Lexus RC

Overview: Is the Lexus RC a Good Luxury Sports Coupe?

The Lexus RC, introduced for the 2015 model year, is a stylish luxury sports coupe that combines striking design with engaging performance. Positioned as a competitor to German rivals like the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, the RC aims to attract buyers looking for comfort and sportiness. Since its debut at the Tokyo Auto Show, the RC has maintained a single generation with various updates and improvements over the years.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Lexus RC cars for sale.

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Related: Are Lexus Cars Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

Key Features

The Lexus RC offers:

• Compact coupe body style
• Four-passenger seating
• Several powerplants: turbocharged four-cylinder, V6, or V8 (varying by year)
• Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• F Sport and high-performance RC F variants (varying by year)
• Advanced driver assistance features (standard since 2018)
• Sport-tuned suspension

Trims

The Lexus RC series varies by year and comprises:

• RC 300: Entry-level model with turbocharged four-cylinder (RWD) or V6 (AWD)
• RC 350: More powerful V6 engine
• RC 350 F Sport: Added performance features and styling enhancements
• RC F: High-performance variant with V8 engine

Trim availability and engine options have varied slightly over model years, with the RC 200t being offered in earlier years before being replaced by the RC 300.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The RC's cockpit revolves around a driver-focused interior that blends luxury and sportiness. Inspired by those in the LFA supercar, the sculpted seats offer excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for long journeys. High-quality materials, including available Alcantara trim and hand-stitched leather, create a premium ambiance.

At the heart of the infotainment system is a 7-inch (or optional 10.3-inch) display controlled by Lexus' Remote Touch Interface. While the touchpad controller may have a learning curve, the system offers crisp graphics and a range of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in newer models.

As a coupe, the RC prioritizes style over practicality. Rear seat space is tight for adults and cargo capacity is limited to 10.4 cubic feet. However, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow some flexibility when carrying larger items.

Review: Where Are Lexus Made?

How It Drives

Behind the wheel, the Lexus RC delivers an engaging driving experience that varies depending on the powertrain. The base RC 300 with rear-wheel drive features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower, while all-wheel drive models get a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The RC 350 ups the ante with a 311-horsepower version of the V6.

For those seeking maximum performance, the RC F boasts a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine (the 2UR GSE), generating 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant enables the RC F to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph.

The RC's rigid chassis and well-tuned suspension provide composed handling and a comfortable ride. F Sport models add adaptive variable suspension for enhanced dynamics. While not as razor-sharp as some competitors, the RC strikes a pleasant balance between performance and luxury.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not crash-tested the Lexus RC.

Reviews

Lexus RC reviews on Kelley Blue Book are overwhelmingly positive, with consumers giving an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Owners praise the RC for its reliability, quality, performance, and styling.

Learn More: Are Lexus Expensive To Maintain?

Lexus RC FAQs

What is the difference between the Lexus RC and the Lexus RC F?

The RC F is the high-performance variant of the RC, featuring a more powerful V8 engine, enhanced suspension, and additional performance-oriented features.

What does RC mean on Lexus?

RC stands for "Radical Coupe," reflecting the model's bold design and sporty character.

Is the Lexus RC fast?

The Lexus RC's performance varies by model. Expect a Lexus RC 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds with the V8-powered RC F variant.

Which Lexus RC has a V8 engine?

The RC F is the only RC model equipped with a V8 engine; it produces 472 horsepower. In comparison, Lexus RC 350 horsepower (it has a V6) drops to 311.

What is the Lexus RC price?

A new Lexus RC starts at around $46,000. CoPilot marketplace information shows that a used Lexus RC costs $21,000 to $55,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.

Is the Lexus RC better than the Lexus IS?

The RC is a two-door coupe, while the IS is a four-door sedan. The choice between them depends on individual needs and preferences for practicality versus sportiness.

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