Open-Air Luxury: A Review of Lexus Convertibles from the Last 25 Years

Lexus, though famous for its luxury sedans and SUVs, has produced a small, select collection of convertibles. Only four drivable models have carried the emblem, ranging from an affordable hardtop to an exclusive roofless supercar.

Lexus is not the first brand that comes to mind when picturing premium convertibles. The Japanese firm has historically excelled at building large luxury sedans and robust SUVs. Despite this tendency, Lexus holds a small selection of cabrios in its archives. While competitors like BMW and Mercedes offered broad lineups, Lexus produced a total of four drivable convertibles, officially releasing three to the market.

From Hardtop to Flagship Luxury

The first Lexus convertible was the Lexus SC430, manufactured between 2001 and 2010. This vehicle, the second generation of the SC (sport coupe) line, was notable for being the first Lexus convertible built and its first hard-top convertible. The SC430 featured a 4.3-liter V8 engine that produced a modest 288 horsepower. It quickly became known as one of the most reliable hardtop convertibles available , and was a relative bargain compared to competitors like the Mercedes SL. Despite its buyer popularity, the SC430 later gained infamous notoriety when Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May named it “the worst car in the world”.

Next in line was the Lexus IS Convertible (or IS C), the convertible version of Lexus’s entry-level compact executive sedan. Produced between 2009 and 2013 , the IS convertible was the only IS model not offered as a sedan or wagon. This four-seater convertible also used a retractable hard-top configuration , aiming to compete directly against German rivals like the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the Audi A5 Cabriolet. The folding metal roof, while offering greater seal and less noise , significantly increased the car’s weight and cost. This extra weight slightly penalized its performance; for example, the IS C 350 took 5.8 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint, compared to 5.5 seconds for the sedan. Its relatively modest sales led to the model being phased out in 2015.

The Exclusive Supercar and the Current Cruiser

A unique model that never saw mass production, but was custom-built for collectors, is the Lexus LFA Spider Prototype. Two LFA units were custom-built, one yellow and one white. These vehicles are truly spiders because they have no roof at all , meaning they must be driven top-down regardless of the weather. Although never officially sold by the brand, these LFAs are registered and are fully drivable cars.

Finally, the Lexus LC Convertible is the newest and only convertible currently in production in the Lexus lineup. Considered the spiritual successor to the SC430, the LC is the brand’s flagship two-door model and one of the best-looking convertibles on sale today. It is the first Lexus convertible built with a canvas top. The model is available with either a 5.0-liter V8 engine or a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. With 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque , the LC Convertible is one of Lexus’s quickest models, achieving 0-60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. Although it is the current epitome of the brand’s luxury, rumors suggest that slower sales and stricter emissions regulations could end its production.