2021 Lexus RC price and specs: Subtle improvements for the sports luxury coupe
The Lexus RC has received minor changes to enhance the experience for owners, with $100 added to the price tag.
- 2021 Lexus RC300 and RC350 gain a number of minor improvements
- Transmission and suspension upgrades to improve on-road dynamics
- New safety tech and electronic parking brake added
- Extra $100 added to prices, from $67,990 plus on-road costs to $81,236 plus on-road costs
The 2021 Lexus RC sports coupe has been updated for the new year, with a number of subtle upgrades designed to improve the driving experience.
Lexus has applied new adaptive control software to the eight-speed torque converter automatic in both the RC300 and RC350, which is said to provide more active and assertive shifts in 'Sport' and 'Sport+' modes, while providing a more relaxed drive when the 'Normal' transmission mode is selected.
Engine options and outputs remain unchanged, with 180kW/350Nm available from the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder in the RC300, and the RC350 offering 232kW/380Nm from its 3.5-litre non-turbo petrol V6 – both sending power to the rear wheels.
The rear suspension gains a thicker anti-roll bar, aiding cornering stability, as well as new aluminium upper control arms. Double wishbone front suspension with performance shock absorbers remain at the front-end.
The standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres.
Inside, Lexus has replaced the old-fashioned foot-operated parking brake with a more modern electronic version.
Occupants benefit from dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated power front seats with leather accents, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's connected to a 265-watt 10-speaker Pioneer audio system.
Note: 2020 model interior shown above.
Those who option the RC300 Luxury or RC350 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 1 (an additional $990) move up to an 835-watt Mark Levinson 6 DVD audio system, as well as 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Opt for the Enhancement Pack 2 (additional $4690) and buyers gain a power sunroof and smart key card, along with the features listed as part of Enhancement Pack 1.
Safety has also been improved, with an all-new radar active cruise control system now standard across the range.
This is in addition to the Lexus Safety System+, which offers pre-collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, auto high beams, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and a reversing camera with sonar.
The Lexus RC F Sport adds the Enhancement Pack 1, but also gains a smart key card, triple-stack LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, adaptive variable sports suspension, 'Sport S+' and custom drive modes, a Torsen limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, digital instrument cluster, F Sport interior and steering wheel, and acceleration sound control. The RC350 F Sport also gets variable ratio steering.
However, only the RC350 F Sport can be optioned with the $2530 Enhancement Pack (no number), which adds a power sunroof.
Two new exterior colours are now available: Sonic Chrome and Celestial Blue, in addition to White Nova, Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Onyx, Graphite Black, Infrared, Zinnia Yellow, and Cobalt Mica.
2021 Lexus RC Australian pricing
- RC300 Luxury – $67,990
- RC300 F Sport – $75,736
- RC350 Luxury – $70,736
- RC350 F Sport – $78,736
Note: All prices exclude on-road costs.
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