Lexus RC 300h
Extrovert styling hints at great things from hybrid, so does it deliver on its promise?
THE boldly styled Lexus RC made its debut in 2015, and is in effect a two-door version of the brand’s IS compact exec saloon. As with that car, there’s no diesel: buyers can choose from a 2.0-litre petrol turbo or a hi-tech hybrid that combines a 2.5 internal-combustion unit with an electric motor for impressively low CO2 emissions. It’s the latter we test here, in racy £39,495 F Sport guise.
DESIGN & ENGINEERING
IT ’S the oldest design here, but the Lexus still stands out from the crowd with its eye-catching curves and creases. Our F Sport gains even greater kerb appeal courtesy of its aggressive-looking bodykit and 19-inch alloys, with distinctive LED headlamps and running lights, as on all RC models.
Lexus claims the name stands for Radical Coupé, but under the skin the two-door is closely related to the brand’s IS compact executive saloon. That model is, in turn, based on the same Toyota New N platform that also underpins the larger GS four-door. All these cars share a traditional front-engined, rear-wheeldrive layout, plus they feature double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear axle.
Where the Lexus differs significantly from its rivals here is that it’s a hybrid. It combines its petrol engine with a 105kw electric motor, which is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This is teamed with a CVT gearbox that features eight ‘virtual’ ratios.
Climb aboard and it’s clear the Lexus easily matches the Audi when it comes to quality. Soft-touch materials are used throughout, while the finish is first-rate. And while the dashboard’s stepped layout isn’t quite as logically arranged as the A5’s, it looks distinctive and is easier to get on with than the Infiniti’s.
As you’d expect, the RC is lavishly equipped, with our F Sport getting heated and ventilated leather seats, keyless entry, climate control, parking sensors and a reversing camera. Curiously, sat-nav is a hefty £995 extra; this kit is standard on the Q60 and A5.
DRIVING
IGNORE this F Sport’s racy looks; the RC 300h is a more of a relaxed GT than a razor-sharp sports car. This is largely down to the hybrid set-up, which feels less responsive than its rivals’ turbos.
Our performance tests backed this up, highlighting that the Lexus was comfortably the slowest car here from 0-60mph, taking 8.3 seconds. Even mid-range acceleration lagged behind, with its 30-50mph kickdown time proving slower than the Infiniti and Audi’s third-gear effort over the same increment.
The CVT is particularly frustrating for keen drivers, as it’s too eager to send the revs soaring to an intrusive drone when you press the throttle. There are ‘virtual’ ratios, but there’s often a delay when selecting them via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, plus the transmission still constantly alters the gearing.
Away from the track, it’s better to take things easy. Press the throttle gently to make maximum use of the electric motor’s torque, and the Lexus gathers speed smoothly. You can select Sport+ mode, which sharpens the throttle and turns the power gauge into a traditional rev counter. Its effects are limited, though, and it’s best to leave the car in Normal. In corners, the RC inspires more confidence than the Infiniti. The direct steering is well weighted, plus there’s decent front grip and poise. The F Sport’s adaptive dampers deliver tighter control in Sport.
Set the suspension to Comfort and things soften a little. It’s still a firm set-up, but it’s far more supple and controlled than the crashy Q60’s. Better still, the well insulated Lexus is a refined long-distance cruiser.
PRACTICALITY
THE Lexus is the longest car here, but that doesn’t translate into a practicality advantage. In fact, its 340-litre boot is the smallest – although the Infiniti’s is only two litres bigger. The RC’S opening is small, the battery pack’s location means there’s no underfloor storage and there are also some awkward load bay intrusions.
Accessing the rear is tricky, as the powered front seats take a while to move forward, but once you’ve squeezed through you’ll find the sculpted bench gives adequate legroom and just enough headroom. You’ll feel hemmed in, but far from uncomfortable. Storage is limited, with a decent glovebox and a lidded cubby between the front seats, but the doorbins are narrow and limited storage in the centre console.
OWNERSHIP
BY its own high standards, Lexus’s second-place finish in our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey will have come as a disappointment to the brand. However, a top rating for build quality shows that the company is still on top of its game. And while its dealer network also slipped down the rankings in the same poll, its top-three placing is still an excellent result.
All RC models get eight airbags, stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring, while the F Sport adds lane-departure warning. However, the Lexus shows its age by not offering autonomous emergency braking, even as an option.
RUNNING COSTS
PRICED at a hefty £39,495, the RC 300h will set you back £1,805 more than the better-equipped Infiniti. However, for business users the Lexus is far more cost effective.
Its hybrid set-up results in CO2 emissions of just 116g/km, which means it’s rated at 20 per cent. The Q60 attracts a figure of 28 per cent. As a result, higherrate earners will face an annual Benefit in Kind bill of only £3,155, which represents a saving of £1,039 and £626 over the Infiniti and Audi respectively.