What is it?

The RC F is Lexus’ alternative to high-performance European performance cars such as the BMW M4, blending smooth V8 power with evocative coupe styling and more than a dash of luxury.

We’ve tested the model in RC F Carbon form, which replaces painted exterior parts with beautifully-finished carbon fibre for the bonnet, roof and rear wing that also trims 9.5 kilograms from the car’s somewhat portly 1860kg weight.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

Priced from $138,240 in regular form, the RC F Carbon tested here costs $158,837 plus on-road costs, which works out around $170,000 drive-away.

As the top model in Lexus’ RC coupe line, the performance version is loaded with plenty of gear including 19-inch wheels, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, smart keys and more.

Safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure and blind spot monitoring systems – most of the gear you expect from a modern luxury car.

What’s under the bonnet?

Lexus’ own 5.0-litre quad-cam V8 is a lovely unit that feels at home humming along in traffic or belting out tunes on back roads.

Peak outputs of 351kW and 530Nm let it rip to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, which feels impressive in isolation but noticeably slower than turbocharged rivals. The V8 motor is a smooth and confident performer, building power in a linear fashion all the way to its 7100rpm peak.

You need to rev the engine hard to deliver its best – this is an old-school engine quite unlike the effortless turbo motors preferred by most marques. It sounds brilliant as a result, with a melodious exhaust note that will win plenty of fans.

That motor drives the rear wheels through a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and clever torque-vectoring differential that offers great traction and agility.

What’s it like to drive?

Comfortable, smooth and effortless around town, with excellent seats and a thumping stereo to help you forget the world’s worries. It’s a more comfortable luxury car than Mercedes’ alternative which has a focused character – including thumpy suspension and fewer creature comforts.

But the Lexus still knows how to boogie when the time is right, feeling stable and predictable – if a little heavy - in the bends. That linear power delivery never catches you off-guard, and the clever torque vectoring diff does an excellent job rotating the car into, and out of, corners. All and all, it’s a solid package backed by enormous orange-painted Brembo brakes and sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

What’s it like inside?

The RC F combines Lexus’ signature attention to detail with sporting intent reflected by comfortable high-backed sports seats, carbon fibre trim and a beautifully-finished steering wheel.

A mix of Alcantara and semi-aniline leather trim lends a premium feel, while the digital tachometer is a welcome, race-ready addition.

Front seat occupants are comfortable in a cosy cabin that ensconces the driver and passenger, but those in the back won’t want to be perched there for very long.

We’re not fans of Lexus’ remote touch control setup for the infotainment system, an arrangement that asks drivers to use a laptop-style touchpad to access key features, which feels clunky and unintuitive compared with rival systems.

Is it safe?

Yep. While it hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, the Lexus has performed well overseas, thanks to a combination of a strong body and comprehensive driver aids.

Passive safety is also a plus, as the car feels more planted and predictable than the likes of BMW’s M4.

Would I buy it?

The RC F is an impressive machine, but it leaves me a little cold. I certainly wouldn’t go for the boy-racer Carbon Pack, which feels a bit try-hard on a machine more at home on a country cruise than Conrod Straight.

What else should I consider?

The more expensive BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 coupes are worth a look, as is Audi’s upcoming RS5. Lexus fans with plenty of cash could also consider the new LC 500, which offers a similar mechanical package with concept car styling.

2017 Lexus RC F Carbon pricing and specifications:

Price: From $147,500 plus on-road costs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8 petrol

Power: 351kW at 7100rpm

Torque: 530Nm at 4800-5600rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 10.9L/100km

For all the latest info, visit our Lexus showroom