The Netherlands March 2020: Seven years ago Lexus added a new coupe to their fleet when unveiling the Lexus RC. The Lexus RC is a compact coupe, with a unique sport aggressive look, but with the comfort of a luxury sedan. And yes we know that at first sight, this isn’t the latest facelifted model. But bear with us as we take you on this journey. First of all thanks to Louwman (Lexus) Groningen who provided us this beautiful Lexus RC300h so we can delight your senses regarding this compact coupe.
Text: Roley Richardson, Benjamin Wefer
Picture: Benjamin Wefer, Roley Richardson
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The RC, meaning ‘Radical Coupe’ was introduced to be an eye-catching sports car for the common daily driver; one accessible to the middle man. I can say one thing: mission accomplished! On the RC, Lexus had first introduced the widest and lowest spindle grille and also the unique three led design headlights which most Lexus models have today. The L-shape Daytime Running Lights (DRL) completes the front. These features made the RC an iconic model within Lexus Fleet.
The RC has everything a luxury sports coupe should have; from keyless entry (one touch on the door handle which locks or unlocks the doors), blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and many more!
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Overall the RC has decent power, quick response, stability, comfort, the looks and also the right attitude to go with it. And not to forget a state-of-the-art safety tech. If you’re looking for sensual lines, great curves and something unique then for sure this is the right car for you!
The RC is available in eleven different exterior colors; from the Traditional Sonic White or Graphite black to the more exotic Flare Yellow or Solar Flare and eight interior colors to choose from. Choices ranging from Black Tahara with Black metallic trims to a more exotic F-white leather interior with Naguri Style Aluminum trim panels on the F-sport models. The RC300h shown in this article came in F-white with a black leather interior including a Naguri Style Aluminum trim.
When you take place behind the steering wheel for the first time it feels like home. You can easily find a comfortable riding position. Every button is placed exactly where it should be. The only thing that takes a while to get accustomed to is the touchpad.
The seats are supporting yet not hard as racing seats. You can without any doubt jump in this car and drive South to Saint Tropez. The back seats even have ISO-fix points. You can hook up your child seat in the car and have some quality family time on your road trip. This car is that much versatile.
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The Mark Levinson audio system in this thing is phenomenal! There are 15 speakers placed in the RC and they provide a crystal clear surround sound. Lexus did an excellent job soundproofing this car. There are no vibrations, wind noise or whatsoever to distract you from the sounds coming out of the audio system.
Another feature worth mentioning about this coupe is the adaptive cruise control. You switch it on and set the distance of your preference. You can rest assured that the car will keep its distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially now that speed limit in The Netherlands has been reduced to 100 km/h. Lexus’ system reacts very quickly, calculating the speed difference and reacts accordingly. At the end it will guide you to a different driving style, probably to a safer one! But for the stubborn daily drivers like ourselfs, this can be converted into a conventional cruise controller. May come in handy during rush hour
The Lexus RC for the European market is powered by a hybrid 2.5L inline engine and a CVT transmission. Making 223 combined horsepower and 221 Nm torque at 4200-5400 rpm, this engine will work to push the 1700 kg weighing body forward. Still we managed a combined fuel of 1:18. For the ones thinking about emission, this engine produces around 114 g/km, which is quite decent.
The new 2.4 liter engine has a high compression ratio (14.1) and includes the D-4S fuel injection system (Direct + secondary port injectors). With a total length of 4.4 meter bumper to bumper ( Distance wheelbase = 2.6 meters) and a turning radius of just above 4.7 meters/ feet)
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The bumper has grooves in it to conduct the air and so decreases turbulence. The fin shape in the side window moldings and the duct in the rear bumper, give the car better handling stability and enhanced aerodynamics. Everything on this car is thought out carefully. The chassis is stiffened (using laser screw welding, additional spot welding & using special body adhesives) at the right places to minimize body roll yet not compromising on the aesthetics and cabin visibility.
And of course, this RC has the latest Adaptive Variable Suspension (ASV). The sensors have a 30 pre-set settings to control each shock absorber individually. This enhances the ride comfort but also provides, depending on the road conditions and your driving style, proper stability exactly when needed.
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I can agree with Lexus. the RC is indeed sexy and precise. On the highway or in town. this coupe has all eyes on her. So as you can see, the model provided by Louwman Groningen didn’t have the facelift, but it has all the gadgets, luxury and comfort that the latest model has.
