The left field choice in this admittedly niche segment has been the Lexus RC since its introduction a couple of years ago. Lexus South Africa recently released an updated RC, which has also seen alterations made to its model line-up. I had an opportunity to drive the updated model in Johannesburg recently.
One model only
In the previous RC range, there was an entry-level RC 300 EX, which has now been discontinued locally, leaving the RC 350 F Sport as the only RC within what Lexus calls its “Established Premium Sports Models” range, locally.
Minor updates
Since the RC is still relatively fresh from a design perspective, the changes made have been rather minor. Up front, there’s a revised bumper, a tweaked Spindle grille, newly shaped brake ducts, chrome-plated grille frame, mildly altered headlights and reshaped LED daytime running lights.
The changes made to the side profile are new window sashes and new 19-inch alloy wheels that resemble those seen on the LS and LC models. At the rear, there are also now air ducts on the corner of the bumpers while the taillamps have been redesigned to better express and L-motif.
The interior has also seen a few updated, with a brushed metal surface added to the climate and audio controls within the centre console as well as larger knee pads on the sides of the centre console. There’s also a new driver’s palm rest along with a new analogue clock, lifted from the LC, which now sits higher on the instrument panel.
New spec options and features
As with many Lexus products, a host of features come as standard as usual, but perhaps the most notable is the fact that there a several new exterior colours to choose from as well as new interior colour options which include: Black, Flare Red, White and Mustard, giving customers more choice when specifying their vehicle.
Standard features include adaptive cruise control, LED cornering headlights, blind spot monitor, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Crash and Pedestrian Detection system, an anti-theft system (which we’ll delve into during the road test), colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth/USB connectivity and reverse camera among others.
Powertrain and suspension
Mechanically, the RC has seen very few changes; however, on the suspension front, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) now features new shock absorbers and stiffer suspension bushings. The naturally aspirated 3.5-litre engine retains its 232kW/380Nm output and is still mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels.
Driving
To drive an RC is to like an RC. I thoroughly enjoyed the RC’s supple suspension and handling characteristics over the lumpy open roads between Johannesburg and Pretoria. While on the soft side for real dynamic, track scenarios, as a road car, the RC’s compliance makes it a lovely GT car.
The rather sonorous V6 motor and relatively lazy gearbox are in keeping with its more relaxed demeanour. It’s certainly not a sports car, but as a sporty coupe that’s built to munch the miles in comfort, it most certainly makes sense. It will get from 0-100km/h in around 6.3 seconds and top out at a claimed 230km/h, but it's really not a car in which you boast about figures, it’s more of an old school approach to brisk driving.
Verdict
In the performance arena, I am certain that the BMW 440i and the Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe will leave the RC quite a few car lengths behind, but the Lexus claws back points by virtue of its ride quality, its wonderful engine note and the fact that it is so well specified as standard.
Service plan and warranty
The RC comes with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan as standard.
Pricing
RC 350 F Sport - R939 100
