Be gone, hateful touchpad controller.
Lexus is introducing quite a few 2024 MY upgrades to the LC 500 coupe and convertible, with the most significant change being an all-new infotainment system. That's right, folks. The one thing keeping the LC 500 from near perfection (no car is perfect) is finally dead and gone.
The former 10.3-inch screen and dumb touchpad have been ditched in favor of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard with Lexus Interface. This upgrade alone makes this gorgeous grand tourer much easier to recommend, but Lexus has also used this opportunity to add a few more things.
There are more paint and wheel options, new standard safety systems, and the Bespoke Build options have been expanded to the convertible.
It's no secret that the Lexus LC500 is an office favorite here at CarBuzz. The stunning good looks and well-balanced driving dynamics help it punch well above its weight. It's one of the few modern-day classics out there.
As you'd expect, these upgrades come with a price bump. The LC 500 now starts at $98,850, up from $94,600. The LC 500h comes with an MSRP of $102,150, a slight increase from $100,600. Finally, the convertible's price rise has been increased from $102,650 to $106,350. All these prices include the mandatory $1,150 destination charge.
The new infotainment setup makes the price increases worth it, though. Lexus' upgraded infotainment sans touchpad has been available for a while in other models, and even though we would have liked to see it on the LC a bit sooner, it's better late than never.
Apart from a more user-friendly interface, it now offers a whole host of upgrades over the older system, including an active Drive Connect three-year trial with Lexus Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist.
Two phones can now be connected to the car via Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto remain standard. Wi-Fi can be purchased through a subscription. Owners can now directly link their Apple Music or Amazon Music accounts to the vehicle for onboard control. If you're still rocking CDs, we have some bad news-the new upgrades left no space for the CD slot, which has also been axed.
It's not the only sacrifice, however. The new touchscreen isn't as well integrated into the dashboard as it used to be, so the lovely analog clock and textured pattern in front of the driver are gone. Thankfully, the passenger now has a beautiful piece of leather-clad dashboard to look at.
The touchpad's space has been filled with physical buttons for the heated seats.
New exterior paint options include Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Copper Crest. In addition to Black, Toasted Caramel, and Circuit Red, the interior can now be finished in Dark Rose.
All models now adopt the LC 500h's 21-inch forged alloy wheels in gloss black with metallic accents. An all-new 21-inch forged alloy wheel with a gloss black metallic coating and machined finish is optional. For 2024, a tire repair kit is now standard instead of a spare.
Bespoke Build is returning to the coupe models and being introduced to the convertible for the first time. On the coupes, one can choose from options like a carbon fiber roof and 21-inch forged alloy wheels with an all-black finish, and for the drop-top, there are nifty features like a neck heater.
There are many options, including three standard interior color options and an all-new white and blue mix. All Bespoke Build models come with a plaque and a certificate of authenticity signed by LC Chief Engineer Yasushi Muto and Lexus Vice President of Marketing Vinay Shahani.
Finally, the company is including Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as standard. This suite includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, risk avoidance steering assist, and more.
With all the new additions, the LC 500 looks like a better deal than ever, even with the price increases. Expect it to arrive in the fall, and don't be surprised if they're even harder to find now that Lexus just may have perfected its nearly-perfect grand tourer.
Keyword: Lexus Finally Fixes The LC 500's Biggest Issue With 2024 MY Upgrades