speaker 918 watt Mark Levinson sound system
Carbon fibre scuff plates
Heated and ventilated seats
10.3-inch touchscreen display
8-inch colour TFT multi-information display
How Fast?
The Lexus LC500 is one of those supercars that steadfastly refrained from electrification and forced induction. Although Lexus has painstakingly kept noise out of the cabin, they have used a diaphragm to channel the V8 rumble into the cabin. This writer wouldn’t use the Mark Levinson sound system much if given a chance to drive this car:
Engine: 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive (RWD)
Horsepower: 470 hp @ 7,100 rpm
Torque: 570 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 270 km/h
How Safe?
As an open top sports car, there are specific safety features to protect the occupants. There are a pair of active roll bars that would deploy when a rollover is detected. When not in use, it’s tucked neatly away to not disturb that sleek silhouette. The Lexus Safety Sense+ package includes:
Six airbags
Front Pre-Collision System
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assist
Automatic High Beam
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
How Much? The Lexus LC500 is priced at RM1.35 million, RM100,000 more than its coupe cousin. As deliveries start next year, the sales tax exemption doesn’t apply. Buyers enjoy a 5-year unlimited warranty.
Gallery

JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VPA5939
SELANGOR
BSE1443
JOHOR
JXV6736
PULAU PINANG
PRP8976
PERAK
ANU9276
PAHANG
CFB5568
KEDAH
KGA2691
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEF5477
KOTA KINABALU
SJK5109
KUCHING
QAB2095L
Last updated 22 Apr, 2025
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.05
RON 97
RM 3.18
-0.10
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 2.88
-0.10
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.08
-0.10
Last updated 17 Apr, 2025
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