Novated review – Lexus RC350 F

– Article/Photos by Rod Fuller –

Some things in life are made to be enjoyed. Fine wine, good company and a long drive through the country. And for such drives you need a coupe, a sporty coupe and one that makes the drive not only enjoyable but memorable as well.

There’s just something that makes a two door coupe more appealing for such drives, or in fact any drive for that matter. The flowing lines of the body, the long bonnet and frameless side windows all combine to create a beautiful car that is a joy to drive. And after taking the Lexus RC350 F Sport for a week up the coast, is one of those cars.

The RC350F Sport certainly has the looks to make you want to drive it and the performance to make you glad you did. Elegantly styled with a combination of flowing body lines and a purposeful almost aggressive face, the RC350F Sport’s intentions are clear at first sight.

A 3.5lt V6 (232kW/378Nm) hides below its sleek bonnet and is mated with an eight speed auto with four drive modes and paddle shifters. Fuel economy is listed at 9.1lt/100km combined, but if you’re enjoying it, expect to see consumption in the mid-teens/100km. Engine performance is excellent, responsive and instant. Plant your foot at any speed and the V6 delivers a smooth and urgent surge of power to propel you down the highway with an exhaust note that announces its presence without being raucous or overly attention seeking.

I found it to be well balanced and rewarding on a winding country road when you push it. It’s no track special, but you wouldn’t want that in a coupe like this. It rides comfortably on staggered fitment tyres (245/40R19 Front and 265/35R19 rear). It’s the kind of car you can easily clock up hundreds of kilometres in a day and arrive at your destination just as fresh as when you set off. And it’s a car that you can just as easily use as a daily driver.

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The interior of the RC350F Sport is a truly premium experience with no hard plastics anywhere, just high end premium materials and a build quality that is exceptional. Leather seats of course (heated, ventilated and power adjustable in front), dual zone climate control and a 250 watt 10 speaker stereo. Safety features and driver aids provided include, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, plus, auto high beam control (which I found a bit annoying).

Even though the RC350F Sport is a two door, it has a reasonable sized 60/40 split rear seat (for children) and decent size boot for a coupe at 374lt. The only chink in the armour of the RC350F Sport, is it’s infotainment system and touchpad controller. It is incredibly difficult to operate and can be downright distracting and frustrating at times. I shouldn’t need to resort to the owner’s manual to adjust the bass setting for the stereo.

Lexus offers a four year 100,00km warranty on its vehicles, service intervals at 12 months/15,000km, with loan cars or pickup/drop off available while the car is being serviced (The best part of owning a Lexus). Drive care packages are available for purchase.

Priced from $78,671 (excluding govt charges) the RC350F Sport, is definitely not on a fleet managers shopping list. But its inclusions, build quality and style is virtually unrivalled for this type of car at this price point. So considering a novated lease? Don’t have, or want to take the kids with you? Consider the RC350F Sport, find your favourite country drive and let it help you to Feel Good.

What does it look like as a Novated Lease?

This data is from the 2020 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.