Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) Review

Lexus RC
300h 2.5 F-Sport 2dr CVT
£16,499

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) At A Glance

Honest John Overall Rating

Lexus offers a wide choice with the RC coupe. It's available as a 2.5-litre hybrid, or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, with a 5.0-litre V8 engine in the overtly sporting RC F model. Oddly, there’s nothing filling the sizeable void in the middle, which means the RC goes to a disparate bunch of buyers. Even so, both RCs do one thing well, which is offer an interesting alternative to the German players that dominate the marketplace.

Dramatic looking coupe. Will turn more heads than popular alternatives. It's likely to be very reliable.

Some dated features like foot-operated parking brake. Infotainment is pretty poor. RC F is expensive.

New prices start from £60,710
Insurance Groups are between 31–50
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

Lexus must despair at the lack of imagination of European buyers, as while the brand has been hugely successful in markets like America and its Japanese home, it’s never made a huge impact in the UK and throughout Europe. The trio of German premium players in the marketplace is Lexus’s biggest foil, with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz utterly dominating in the sectors that Lexus competes in.

With the RC it’s got more of a chance than it has with things like its IS saloon, simply because coupe buyers will be buying with an eye on standing out, and the RC certainly cuts it in that respect. Indeed, park an RC alongside its Audi A5, BMW 4 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe rivals and it’s the Japanese car that’ll likely turn the most heads. The RC F takes that a step further, with bolder, more assertive looks to match its wilder performance, though at the price point it competes at it’s a trickier sell, particularly as its rivals out-drive it.

Introduced back in 2014, the RC range, such as it is, got a facelift in 2019, though you’d have to be a dedicated Lexus fan to have noticed. Lexus did offer a 2.0-litre turbo version for a while, and if you’re abroad there’s more choice – US buyers able to have a 3.5-litre V6 model along with four-wheel drive - but there is just not the demand to sustain a wider model line-up in the UK.

A very deliberate choice then, if you go ,or the RC over those German rivals, and one that’s not without merit, the hybrid 300h model has a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor assisting, it being the more sensible of the pair, both to buy, and run. If you’re wilfully determined to be different, though, the RC F will be a talking point if you go for it, chiefly because everyone will want to know your reasoning for not having an M4, RS5 or C63 AMG. A naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 will be your likely answer, but the reality is most RCs will be that hybrid, bought by people who will be buying off their company car lists and wanting something a bit different but still economical and clean enough to not punish them on their tax bill.

That Lexus seems to have limited availability of some options, trim levels and suchlike for the RC on its online configurator does somewhat suggest that the RC will be going the way of its IS saloon relation – that being, quietly being dropped from the range rather than replaced. That will leave Lexus to focus on selling its more popular SUV and crossover models. That’s hardly surprising, as the coupe marketplace is a small one, and Lexus is an even smaller player, but if you’re daring enough to be different you might miss the Lexus in the coupe mix, but in all honesty, the majority of buyers won’t notice it’s gone.

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Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) handling and engines

Driving Rating

The hot Lexus RC F might grab your attention but it doesn't live up to its flagship billing. The RC 300h makes more sense but its CVT automatic gearbox lets it down somewhat.

Engines range from 200t to 5.0 F
Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–47 mpg

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Handling and ride quality

The RC looks the part, but if you’re after a sharp drive you’ll be better served elsewhere, that particularly true of the hybrid model, opposed to the RC F with its more sporting focus. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as not everyone wants to drive about seeking out interesting back roads. The suspension rides decently enough in either of the Sport or Sport+ modes offered in the RC F Sport guise, and while the handling or steering is certainly not in the bin marked memorable, it’d be unfair to not praise its surefootedness and predictability, which, after all, will suit the majority of buyers.

Indeed, if you’re after a more memorable drive with the RC then the Lexus dealer will be only too happy to put you in the driver’s seat of the RC F. It’s a different proposition altogether, with plenty of driver modes, the option of a electronically-controlled torque vectoring differential (it standard on the Track Edition). For all its bold looks and V8 bluster, the RC F lacks the finesse of something like an M4, or the playfulness of an AMG C63, while it loses the fine ride comfort of its hybrid relation in translation to trying hard to be something it’s not very convincing at, too.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Engines

Two ends of a spectrum here, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with an electric motor assisting it for a 223PS maximum output and a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds. The RC F doubles the cylinder count and capacity for a 5.0-litre V8, while, pleasingly, halving the 0-62mph time to 4.3 seconds. It develops 464PS, a little bit more than double that of its 300h relation.

You want the performance one, then? Not really, because, while Lexus’s commitment to an old-school, naturally-aspirated V8 is admirable, it never lives up to its flagship billing. Indeed, it needs a fair bit of work to get the best from it, demanding lots of revs, and, really, there are scant opportunities to use it, on the road, at least. You’ll have more fun, at lower speeds (both road and engine) in the RC F’s turbocharged alternatives from Germany, while the automatic transmission never feels particularly eager to shift, either.

The hybrid, too, is saddled with a less than perfect transmission, the CVT automatic fine if you’re cruising, but start asking more from it and it all gets a bit raucous, hanging onto gears, unpleasantly, with a lot of noise without a corresponding increase in performance.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Safety

Eight airbags in the RC 300h, with a sizeable list of standard driver aids including Lane Tracking Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist and plenty more besides, indeed, with the RC F Sport being the only model available now, there’s no real options offered in relation to safety kit – it all bundled in as standard. There are ISOFIX child seat mounts in the back, even the RC F, which all also come with a comprehensive list of standard passive and active driver safety aids. It’s never been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but the US equivalent has done testing on it and gained good and superior ratings, Lexus, typically, having a good reputation for safety.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Towing

It’s unlikely you’ll buy an RC for towing, which is just as well, because it’s not rated, indeed, its IS relation is only able to tow up to 750kg thanks to the hybrid system, so Lexus won’t have bothered having the RC rated. And the RC F? Forget it.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO₂
200t	39 mpg	7.5–7.8 s	168 g/km
300h	57–58 mpg	8.6 s	113–116 g/km
5.0 F	25–26 mpg	4.3–4.5 s	251–258 g/km

Real MPG average for the Lexus RC (2014 – 2020)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

27–47 mpg

MPGs submitted

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) interior

Interior Rating

The Lexus RC isn't the roomiest choice but you'll squeeze kids in the back seats - and ISOFIX points are standard. The interior quality's pretty good but our biggest gripe is the sub-standard infotainment system.

Boot space is 366 litres
Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Dimensions
Length	4695–4710 mm
Width	2050–2070 mm
Height	1390–1395 mm
Wheelbase	2730 mm
Full specifications

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Practicality

Nobody buys a coupe with practicality as a key consideration, but there are a pair of seats in the back if you need them, they’re tight though – even for kids. Occasional use, then, rather than something to be regularly occupied. That’s not really a complaint, as much the same is true of the RC’s coupe rivals. If the kids are really small, there are a pair of ISOFIX child seat mounts, though there’s no third, middle rear seatbelt, the RC strictly a four-seater.

The boot is a decent size, with the 300h’s volume quoted as 340 litres, with the RC F’s a little bit more voluminous at 366 litres, due to it not having a space-robbing battery. The hybrid is the more practical choice though, chiefly because you can fold the rear seats in a 60/40 split, the RC F only having a ski hatch in regular guise, or, if you’re mad enough to go for the Track Edition, no hatch at all. That’s something to do with the body’s stiffness, which might be useful if you’re looking for a tenth on a track, but the 300h’s folding seat more useful if you’re off to Ikea.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Quality and finish

The arrival of Lexus was one of the main motivating factors for the European premium players upping their interior game, to the point where it’s now Lexus playing catch up. A lot of that is down to the RC’s age, with all its rivals having been replaced while it’s on sale, but the material quality inside is largely excellent, there’s the odd hard bit of trim that lets the side down. In fairness, you do have to look for it, and you can be assured the RC will remain creak and rattle free during its entire life, but for build quality mixed with alluring textures, design and more it’s bettered, particularly by the Audi A5.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Infotainment

We could live with the slightly quirky interior styling, or the odd sub-par bit of interior trim, but the Lexus infotainment system is something of a disappointment. More correctly, the means of operating it. While we’re not entirely sold on the touchscreen route of its rivals, Lexus’s touchpad with haptic feedback is hopelessly difficult to operate with any accuracy, particularly on the move.

Set it all up before you leave, then, and fall back to the steering wheel mounted controls when you’re driving. At least it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something that’s denied to buyers of the RC’s IS saloon relation. If you like your HIFI equipment high end, then it’s worth adding the optional Mark Levinson surround sound system, which gives incredible audio quality. It’s standard on some models on the RC F, too.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) value for money

Value for Money Rating

Even the most affordable Lexus RC will cost you more than £40,000 - meaning you'll pay a considerable wedge in tax. Don't expect the hybrid model to be particularly frugal on fuel, either.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Prices

A base RC, called just RC, will cost you £40,235, according to the September 2020 price list. Add the leather pack to that and it’s around £41,500, with the prices rising by £1500-2000 intervals through the F Sport, F Sport Takumi Pack and Takumi trims until you reach £46,500. The range-topping 5.0-litre V8, RC F, more of which later, starts at £63,240.

That brochure might suggest some choice, then, but check Lexus’s configurator online and you’ll only find one price associated with the RC, that being the £44,170 RC F Sport. It seems that since that brochure of prices was compiled Lexus has finally called time on the RC, and unless it’s a car that’s already in stock, or rolling off the final ship delivering them from Japan, that’s it for the RC. If you want one then, you’ll need to be quick, and your choice will be limited.

There are still colour choices listed, but they’re either Black or Grey, while there’s the option of the Takumi pack, which adds the Blind Sport monitor with rear traffic alert, a heated steering wheel, a glass sunroof, LFA (Lexus’s V10 supercar) style instruments, and, the real reason you’ll tick this £2000 option box, the phenomenal 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System. If you’re going to buy an RC, buy it with that pack, for the audio system alone. That said, if you’re going to buy an RC, bargain hard, because Lexus dealers aren’t likely to be inundated with people looking to buy one, so they’ll be keen to shift the run-out stock.

The RC F is a slightly different proposition, because the word is they’ll keep importing them here for a while yet, even at that starting price. Yup, that’s starting price, because if you’re unhinged enough to buy an RC F then you might as well go all in, with the Carbon model, which brings some lightweight material to the body – it’s still at its lightest 1725kg – costing £69,940, and the Track Edition a whopping £79,940. You’d have to be certifiable, especially as that much will get you into a LC, which is Lexus’s flagship coupe, and knee-weakeningly gorgeous, if, admittedly a slightly different (better) proposition than the mad RC F.

Lexus RC (2014 – 2020): Running Costs

You might look at the RC as a hybrid and think that’ll mean fuel parsimony, but the hybrid assist here isn’t overtly in favour of economy, and more of an assist to the 2.5-litre petrol engine’s performance. It’ll return 44.1-44.5mpg on the official WLTP tested combined consumption cycle, which is okay, though you’ll get better from diesel versions of its German rivals. There’s no part of running a 5.0-litre V8 engine that’ll come cheaply, so good luck getting anything like the 23.9mpg that the RC F is quoted as, especially as the engine needs working pretty hard to provide its best.

All are £40k and above, so you’ll pay additional road tax for the first five years of ownership, and while the RC is competitive on insurance with its coupe alternatives, the RC F is in the top brackets, with premiums to match. Residual values might sting, too, simply because the same small market for new RCs will be echoed for used one, the buying pool a small one then, and a veritable post summer shower puddle for that RC F.

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Lexus RC (2014 – 2020) models and specs

RC 300h (hybrid)

RC F Sport – Lexus Safety System +, Smart Entry, 8-way electrically adjusted, heated, seats, 10.3-inch sat nav with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, 5 driving modes, Variable Suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, F Sport styling inside and out.

RC F (5.0 V8)

RC F – Lexus Safety System +, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, RC F styling, Adaptive Variable Suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 10-speaker Pioneer audio and 10.3-inch infotainment screen.

RC F Carbon – in addition to RC F – 19-inch polished forged alloy wheels, carbon fibre bonnet, spoiler and roof, active rear spoiler (in carbon) and carbon inlays inside.

Track Edition – 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, Mark Levinson premium audio, Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Torque Vectoring Electronic Differential with three modes, fixed rear carbon wing and red Brembo brake calipers.

Dimensions
Length	4695–4710 mm
Width	2050–2070 mm
Height	1390–1395 mm
Wheelbase	2730 mm

Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight	1685–1825 kg
Boot Space	366 L
Warranty	3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing	10000–12500 miles

Costs
List Price	£60,710–£77,710
Insurance Groups	31–50
Road Tax Bands	Alternative fuel, C–M
Official MPG	25.0–57.6 mpg

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult	-
Child	-
Pedestrian	-
Overall	5

Currently on sale

Coupe
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
Carbon 500 V8 Dual VVT-i Auto 2dr	-	-	4.3 s
Entry 500 V8 Dual VVT-i Auto 2dr	£60,710	-	4.3 s
Track Edition 500 V8 Dual VVT-i Auto 2dr	£77,710	-	4.3 s
Ultimate Edition 500 V8 Dual VVT-i Auto 2dr	-	-	-

On sale until December 2022

Coupe
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
Coupe 2.5 CVT 2dr	£40,235	56.5 mpg	8.6 s
Coupe 2.5 F-Sport CVT 2dr	£43,500	56.5 mpg	8.6 s
Coupe 2.5 Takumi CVT 2dr	£46,650	56.5 mpg	8.6 s

On sale until December 2020

Coupe
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
Coupe 5.0 463hp 10th Anniversary 2dr	£69,995	25.0 mpg	4.5 s
Coupe 5.0 463hp Plus Pack Auto 2dr	£62,690	25.0 mpg	4.5 s
Coupe 5.0 463hp Track Edition Auto 2dr	£79,900	25.4 mpg	4.3 s
Coupe 5.0 463hp Track Pack Auto 2dr	£72,650	25.4 mpg	4.3 s

On sale until January 2020

Coupe
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
Coupe 2.5 F-Sport Black Edition E-Cvt 2dr	£45,165	56.5 mpg	8.6 s
Coupe 2.5 F-Sport CVT 2dr	£42,300	56.5 mpg	8.6 s
Coupe 2.5 F-Sport Premium Nav E-Cvt 2dr	£41,645	56.5 mpg	8.6 s
Coupe 2.5 Luxury E-Cvt 2dr	£37,145	57.6 mpg	8.6 s
Coupe 2.5 Premier Premium Nav E-Cvt 2dr	£43,945	56.5 mpg	8.6 s

On sale until July 2018

Coupe
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
Coupe 2.0 F-Sport Auto 2dr	£38,695	39.2 mpg	7.5 s
Coupe 2.0 Premier Auto 2dr	£41,695	39.2 mpg	7.8 s
Coupe 5.0 463hp Auto 2dr	£59,690	25.0 mpg	4.5 s
Coupe 5.0 463hp Carbon Auto 2dr	£69,690	25.0 mpg	4.5 s

On sale until October 2015

Coupe
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
F Mark Levinson 2dr Auto	£60,995	26.2 mpg	4.5 s

Model History

November 2013: Production version of Lexus RC Coupe revealed
January 2014: RC F high performance version of RC coupe unveiled
November 2014: Lexus RC F goes on sale
October 2015: Full RC Coupe range launched
December 2016: RC F coupe now equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension as standard
February 2018: Upgrades announced for Lexus RC Coupe
February 2018: Special Black Edition of Lexus RC F Sport launched
August 2018: Lexus RC revised for 2019
January 2019: Updated Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition announced

November 2013

Production version of Lexus RC Coupe revealed

RC 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5-litre V6. 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase. The four-seat interior of the RC is also strongly influenced by Lexus’s sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting.

The purpose-designed lighting package gives a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin. The high-contrast trim, including a striking new colour called Clove, emphasises the elegant lines around the interior, together withshimamokuhighlights – a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.

The driver’s cockpit follows the established Lexus design principle of an upper operation zone and lower display zone. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen; lower down the layered centre console integrates the Remote Touch Interface controller. The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, to provide excellent comfort and support.

January 2014

RC F high performance version of RC coupe unveiled

New 5.0-litre engine generating 449PS and 520Nm torque. Has 8-speed Direct Shift transmission and a Torque Vectoring Differential.

The engine has been developed exclusively for the RC F and every aspect of the powertrain has been design to deliver the highest possible driver engagement, including the transmission and exhaust system. A new system regulates induction and exhaust sound, creating a deep tone up to 3,000rpm, and a higher-pitched note at as revs rise beyond 6,000rpm under hard acceleration.

The Torque Vectoring Differential has three operating modes: - Standard, for a balance of agile performance and high-speed stability; Slalom, for an emphasis on nimble response to steering inputs; Track, for consistent, stable cornering in circuit driving, with optimum driver control. The RC F also has a recalibrated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system with an additional vertical G-force sensor to secure even greater vehicle stability

November 2014

Lexus RC F goes on sale

The RC F is the most powerful V8 road car Lexus has yet produced. It covers 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and can reach an electronically governed top speed of 168mph. It is also engineered to deliver exceptional grip, agility and high-speed stability with chassis, brakes, steering and suspension all specifically designed and tuned for purpose. The handling package includes and active rear wing and the availability of a Torque Vectoring Differential, technology that’s featured for the first time on a front engine/rear-wheel drive car.

In the UK two versions are on offer: the RC F (£59,995) and the RC F Carbon (£67,995), which comes with Torque Vectoring Differential and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic composite bonnet, roof and rear spoiler as standard.

October 2015

Full RC Coupe range launched

The lower powered two-door RC range offers two powertrains: the RC 300h full hybrid with 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and the RC 200t, the latest model to adopt Lexus’s 245PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Lexus RC is available to order now, with first customer deliveries in January 2016.

MODEL	OTR PRICE
RC 200t F Sport	£36,495
RC 200t Premier	£39,495
RC 300h Luxury	£34,995
RC 300h F Sport	£37,495
RC 300h Premier	£40,495

Entry level Luxury grade is exclusive to the full hybrid RC 300h. Key features include 18-inch alloys, cruise control, folding/heated door mirrors, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB, Bluetooth and two USB ports, seven-inch multimedia screen with Remote Touch controller, power-adjustable front seats, smooth leather upholstery, split-folding rear seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The safety and driver assistance features include Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, eight airbags, pop-up hood and Hill Assist Control with Brake Hold. The RC further benefits from Lexus’s Drive Mode Select, which adjusts performance to suit conditions or driver preference, with Eco, Normal and Sport modes.

F Sport models have a different Lexus spindle grille, plus multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, deep front and rear bumpers and LED headlights in a signature 'triple L' arrangement (with Automatic High Beam function). F Sport front seats are power-adjustable with heating/ventilation, driver’s side memory setting and automatic “easy access” function). Other F Sport elements include aluminium scuff plates and sports pedals and LFA-style meters that automatically change appearance according to the drive mode selected. F Sport models have Adaptive Variable Suspension and, on the 200t F Sport, a limited-slip differential. The Drive Mode Select system adds a fourth, Sport+ mode which introduces additional chassis control for an even sportier drive. Other features include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear-view camera and Lane Keep Assist.

At the top of the RC range the Premier grade models have 19-inch alloys, Lexus Premium Navigation, 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround audio system, 'triple-L' LED headlights with Automatic High Beam function, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s side memory setting, power steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert , Lane Keep Assist and a rear-view camera.

The RC coupe is available in 10 exterior colours, including vibrant Sonic Red, Solar Flare and Azure Blue which are shared with the high-performance RC F. F Sport White, Solar Flare and Azure Blue are exclusive to the F Sport models.

For the interior, customers can choose from four smooth leather shades – Black, Topaz Brown, Clove and Grey for Luxury and Premier grade, with Dark Rose replacing Topaz Brown in the selection for F Sport. Contrast or toning stitching is featured on the instrument panel doors, seat bases and seatbacks, while a sporting feel is displayed in quilting of the upholstery across the centre section of the F Sport seats. Cabin inlays are black for Luxury grade, aluminium for F Sport and Shimamoku Grey for Premier.

Each new RC grade features a different alloy wheel design: five-spoke 18-inch for the RC 300h Luxury,; multi-spoke 19-inch for the F Sport models; and 10-spoke 19-inch rims for the Premier.

December 2016

RC F coupe now equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension as standard

Driver-selectable, electronic AVS monitors and controls the damping force at each wheel, adjusting instantaneously to ensure handling stability and ride comfort according to road conditions and the driver’s preferences.

The system uses sensors that constantly monitor parameters such as G-forces, yaw rate and vehicle speed. Based on this, the AVS can adjust the level of damping force through 30 levels, ensuring optimum control on all road surfaces. This marks a significant refinement in operation compared to Lexus’s previous system, which spanned nine operating levels.

February 2018

Upgrades announced for Lexus RC Coupe

The Lexus RC 300h coupe benefits from new equipment and technology features for 2018, including the provision of Lexus Safety System+ as standard across the range. This package of active safety and driver assistance functions includes a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Lane Departure Alert. All RC models are also now equipped with Lexus Premium Navigation and a 10.3-inch multimedia display, operated using Lexus’ Remote Touch touchpad control.

The range structure has been adjusted to accommodate a new F Sport with Premier Pack grade, which adds a number of high-quality features to the specification, including a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with DVD player and DAB, a sunroof, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Mark Levinson now benefits from ClariFi and Quantum Logic Surround technology to improve sound reproduction and the quality of compressed audio files. DAB reception has been upgraded for seamless returning when the car passes into new signal reception areas.

Detailed changes include a new “auto-away” function for the power-adjustable driver’s seat and (where fitted) steering column, for easier entry and exit, and new air conditioning display that details each individual heating and ventilation point around the cabin.

The RC is available in a new colour, Naples Yellow, a vivid finish created using Chroma mica particles.

Entry point to the RC line-up is the Luxury model, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, Drive Mode Select (with a new Custom for the driver’s preferred settings), LED headlamps, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, reversing camera, Lexus Premium Navigation, 10.3-inch multimedia screen, eight-way power-adjustable front sets with heating and ventilation functions, leather upholstery and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The F Sport version adds a full exterior and interior F Sport styling package, triple-L LED headlights, Adaptive Variable Sports Suspension, an addition S+ mode in the Drive Mode Select menu, power steering column adjustment and auto-folding/dimming heated door mirrors with memory function.

Beyond the new F Sport with Premier Pack, the RC line-up offers a Premier grade, which extends the Luxury specification with 19-inch wheels, Mark Levinson surround sound system, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power steering column adjustment, a memory setting for the driver’s seat and door mirror, auto-folding/dimming heated door mirrors rain-sensing wipers and LED front indicators. A sunroof can be fitted as an option.

MODEL	OTR PRICE
RC 300h Luxury	£39,140
RC 300h F Sport	£41,640
RC 300h F Sport Premier Pack	£43,540
RC 300h Premier	£43,940

February 2018

Special Black Edition of Lexus RC F Sport launched

The F Sport spindle grille, with graduated “L” motif mesh pattern, has a new dark chrome finish, as do the new-design, circular LED fog lights, positioned on the margins of the lower grille section, adding to the car’s powerful front lighting signature.

19-inch F Sport alloy wheels have a contrast matt black and bright machined finish, while the window mouldings are in black stainless steel, toning smartly with the coupe’s Graphite Black metallic paintwork. Inside the F Sport seats and steering wheel are upholstered in smooth black leather, with detailing picked out in vibrant orange stitching – an eye-catching detail that is also applied to the inner door panels. There are also new wood trim inserts with a deep black colour achieved through staining with sumi ink, plus a black headlining

August 2018

Lexus RC revised for 2019

Enhancements have been made to the RC’s aerodynamics, tyres and suspension, and there are also improvements to engine response and steering feel, all of which reflect the “sharper and more refined” drive philosophy that was introduced by the LC. The new RC is more stable than ever under a wide variety of driving conditions.

This provides a high level of driver confidence and a reassuringly flat ride quality, making the coupe an ideal grand tourer, whether you’re negotiating a twisty mountain road or simply making a long-distance commute on the open highway.

Distinctive design elements include a new front bumper corner that flows down from the headlamps and a grille mesh pattern comprising shapes that gradually transform from top to bottom. The vertical arrangement of the extra-small triple LED headlamps and new L-shaped LED clearance lamps add to the car’s appearance. Air ducts have been added to the corners of the rear bumper, resulting in better handling stability and enhanced overall driving response.

A wider stance and lower centre of gravity reflect the car’s high ability to maintain grip in different road conditions. The rear combination lamps now house more pronounced L-shaped lenses that are a new signature design feature for Lexus coupes.

Eleven different exterior colours are available for the RC, including Naples Yellow and Sky Blue, shades which perfectly communicate the car’s dynamic nature.

The new RC F Sport features the same grille mesh pattern that graces all Lexus F Sport models, together with many other custom exterior and interior items that are exclusive to this special grade. These include powerfully styled 19-inch alloy wheels, inspired by those used by the LS and LC luxury flagship sedan and coupe.

New 19-inch wheels shod with higher-grip tyres support excellent steering response. New shock absorbers, which provide significant damping force from low suspension stroke speeds, and stiffer suspension bushings have also been introduced. The new RC underwent extensive real-world testing, with chassis engineers constantly fine-tuning performance, to improve ride and handling.

January 2019

Updated Lexus RC F and RC F Track Edition announced

The Lexus RC F has been updated for 2019 while a new focused Track Edition has been launched.

The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine now produces 449PS along with maximum torque of 520Nm, while a higher drive ratio in the eight-speed automatic transmission helps off-the-line acceleration. Electronic launch control is standard, helping the RC F accelerate to 62mph in 4.5 seconds.

New Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres have been designed specifically for the RC F. Compared to the standard Michelin specifications, the RC F’s tyres have a unique profile, tread pattern and rubber compound. The changes are designed to reduce understeer, improve overall lateral grip and increase durability under extreme conditions.

There are also subtle changes to the RC F’s styling. The headlights have been updated to a design featuring stacked LEDs and integrated daytime running lights. The shape of the signature spindle grille has been altered by adding a lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom to create a visually shorter front facia. At the rear, new tail lights are neatly integrated into a reshaped bumper, giving a cleaner, more chiselled appearance.

The hot RC F Track Edition boasts an improved aerodynamic signature, says Lexus, designed to increase front-end downforce for better grip and more precise steering. At the rear, a fixed carbon fibre wing replaces the active spoiler offered on the standard RC F.

Every Track Edition model features Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs, surrounded by a set of lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Inside, there's a red leather interior with Alcantara seat upholstery accents and red carbon trim.

Production of the new RC F and RC F Track Edition will begin in March 2019. Pricing and further details will be announced closer to their on-sale dates.