Lexus RC350 F Sport - Stealth Bomber

By Lawrence Minnie

The RC350 isn't a new car but was updated earlier this year to make it even more menacing. We sampled the freshly updated version and were enamoured with its left-field approach to style, performance and technology.

Stealth Bomber

The Lexus RC350 F Sport, in black, cuts an imposing figure as it slips through quiet suburban streets. The RC350 isn't a new car but was updated earlier this year to make it even more menacing. We sampled the freshly updated version and were enamoured with its left-field approach to style, performance and technology. Lexus South Africa has chopped up and cut down its RC350 offerings and you now only get the F Sport. This has enabled Lexus to concentrate on the model to make this the ultimate version of this suburban slayer.

Styling

Lexus has always prided itself on being unmistakably it's own. Lexus marches to their own drummer in the styling department and that's what makes the mishmash of GS and IS convertible and sedan styling so appealing. The 2019 F Sport gets a new mesh grille up front as well as revised L shaped LED headlights, a revised rear bumper, a new design of 19-inch wheels. Lexus has also introduced new paint options and interior trim colour options.

 

The Drive

Whether cruising on the freeway or stealthily gliding down a suburban street, the RC 350 is simply superb. High levels of comfort, technology and style ensure that every drive is an experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the paddle shifters and the deep rumble from the exhaust when the F sport was flipped into Sports+ mode.

 

Performance

The RC350 F Sport is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, mated to an 8-speed auto transmission. The combination delivers 232kW and 380Nm. Initial throttle response is not as immediate as I would have liked, 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds, but once it gets onto song it is a thing of beauty.

 

Space and Comfort

At 4.7 metres long, the F Sport isn't a small car and that means that there is a surprising amount of legroom in the back despite it being a 2 door coupe'. Our test models interior was draped in a beautiful Flare Red leather option making for a striking interior. The driving position was incredibly comfortable and the traditional Lexus trimmings and Marc Levinson audio system made for a familiar yet sophisticated drive.

 

Safety

This is where Lexus truly shines. It is absolutely loaded to the brim with tech features such as Auto High Beam control, Pedestrian Collision Detection, LED Cornering Lights for advanced night driving, Blind Spot Detection, Reverse Camera, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

 

Fuel Consumption

Although the F Sport has a powerful engine its gross-vehicle mass of 2,1 tonnes somewhat stunts the overall performance and the consumption figures along with it. Lexus claims 9l/100km but we struggled to maintain 11.9l/100km during combined cycle driving.

 

Price

The Lexus RC350 F Sport is not cheap. Coming in at R 939 100 it finds itself in a lofty price bracket with competitors such as the Audi A5.

Lexus offers a 7 year / 105 000kw warranty and service plan, so there's that.

Verdict

Lexus doesn't appeal to everyone and I do hope it stays that way. Vehicles like the RC350 F Sport are a rare opportunity for drivers to express themselves in a unique way. It's nice to sport them out in the wild putting them in the category with supercars. If you don't like the left field option and don't want to stick out of the crowd then perhaps a more watered down German option may be on the cards.