Lexus RC

Lexus RC Overview

The Lexus RC is a compact executive 2-door coupé based on the premium Lexus IS sedan. Available in Malaysia in the rear-wheel-drive, V6-powered RC 350 Luxury form, the premium coupé from the Japanese luxury automaker is set to go up against the likes of BMW 4 Series, Audi A5 and the Mercedes C Class Coupé.

The RC 350 Luxury variant is the sole model on offer and is priced from RM 499,219 when new (Lexus RC F model is the performance variant offered by the F Marque from Lexus). Fully imported from Japan, it comes with Lexus’s full suite of advanced safety technology, Lexus Safety System+ as standard

Lexus RC Design

The Lexus RC series is designed with comfort and luxury in mind, although sportiness was also very much part of the equation. As with any other Lexus model, your attention is immediately drawn to its massive, chromed spindle grille, albeit with a more luxury-oriented, Lexus ES-style vertical slats styling here in the Coupé.

The sharp Triple-Beam Led headlamps design coupled with the Lexus signature L-shaped daytime running light gives the RC coupé its distinctive striking front end which exudes a commanding road presence. A subtly integrated vertical air inlet on either side of the lower bumper channels the air through the outer wall of front wheels, reducing drag while also cooling the brakes.

Its clean and subtle character line coupled with a steeply raked A-pillars accentuates its sleek yet muscular form. Pronounced wheel arches and broad shoulder haunches highlights its aggressive stance and the generously sized 18-inch alloy wheels compliments the hunkered down-look.

The coupé silhouette is further accentuated by the slopping roof line and the strong shoulder line toward its dramatic rear fascia, subtly shaped boot lid with an integrated spoiler, the L signature rear LED lights, aggressively styled lower bumper with side fins and punctuated by the twin trapezoidal exhaust exits with the diffuser like glass-black trim.

Lexus RC Dimension

The Lexus RC has a shorter wheelbase than the Lexus IS sedan though it is longer overall. Positioned below the Lexus LC Coupé/Convertible, the RC is the smallest coupé in Lexus vehicle line up. It is marginally bigger than the Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe but with significantly shorter wheelbase. 1,110 mm shorter to be exact.

Lexus RC Interior

The cabin layout of the Lexus RC is essentially a carbon copy of the Lexus IS sedan with few subtle differences. Up front, the Coupé features a tiered dashboard layout and high-quality perforated leather upholstery, highlighted by Linear Espresso and Linear Dark Mocha wood inlays and accented by silver interior trims.

The central analog clock adds a premium touch to the cabin and the available 10.3-inch display is seamlessly integrated into the tiered dashboard design, deliberately positioned out of reach when driving and controlled only using the console-mounted Remote Touch interface next to the palm rest.

Power adjustable front seats and the powered tilt-and-telescopic steering column adds a sense of occasion when they move towards its preset position as the driver enters. The shorter wheelbase and the slopping roof line unfortunately spells a rather cramped interior for the rear occupants. The foldable rear seats split 60:40, increasing its existing 366 litre cargo carrying capacity.

Lexus RC Features

Standard features include Smart Access with push button Start/Stop, paddle shifters, Drive Mode Select, dual-zone automatic climate control, Lexus Display Audio with color multimedia display and Scout GPS Link with MapStream and TurnStream, Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0 and a 17-speaker, 835-watt Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system.

Luxury package adds perforated interior trim, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering column, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps.

Lexus Safety System+ suite of safety technology is available as standard, which include system like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Intelligent High Beam. Also fitted as standard are the reverse camera, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and 10 airbags.

Lexus RC Driving Performance

Engine

The V6 features VVT-I technology designed to provide added torque at lower speeds and greater horsepower at higher speeds. Incorporates Toyota's D-4S twin injection fuel system with direct and port fuel injection, engine performance is amplified over the V6 in the RC 300. And coming from the same group of people that gave us the Lexus LFA, you can almost guarantee a sweet exhaust note too.

Transmission

Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with with Sport-Direct-Shift. Paddle shifters and downshift throttle blipping is also available should you decide to take matters into your own hands.

Lexus RC Ride Comfort

With a highly rigid platform, double-wishbone front suspension design and multilink rear suspension, the Lexus RC comfort-oriented setup strikes a nice balance between comfort and driving dynamics. It soaks up the bumps on the road while also remaining poise through the curves.

While it may not be as engaging to drive as the more dynamically inclined BMW 4 Series but the more supple and cosseting ride suits its ‘luxury sports coupé’ character.

Lexus RC Fuel Consumption

Lexus RC Conclusion

The Lexus RC offers an interesting propositioned in the sports coupé segment, wrapped up in a generously spec and boldly styled exterior package. Compared to its more austere European rivals, the Lexus appears rebellious in nature with its free revving naturally aspirated V6 engine, love-it-or-hate-it exterior styling and its barely useable rear seats. 

It is rather extreme in every sense of the word for a luxury sports coupé. But with a price tag of close to RM 500 k, it is stepping dangerously close to a proper sports coupé’s territory, occupied by the likes of Jaguar F-Type and the Toyota Supra.