Car review: RC Final Edition is the swan song of Lexus's sports coupé
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The Lexus RC is an entry-level sports coupé with a typical sporty silhouette that many may love. The RC F takes that form, adds a hood vent in the front, wider side fenders, and an asymmetrically lined quad exhaust tips at the rear, giving it a wider, more aggressive stance. Taking it a notch further is the 2025 YM Final Edition, which, in an effort to save weight and make it sportier, adds carbon fibre parts (roof, side rocker panels, front spoiler, and rear diffuser) and red brake calipers. Then you have the active rear wing, which rounds out the exterior upgrades. But, truth be told, there's something off about its form — it could be the odd shape of the headlamps or the JDM aftermarket-style 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, which look good in isolation but seem out of place here… or it could be a combination of those elements. All things said, it's still largely a desirable coupé.
Typical of Lexus vehicles from this generation, the cabin architecture is part sophisticated and part disjointed. There's just so much going on, with a myriad shapes and surfaces. That said, it does feel premium, with leather-bound surfaces, good-quality plastics, and an analogue clock for that extra touch. Inside, you feel cocooned in the cockpit, with the thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel and the notchy old-fashioned shifter right at hand. But the tiny speedometer in the partially digital display and the finicky last-generation infotainment touchpad take away from the ergonomics.
The Final Edition also gets very sporty bespoke black-and-red bucket seats upholstered in leather and ultrasuede trim. They look great, but those with broad shoulders might find them constricting. Additionally, a carbon fibre 'Final Edition' emblem adorns the front console, signifying each car's production number in this limited run.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The most compelling reason to buy the RC F is its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, which produces 471 horsepower. It's paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission that sends power to the rear wheels like a proper sports car. The V8 is loud yet refined, running smoothly across the rev range, but you need to get it past 4,000 rpm to really feel some serious pull. Also, its 0 to 100 kmph sprint of sub-five seconds is quick, but isn't earth-shattering by any means.
The standard F-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension and 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres help deliver plenty of grip, allowing you to take on corners and sweeping turns with confidence — but in typical Lexus fashion. It feels more like a GT car than a precision tool, and with it comes a very livable ride. And when you wish to shed momentum, the massive six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembos can be relied upon. They are powerful stoppers.
Being a V8, it was bound to be a gas guzzler. You can empty that 66-litre tank in 450km or less, but how heavy your foot is really determines your average.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
At the centre is a 10.3-inch touchscreen, which can also be operated using the outdated touchpad. While the menus are straightforward, the voice command system isn't particularly user-friendly. In terms of connectivity, Bluetooth pairing is easy and Apple CarPlay is also included. The 835W, 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system comes as standard — an audio brand I've come to appreciate over the years. The RC F isn't the best application of the system, but it's noteworthy.
As expected of Lexus, the air-conditioning system is superb. Even in this punishing pre-summer heat, it blasted crisp, cool air effortlessly. Interior practicality is decent for a coupé, with usable cupholders, door bins, and a glove box. The boot is also fairly spacious, though a full-size spare wheel eats up some space.
Lexus has you covered in terms of safety. You get 10 airbags, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. That said, it's disappointing that a 360-degree camera isn't offered at this price point. You'll have to make do with the rear camera.
VERDICT
The Lexus RC never truly hit its stride during its lifecycle. It was neither a mass-market success nor did it develop a strong cult following — so I'm not sure if a Final Edition is warranted. Also, it's still running on the last generation infotainment system, and boot space is limited.
But, it also has a lot going for it. It has an enviable coupé silhouette, it's loud enough to thrill your ears and enthrall bystanders, and quick enough down the straight and around corners to get your pulse racing. And the more I drove it, the more I appreciated it for its comfort. Being a Lexus, it's also built to last, and the A/C works well. This car isn't about hype. Instead, it's your everyday GT car — but at a rather hefty price.
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