The Lexus RC has finally ditched its foot-operated parking brake and has also received a few under-the-skin changes for 2021.
The updated model is in showrooms now.
Adaptive cruise control with stop/go is standard across all RC300 and RC350 models, while all models also have a revised rear suspension with a larger diameter stabiliser bar.
The eight-speed automatic transmission has new adaptive control software to better suit driver input and road conditions, including favouring higher gears in the Normal drive mode and holding gears longer if you’re driving more spiritedly or you’ve shifted to Sport or Sport S+.
In addition to the repositioned parking brake (now a button on the dash near the steering wheel), there are only minor detail changes to the RC’s interior.
Lexus hasn’t confirmed any changes yet for the 2021 RC F.
Despite the changes, the RC’s prices are up by only $100 compared to model year 2020.
The regular RC range still consists of RC300 and RC350 models, both available in either Luxury or F Sport trim and with a few Enhancement Packs.
For 2021, Lexus has also added two new exterior colours: Sonic Chrome and Celestial Blue.
Pricing
- 2021 Lexus RC300 Luxury: $67,990
- 2021 Lexus RC350 Luxury: $70,736
- 2021 Lexus RC300 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 1: $68,980
- 2021 Lexus RC350 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 1: $72,726
- 2021 Lexus RC300 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2: $72,680
- 2021 Lexus RC350 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2: $75,426
- 2021 Lexus RC300 F Sport: $75,736
- 2021 Lexus RC300 F Sport with Enhancement Pack 1: $78,236
- 2021 Lexus RC350 F Sport: $78,736
- 2021 Lexus RC350 F Sport with Enhancement Pack: $81,236
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
The 2021 Lexus RC300 uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic.
The 2021 Lexus RC350 uses a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 232kW of power and 380Nm of torque, also mated to an eight-speed automatic.
Both are rear-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Lexus RC300 consumes 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle, while the 2021 Lexus RC350 consumes 9.1L/100km.
The RC300 and RC350 require 95RON premium unleaded fuel.
Dimensions
The 2021 Lexus RC measures 4700mm long, 1395mm tall and 1840mm wide.
The Lexus RC300 and RC350’s total luggage space is 374L.
Servicing
All 2021 Lexus RC models require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
Lexus offers three years of capped price servicing for the RC. Each service costs $495.
Safety
The Lexus RC range has yet to be tested by ANCAP.
All 2021 Lexus RC models come standard with:
- Autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning and pedestrian detection
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Anti-lock brakes
- Front, front-side, front-knee and curtain airbags.
Standard Equipment
The RC300 Luxury and RC350 Luxury come standard with:
- 10.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 10-speaker 256W Pioneer sound system
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and washers
- Keyless entry and start
- Leather upholstery
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power front seats with driver’s memory
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Adaptive high beam
Enhancement Pack 1 adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 17-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system
Enhancement Pack 2 adds:
- Power sunroof
- Smart key card
- 19-inch alloy wheels (RC350 Luxury)
- 17-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system (RC350 Luxury)
Over the RC300 Luxury, the RC300 F Sport adds:
- Adaptive suspension
- Limited-slip differential
- F Sport suspension tune
- F Sport steering wheel, sill plates and pedals
- Performance front brakes
- Digital instrumentation
- Sound enhancer
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 17-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system
- Smart key card
The RC350 F Sport adds Lexus Dynamic Handling with Dynamic Rear Steering.
The F Sport’s Enhancement Pack adds a power sunroof.
