If you are finding yourself vacillating between which new luxury coupe to buy, then do make sure you take a long look at the 2019 version of the Lexus RC. The Germans know how to make a good coupe, but for a nice exotic alternative the Lexus RC might just have them beat.
Take the new Lexus RC exterior styling and park it next to the three main German coupe equivalents and I think you’ll find that the Lexus RC offers a very distinctive design that is nice and edgy with its creases, angular and interesting with its detailing, and then smooth and fast with its low profile stance.
Interior looks for the most recent Lexus RC addition are beautiful, and when you slip inside the cossetting leather interior there is much that appeals to the senses. Lexus RC cabins, in fact any recent Lexus cabins, are impeccably made and offer premium workmanship that lasts the distance. Inside the 2019 Lexus RC the dash design is distinguished. I like the way Lexus has divided the dash into three sections, and this shows through in the dash layout. The driver gets a third of the dash devoted to what a driver needs, hence a lovely clear HD speedo and info display that is housed inside a leather-wrapped display boasting contrast colour stitching. The steering wheel is beautiful and feels superb to the touch, fitting nicely into the hands for ease of use and comfortable for the long haul. Being a multifunction steering wheel with electronic switches for infotainment features makes connecting with important features easy, and the steering wheel is also adjustable for height and reach. Seated in a superbly comfortable seat, as the driver you feel at one with the Lexus RC performance orientated ride. Now in your zone you can get on and enjoy the RC driving experience.
In the centre of the dash the classy big touch screen is set back into the dash defining its boundaries nicely. And the outside lines of the touchscreen flow down on the vertical to become the border for where the centre console positions itself between driver and front passenger. Inside this third of the dash, just below the touchscreen, an elegant analogue clock is flanked by two air vents. And under this a large rectangular panel houses loads of switches and functions for air flow, temperature and audio. Cupholders, the leather wrapped gear lever, an arm rest, storage space, a round driver mode control dial, a touch pad and more are all found in the centre console. Ergonomically, the central third is superb, and aesthetically it’s excellent.
The other third of the dash is devoted to the front passenger’s space, and a pronounced bulge in the dash adds visual interest. A large temperature controlled glovebox offers excellent storage space. From the comfort of the beautifully crafted front passenger seat, the Lexus RC is thoroughly enjoyable and luxurious. Of course, the front passenger can adjust the zoned climate control for their own bit of cabin space, and of course the rear passengers can alter the temperature and airflow to suit their requirements as well.
Rear passengers get lovely seating and reasonable leg room. Head room is tight for tall adults, so do bear that in mind. Even as a rear seat passenger you don’t feel let down by the seat comfort and classy design, however. The new Lexus RC rides very nicely and boasts a ride comfort that is hard to beat.
This is a four-seater coupe. Rear seats do fold down in a 50:50 split to make the car versatile for carrying luggage. Boot space is not huge, but then you don’t buy one of these sorts of cars to carry the school sports team in, now do you!? In mind it is a wonderful tourer for two, so with that in mind the new Lexus RC is awesome.
Out on the road the 2019 Lexus RC is fun to drive. It’s RWD with the engine power delivered via an eight-speed automatic. The driver mode can be switched between Eco, Normal and Sport. When in Sport mode the auto can be driven manually should you want to, and this is done via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Engine options for the 2019 Lexus RC Australian buyer come down to a 2.0-litre petrol turbo with 180 kW which is quick, and a new 3.5 V6 petrol which is even quicker boasting 232 kW. All new RC variants are able to cruise effortlessly and quietly along you favourite roads, for sure. F-Sport variants get adaptive suspension and a limited slip-differential.
Features like headlamp bulbs with their own cooling fans, satellite navigation that also connects with your phone to guide you once you’ve parked up to walk to your destination, and all the premium safety features like one of the best Heads-Up displays make your new Lexus RC technologically advanced and appealing. It will even park and drive itself – mostly – well only really because of legality laws.
All-in-all, I love the car. I think it’s a superb miler cruncher. The Lexus RC enters a stacked coupe competition, facing tough opposition from the likes of the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes C-Class coupe and Audi A5. For me this is my pick because when you throw in the car’s premium sporty look, excellent everyday sporty performance, reliability and comfort it becomes seriously untouchable.
The 2019 Lexus RC models include the:
For any more information on the 2019 Lexus RC or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Lexus dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!