Lexus SC 430: Seeking Recognition

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

It looks chic, is powerful and has hardly any weaknesses. The convertible coupe from Lexus offers first class luxury at a fair price. But hardly anyone knows about the strengths of the Japanese.

By Sebastian Viehmann

Imagine if you had 100,000 euros available and wanted to buy a great V8 convertible. Possibility one: You buy a Mercedes SL and you have a sleek and fast car with a great image. Option two: You buy a Lexus SC 430 and have a sleek and fast car with no image, but still money left over for a second middle-class car.

Noble ambience

When other drivers see the Lexus convertible, it often follows the same pattern: first an admiring reaction (“It's chic”), then a look at the bonnet (“Funny, no star on it”) and then a slight disinterest (?? It's not that great after all ??). The convertible coupé from Toyota's luxury stable Lexus shows when you get in where the journey is going: to a 5-star hotel. Noble woods and fine leather, everything perfectly processed and made for the eye. Only a few trays for small items are missing. The navigation system with touch screen has many functions, but you often have to click through various menus. The front seats are a bit soft, but very comfortable.

The rear passenger compartment is meant nicely, but actually not usable for adults. The knee room can hardly be described as such, and when the roof is closed you feel like in a sardine can. You shouldn't expect too much from the luggage compartment either. 321 liters are available. However, a Mercedes SL only offers 18 liters more. It is best to use the rear as extra storage space. The SC 430 takes it easy on the move. Engine and wind noises are pleasantly muffled even when the top is open, and it only becomes drafty at high speeds. The chassis is comfortably tuned. The steering is very smooth and could use more contact with the road if the driver is sporty. If you approach the corners too briskly, the VSC stability control will take action quickly and hard.

Powerful sound

The 286 hp V8 engine can be heard with a powerful sound, the 6-speed automatic works quietly and inconspicuously. Many noble competitors have more power under the hood, but the SC 430 offers impressive pulling power. It accelerates to 100 km / h in 6.2 seconds, and it is limited at 250 km / h.

The manufacturer specifies the average consumption at 11.4 liters. With a price of 72,000 euros, the SC 430 is of course in a significantly higher class than most convertible coupés. But the equipment is almost complete. Dynamic cornering lights are also on board. The only extras to be considered are the DVD navigation system and the acoustic parking aid. Because to the rear, the body of the Lexus is a bit confusing.