The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Is A Fierce Ride Fit For The Dora Milaje. And You.
Holli Fourniquet
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a better ride for the Dora Milaje, or you, than the 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible.
The Dora Milaje are the special forces for the Marvel Cinematic Universe nation of Wakanda. These fierce warriors are an elite, all-female organization and are the highest-ranking force in the Wakandan military. The Lexus 2022 LC 500 Convertible is also an elite performance vehicle as the flagship in the Lexus lineup. It is no surprise that filmmakers chose the LC 500 (in its coupe form) when selecting a sleek and powerful vehicle for the 2018 Black Panther movie, and the LC 500 Convertible for the new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever film.
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Lexus LC 500 Convertible is innovative and empowering. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
The LC 500’s Design Comes from the Most Elite Lexus
The 2018 LC 500 took the reigns as the flagship performance vehicle for Lexus when production started at the factory previously charged with hand-building the rare LFA supercar. Many design themes and cues from the LFA can be seen in the LC. With its loud and powerful V8 engine, sexy lines, and dynamic proportions, this Lexus is a ride befitting of the best warriors of Wakanda or for someone wanting to stand out from the pack.
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The Lexus LC 500’s interior is dazzling. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
Who is the 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible For?
- Small families
- Couples
- People who expect the best features and are willing to pay
- People who want to turn heads wherever they drive
- People who need to protect their peaceful, innovative society from interlopers
What Does it Cost?
- $101,000 starting price for an LC 500 Convertible
- $7,940 Touring Package adds bigger wheels and upscale interior options
- As-tested $112,075
The Lexus LC 500 is a head-turner. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Makes a Beautiful Impression
I am not generally one to prefer a convertible. Sure, I like the removable roof of the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Wrangler but otherwise, I prefer the simplicity of a coupe. This LC 500 changes everything for me. This car is beautiful from every angle and removing the roof does not come with the typical downsides of noise and shakiness generally associated with a topless ride. Inside the LC 500 Convertible is quiet no matter your speed, top up or down, and with the top down and side windows rolled up, you do not have to worry about the wind making an absolute rat’s nest out of your hair.
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Lexus LC 500 Convertible with the top down. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
One-of-a-Kind Looks Turn Heads Wherever you Go
That’s because the long, low, and wide proportions of this car paired with the striking curves make this LC 500 a real beauty. In my time with this car, I believe I got more compliments than any other vehicle I have tested to date. My test car’s Nightfall Mica metallic blue paint paired with its optional 21-inch polished wheels, which are part of the touring package (a $7,940 upgrade), are a perfect pairing. The unique lighting on the front with Lexus’ LED checkmark style running lights and one-of-a-kind mirrored taillights are details that add to the overall appeal of the LC. This really looks like nothing else on the road today which means you stand out anywhere you go.
Me channeling my inner Dora Milaje in the LC 500 Convertible. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
An Interior Befitting the Dora Milaje
If ever there was a vehicle that embodied the persona of the Dora Milaje warriors of Wakanda, it would be this LC 500. The swooping curves carried over from the exterior styling, the high-quality materials, and the craftsmanship of this interior make you feel special while the growl of the V8 engine makes you feel like you can take on anything else on the road.
Lexus’ use of different textures, materials, and colors make the interior not only inviting but upscale. From the red, black, and merlot-colored semi-aniline leather dash and seats to all the metallic accents on the various controls, there is not one inch of this interior that was not thoughtfully designed. It feels as though everything serves a purpose and was placed in the cabin for a reason.
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The Lexus LC 500 gauge cluster. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
The controls make driving the LC 500 Convertible easy as well. Looking ahead means staying informed via the optional head-up display with your current and posted speed limits. Behind the steering wheel, you will find a completely digital gauge cluster with a unique twist. The center of the gauges features a large, round tachometer surrounding a digital readout with everything from your current speed to fuel economy. Outside of the large, round dial are readings for fuel and engine temperature. You can use the steering wheel controls to update the driver assistance technology, heads-up display position, or radio controls. The tachometer and bezel slide to the right making more room on the left side for additional driver information.
The Lexus LC 500 steering wheel. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
Let me Talk more About the Amazing Seats
I already mentioned how these seats are trimmed in soft red and black semi-aniline leather, but they take it a step further with the Lexus Concierge. Apply the automatic function in the climate control window of the infotainment screen and the Lexus will automatically adjust between heated seats, ventilation, and will even engage the headrest to start blowing warm air around your neck if the climate calls for it. The driver seat has 3-position memory so that when you find your perfect driving position you do not have to worry about someone else getting in and changing your desired settings.
The Lexus LC 500 backseat. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
The Back Seat Shows a Chink in the LC 500’s Armor
If the interior did have a downside, it would be the interior space for rear seat occupants. While I had the car, I was able to secure my son’s forward-facing child safety seat in the rear seat. Lexus supplies lower latch points that are identified by markers on the seatback, but there is no place for a top tether to attach. Putting the child safety seat in the rear also meant moving the passenger seat up as far as it would go for my son to have any sort of legroom in the rear, making the front seat almost unusable for adults while he was back there.
My 5’ 10” husband was able to ride comfortably in the back seat behind me (at 5’) while I drove us around town with the top down. However, he noted that he had no place for his head with the top up.
Tall rear passengers are best served with the top being down. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
Are There Enough Storage Options?
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage space inside the LC 500 Convertible. The glove box was plenty big for storing items, both doors had large pockets that held my makeup bag nicely, the rear seats work well for holding packages more than people, and the trunk was large enough to hold our largest suitcase without a problem, top up or down.
There is one cupholder in the center console under a leather-covered panel, and another hidden underneath the sliding center console cover. Inside the center console, you will find two USB-A ports for connecting to the infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Lexus LC 500 screen. Photo: Holli Fourniquet
Technology that does not Overwhelm is a Strength
Speaking of Apple CarPlay, the technology in this vehicle was impressive without being overwhelming. The infotainment screen was encased in a glass panel that also housed the luxurious analog clock, so it could only be controlled through the Lexus touchpad on the center console. As a means for interacting with the vehicle, the touchpad is not the worst I have sampled, and it even had a padded place to rest your hand while navigating the menus. Underneath that palm rest lies your roof and rear window controls.
I Have not Even Mentioned how it Purrs. I mean, Performs
While my husband loved the sound and power of the 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, I was more pleased with how this car felt driving down the road. I left the suspension in its comfort setting the entire time I drove it, and while it felt stiffer like a sports car, the ride was not rough or jarring. Pressing the accelerator made everything whisk by in a blur befitting a car with these stunning looks and loud engine.
At the end of the day, I will absolutely be crushed when this car leaves my garage. The 2022 LC 500 Convertible has completely changed my mind about what a convertible is like and has me wanting one of my own very soon. However, with a starting price of $101,000 and an as-tested price of $112,075, I do not think an LC 500 Convertible is quite in my budget just yet.
What we Loved
- Exterior styling
- Interior design and materials
- Lack of noise inside with the top up or down
What you Need to Know
- This car is not cheap, but you get what you pay for
- Lexus build quality and craftsmanship is worth the price tag
- The back seat is really best for packages
Lexus LC 500 Convertible and my family! Photo: Holli Fourniquet