Going Bespoke
When you think of the word bespoke, you immediately think of vehicles that live in a rarified air for customers to choose what they want their new vehicle.
A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Perhaps we are lucky.
We work with many vehicles over the years – from city cars to flagships. Basically, everything in-between.
Some have been awarded our Vehicle of The Year award – #VOTY – over the years.
This year, saw a return of a few #VOTY winners. This was one of them.
Earlier this year, we saw the return of #VOTY18 – the Lexus LC – in the form of the Hybrid coupe. When it was presented to us, we immediately thought of a very special LC convertible that a couple of our colleagues were working with back in May at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally.
The two LC convertibles were of the same specification – an interesting one compared to what we worked with before. Lexus calls this specification the Bespoke Build edition.
When you think of the word "bespoke," you immediately think of vehicles that live in a rarified air for certain customers to choose how they want their new vehicle to look and feel. Something more personalized that reflect your taste and character.
Those choices are usually done in a room full of upholstery swatches, paint samples, and various other panels for stitching, instrument panel finishes, and so forth. In the atelier room, you peruse through these samples to create something personal and unique.
Lexus was inspired by these customization programs. Therefore, they created the Bespoke Build package for the LC as a way to stand out from the usual crowd inside the valet parking lot.
The Bespoke Build package is offered in various colors that the customer can customize with their salesperson. Not just for colors schemes but choosing between other options to make it their own. Our tester came in a beautiful color called Copper Crest. The interior is made up of two colors. In our case, the leather upholstery for front seats is white with accenting blue elements. The soft top color just happens to be black.
Some might say that this is a pretty odd choice. Then again, think of some of the choices made on vehicles that cost a tad more than the LC. Vehicles that were created in the atelier room.
I’ve driven some vehicles that could garner questions about its specification. The answer I always get is for us – the automotive media – to understand the possibilities when it comes to creating a vehicle to one’s own taste.
However, one must understand that Lexus is making the process simpler and restricting certain color choices based on exterior paint colors. One thing to note is that the white-and-blue upholstery choice is exclusive to the Bespoke Build model.
You do get some acknowledgement of your Bespoke Build choice upon delivery of the vehicle. Lexus adds a badge inside the cabin stating that your LC is indeed a Bespoke Build, along with a certificate of authenticity printed on Japanese washi paper that is stamped and signed by the Chief Engineer of the LC and the head of Marketing at Lexus.
The seats wear perforated white and navy blue Semi-Aniline Leather. You will also find leather appointments in the same colors on the door cards to the top of the instrument panel. Think of this as a nautical theme. This interpretation of the theme is very tastefully done.
As seen on the previous LC tester – the LC 500h – is the new-for-2024 12.3-inch screen for the Lexus Interface infotainment system. We love the fact that the screen is positioned closer to front seat occupants. It also offers more functionality with wireless smartphone connectivity. You ca control the audio through a set of controls on the center console, as well as on the steering wheel.
One thing to note is that this LC Convertible has a 3.7 cubic feet trunk space. The reason for a small space is because of the roof mechanism and stowage encroaching on the rest of the rear deck. You can throw a 21-inch Pullman and a backpack for an overnighter and still have room to bring souvenirs home.
The one thing we found that attracts people to the LC Convertible is the roof mechanism. Folding the top is done symphonically in 15-16 seconds. It was just simply artistry in motion. When you lower the roof, the tonneau cover rises and the roof folds into its space. The reverse happens as dramatically as it folds down. Once the roof is down, there is a small piece of glass installed on the tonneau cover as to manage airflow.
The fabric roof is layered to protect the LC Convertible’s occupants with excellent sound insulation. With the top up, it evokes a classic grand touring car. Not a fastback, but a long rear deck area accommodating the tonneau cover and the trunk lid.
Once the roof is down, you can only admire the silhouette the LC Convertible displays. Just the way Lexus crafted this car by carefully eliminating the fastback roof from the coupe is visually stunning.
Even in this Bespoke Build color scheme, the LC Convertible is a magnificent car with superior presence. The wide rear fenders embody a muscular demeanor. The front end is sculpted and crafted from the best interpretation of the brand’s Spindle Grille.
Our Bespoke Build convertible is finished with a set of 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
All LC convertibles are powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This exceptionally well-engineered motor puts down 471 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
We love the acceleration, the overall performance, the driving experience…look, the LC Convertible is a fantastic open-top grand touring car that satisfies the soul. I believe I summed it all up back when I got my first run at the convertible a few years ago. George also came away with the same summary, as we shared work duties with it.
Oh, and as we have to report it in all of our reviews, we achieved an average of 21.4 MPG in our care.
The price of admission may seem steep, but please think of it in terms of other such convertibles in its class. LC 500 Convertible tester in the Bespoke Build package came with a sticker price of $117,755. With that said, it is priced appropriately.
If you have to choose a grand touring convertible with loads of glamour, a direct from concept-to-production design, and can turn plenty of heads as you drive down the road – we confirm again the power and magnitude of the Lexus LC Convertible.
That power and magnitude was also witnessed as we brought this LC 500 Convertible to some car meets. People were drawn by the color scheme at first. That Copper Crest was a huge winner from people of all ages. The interior came a close second. Only a few were very curoius about the LC Convertible itself. We completely appreciate the love you gave it – and we thank you for that!
Now you know why the LC won #VOTY18. And, you now know why we love this grand tourer – no matter what body style. That is, as long as it is powered by the naturally-aspired V8.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – opinions are of our own
Photos by Randy Stern