2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Roadster

2019 Mercedes AMG GT S Roadster ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes and Lexus have been duking it out for about 30 years. The two luxury brands build some of the world’s greatest cars and SUVs in the world, and they’re constantly fighting for the same consumers, often butting heads like a couple of top-ranked MMA fighters. Sometimes there’s blood on the canvas.

This year, the rivalry has intensified. Lexus has a new flagship. It has introduced a convertible version of its sexy LC coupe, and it’s aimed squarely at one the most legendary luxury roadsters of all-time: the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. Both offer the extreme prestige, comfort, horsepower, performance, over-the-top style, and features you expect at their big-dollar price tags. But which is best? Let’s examine the 2021 Lexus LC Convertible and 2021 Mercedes-Benz GT Roadster in key areas and decide.

Styling and Design

With its long hood and exaggerated proportions, the Mercedes AMG GT looks imposing, powerful, and expensive. It has an intense presence and an unmistakable muscularity, and there’s no missing it in traffic against the backdrop of humdrum sedans and boxy SUVs. Still, there’s an understated elegance to its simplicity — an unending sophistication.

The Lexus packs a similar visual punch with its long hood, massive grille, and wide stance. The LC stops people in their tracks and widens their eyes. They ask about it and compliment you on it. Every teenager takes a picture of it. Both cars feature a well-insulated folding soft top, and both are assembled to perfection with tight, even gaps, exacting fit and finish, and spectacular paint quality. 

Tie

Photo by Lexus

Comfort and Cargo

Both cars are surprisingly quiet on the highway with their tops up, and both offer impressive wind protection when they’re down. We prefer the seats in the Mercedes, but the Lexus rides more smoothly. Its suspension isn’t quite as stiff and it has about 10 inches more wheelbase, which helps it soak up the bumps. The Lexus also has a small back seat. Make that very small, but it can come in handy in a pinch. The Mercedes is strictly a two-seater.

Both cars have tiny trunks. The Mercedes has just 5.8 cubic feet of space and the Lexus has 3.4 cubic feet. But you can also throw your groceries and golf clubs in the LC’s backseat, which evens things out.

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Photo by Lexus

Infotainment System

At their six-figure price points, you expect these cars to have impressive infotainment systems — and they do. Both have 10-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and modern graphics, and their systems are responsive and fast-thinking. However, the system in the Mercedes is significantly easier to use.

The problem is the LC’s Remote Touchpad interface, which can be frustrating and distracting to drivers. Lexus should switch the system to a large knob interface, like you find in the Mercedes — or, better yet, a touchscreen. Another problem is that Lexus continues to bury too many of the car’s functions into the system unnecessarily. Turning on the seat heaters, for instance, requires several steps and a dive into the infotainment systems many menus. Pushing a button on the console is all it should require. 

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Safety and Technology

Both cars offer an extensive list of collision avoidance technology and driver aid systems. However, some systems are optional rather than standard on the Mercedes, which is surprising at this price point. 

The Benz has a standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane-departure warning are extra-cost options. Lexus includes more. The LC comes standard with a forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Neither of these cars has been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Lexus LC Convertible

Photo by Lexus

Power and Performance

Under the hood of every LC Convertible is a 5.0-liter V8, which is also used in the LC 500 coupe. It’s rated to produce 471 hp at 7,100 rpm and an equally impressive 398 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. One of the best naturally aspirated V8s in the world, it features a snarling exhaust note and a 7,000-rpm redline, and it’s well-paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to Lexus, the LC hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph.

Like the Lexus, the Mercedes is rear-wheel drive, but it comes in more flavors and with more power and speed. Every version is motivated by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with well over 500 hp and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Power levels range from 523 hp in the base GT Roadster to 577 hp in the GT R model. Mercedes says they can all rocket to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. 

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Fuel Economy

Although cars like this aren’t about fuel economy, you should know what you’re signing up for. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Lexus’s mileage at 15 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. We averaged 17 in mixed driving around Los Angeles.

That’s better mileage than you should expect in the more powerful Benz. The Mercedes-AMG GT is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The more powerful 550-hp GT C Roadster and big daddy GT R are rated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Recently we spent a week in a GT R roadster and averaged 16.2 mpg. 

Lexus LC Convertible

Photo by Lexus

Driving Dynamics

The Lexus LC 500 Convertible isn’t a sports car; it’s a grand touring car. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it handles well, but the Lexus isn’t the kind of car you take to a racetrack to burn off its tires. No, this is the car you blast to Vegas for a long weekend or take up the coast for the perfect sunset. The LC is about performance, but it’s in proper balance with extreme levels of luxury and comfort. Its adjustable suspension perfectly soaks up potholes and broken pavement despite its massive wheels and low-profile tires.

With more power and its stiffer suspension, the Mercedes is more of an adrenaline rush. It has more of an edge than the Lexus. It’s more involving, and it simply goes faster and handles better than its rival. It’s for a smaller group of driving enthusiasts who want to hear and feel every aspect of the car. If that’s your thing, it’s absolutely comfortable enough to be driven every day or even cross country, but its firm ride may wear thin for casual car lovers.

Lexus LC Convertible

Photo by Lexus

Value

The new Lexus LC Convertible is the brand’s most expensive convertible. The base price, including its destination fee, is $102,025. That’s about $8,000 more than the LC 500 Coupe, but it’s quite a bit less than its German rival. Our test car was packed with nearly every available option, including carbon fiber trim and an upgraded audio system, for a total price of about $111,000.

At around $129,000, the Mercedes GT Roadster costs about $12,000 more than the GT Coupe. Go for the GT C Roadster and the price jumps to about $164,000, while the GT R Roadster costs over $190,000. And there are plenty of options to choose from. If you must have the most horsepower and performance, the Mercedes is certainly worth its asking prices, but the Lexus is the better overall value.

Lexus LC Convertible

Photo by Lexus

Verdict

This one surprised us. Honestly, we expected the Mercedes to win with its superior infotainment system, higher horsepower, and greater handling. If you’re looking for a thrill, if you want a car with real speed, and you have the money, it’s a great car that will keep you entertained. If it’s the one you want, don’t hesitate, just buy it. You’ll love it.

However, the Lexus LC Convertible is better suited for a greater number of consumers. It strikes a better balance between performance and luxury. It’s powerful, fast, and fun to drive, but also reserved and sophisticated. It can party, but it’s also happy having a quiet evening at home with Netflix and some DoorDash. So what if it’s Saturday night. Overall it was a close fight, but the Lexus LC 500 Convertible is our pick. 

Lexus LC Convertible

Photo by Lexus