The Lexus LC500, a captivating fusion of elegance and performance, commands attention with its elongated hood, piercing headlights, and assertive posture—a true gem among premium sports sedans. Propelling this automotive marvel is a potent 5.0-liter V-8 engine, generously delivering 471 horsepower to the rear wheels. Yet, an imperfection lingered within the LC500—the cumbersome infotainment system, dominated by a perplexing trackpad.
However, in a stride toward perfection, Lexus has redefined the driving experience for 2024. The cumbersome trackpad has been replaced by a sophisticated 12.3-inch touchscreen. Not only that, the Bespoke Build package, once an exclusive treat for coupe aficionados, now extends its embrace to the convertible model, introducing both performance enhancements and a bespoke aesthetic.
Our rendezvous with the Bespoke Build package and the latest infotainment system unfolded within the confines of a 2024 LC500 convertible, bathed in the resplendent Copper Crest hue. The transition to the new touchscreen is nothing short of transformative, offering an intuitive interface that eclipses the challenges posed by its predecessor. The expansive screen, boasting two additional inches compared to the 2023 model, showcases graphics with striking clarity, elevating the overall user experience.
Bid farewell to the laid-back navigation style—the touchpad is no more. Instead, interactions now demand a forward-leaning tap on the responsive screen. Although it necessitates a tad more physical effort, it aligns seamlessly with the prevailing touchscreen norms. The precision it affords eliminates the frustrating delays associated with the erstwhile touchpad, ensuring a more seamless and focused drive.
Visual aesthetics see a minor compromise, with the new display gently protruding for easier accessibility while cruising. The reconfigured dashboard, however, bids adieu to the sophisticated analog clock. Yet, in the grand scheme, the transition to a touchscreen-based infotainment system successfully eradicates the major impediment, rendering the LC a more user-friendly and enjoyable grand tourer.
The Bespoke Build program, which made its debut with the LC coupe in 2022, has evolved to embrace the convertible model in 2024, albeit with nuanced distinctions. V-8-powered coupe enthusiasts opting for the $3600 Bespoke Build option revel in the inclusion of the Sport package—a treasure trove featuring Torsen limited-slip rear differential, Yamaha rear performance dampers, and performance brake pads. Those embracing the V-6 hybrid at a $3200 premium, however, forego the performance add-ons, with optional seats tantalizingly dangled.
A touch of exclusivity is guaranteed for all Bespoke Build models, adorning them with a delicate cursive “Bespoke Build” badge and a certificate of authenticity, personally signed and stamped by the LC’s chief engineer and Lexus’s vice-president of marketing, presented on Japanese washi paper.
For the convertible variant, the Bespoke Build journey commands a more substantial investment at $5500. While the Sport package is conspicuously absent, the Bespoke Build compensates with the inclusion of the coveted differential and dampers, available separately for convertibles at an extra charge. Yet, the high-performance brake pads and sports seats remain elusive for the convertible. As a unifying touch, all Bespoke Build LCs are bestowed with the $250 all-weather package, featuring a heated steering wheel.
In addition to the standard offerings, the Bespoke Build initiative permits buyers to weave in extra options, albeit at an additional cost. Coupe enthusiasts can indulge in a carbon-fiber roof or an Alcantara headliner, along with exclusive all-black wheels and the rear spoiler from the Inspiration Series. Convertible connoisseurs can opt for a soft top in Dark Rose or a beguiling blue hue.
A novel addition for 2024 is an exclusive interior color reserved solely for Bespoke Build convertibles. Our LC500 test car boasted a resplendent white-and-blue cabin, harmonizing seamlessly with the Copper Crest exterior. While this interior color palette adds an extra $1900 to the $5500 Bespoke Build charge, the visual spectacle it bestows is undeniably worth the indulgence.
For V-8 coupe aficionados, the Bespoke Build is an unequivocal enhancement. Bundling the Sport package features at a $1410 discount it injects a heightened sense of performance into the comfort-oriented grand tourer. Beyond that, it empowers owners to personalize their LC, whether opting for a carbon-fiber roof or a rear wing, ensuring a bespoke touch to their driving experience.
The debate surrounding the value proposition intensifies when it comes to the convertible. Priced higher than the Sport package, the Bespoke Build for convertibles lacks high-performance brakes and the option for sports seats. However, with the Sport package off the table for droptop enthusiasts, the Bespoke Build becomes the sole gateway to equip the coveted Torsen rear differential on the LC convertible.
In essence, the Bespoke Build program caters specifically to those craving an open-air adventure coupled with the nimble handling prowess of the Sport package. While the additional options escalate the overall price, the program bestows the freedom to curate a personalized set of features. For those enchanted by the allure of the white-and-blue interior, the supplementary cost is a small indulgence for the visual splendor it imparts—a touch of marvel that transcends the realm of ordinary grand touring.