A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

According to Lexus, RC stands for Radical Coupe. Regardless of its name, the Lexus RC is one of the best luxury cars on the road. Launched in 2013, its striking looks put other luxury car manufacturers to shame. Sweeping lines and sharp edges emphasized the Japanese design language of Lexus, seamlessly combining exhilarating performance with lavish refinement.

Following a redesign in 2019, the new 2024 model will only receive subtle updates, such as new colors and improved safety. Even without major updates, the RC is a great alternative to its popular German rivals.

What’s New For 2024?

Only minor changes appear on the 2024 Lexus RC, such as a new paint color, bigger wheels on the F sport trim, and advanced safety systems across the range.

All trims benefit from Bi-LED headlamps with daytime running lights. The F sport trim adds a dark mesh front grill with a smoked chrome tint, creating a more aggressive look, while the side skirts stick out from the body to add to the sporty appearance. A powered moonroof option is also available on all trims, but, due to the sloping roofline, the moonroof opens on top of the car and looks a bit awkward. ​​​​​

2024 Highlights

• New Cloudburst Gray color available on RC
• Option for 19-inch Enkei wheels on F Sport models
• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 now standard on all RC models

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

There are two gas engines available in the RC, but there are a few configurations to chose from. The RC 300 RWD is the calmest, but still produces 241hp from a 2.0-liter turbo engine. This is also the most efficient, with up to 24 MPG combined. The RC 300 AWD and the RC 350 models all share a powerful 3.5-liter V6 with varying outputs. The 300 gets a slight increase to 260hp, while both 350s jump to 311hp.

The RC 350 RWD is a balanced choice. It has a mighty engine with plenty of power while maintaining a reasonable 23 MPG. It’s also the fastest in this line-up, sprinting from 0-60 in just 5.8 seconds. Plus, everyone knows rear-wheel drive cars are extremely fun to drive. We should mention that only non-RC F models are being discussed here; the RC F is an underrated V8 sibling of the RC 350.

Performance Specifications

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The Year Make Model

• Eight-inch touch screen display
• Remote touchpad
• Ten-speaker premium sound system
• Lexus app provides remote start, vehicle status checks, and more.
• G-force meter on F Sport trim

Luxury cars always have the best interior designs, and the RC is no different. The cabin radiates elegance with perforated NuLuxe (Lexus’ leather alternative), brushed wood surfaces, and a classy analog clock. The upgraded F Sport trims gain real leather covering the shift knob, a black headliner, aluminum pedals, plus heated and ventilated front seats with memory function.

Being a sports coupe, there is limited space in the rear. If able to squeeze between the B-pillar and the front seat to get in, adults will feel cramped due to the sloping roofline. However, there are only two seats in the rear, which means both passengers have plenty of shoulder room. A major shortfall of the RC is the maximum cargo capacity of just 10.1 Cu. ft.

Technology

The timeless cabin is modernized by digital displays and touch controls. An eight-inch touchscreen was finally given to the RC in the 2023 update, containing the Lexus multimedia system and smartphone integration with voice command. The remote touchpad accompanies the information system, but it will likely be neglected in favor of the touchscreen. The customizable gauge cluster behind the wheel is inspired by the marvelous Lexus LFA interior, with a G-force meter on F Sport models.

Complimenting the advanced technology, subtle features like touch-sensitive sliders control the climate, while Active Sound Control plays artificial sounds into the cabin for an enhanced driving experience. There are still some physical controls dotted around the cabin, even though dials are becoming less common in modern cars.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

Lexus is technically owned by Toyota, so it’s no surprise that safety is a priority. The RC has advanced safety technology but has never been rated by NHTSA. This might be due to the low number of RC’s produced; it’s not deemed viable to wreck some for testing. Despite the lack of safety ratings, there is something to be said about reliability. There were no complaints, investigations, or recalls issued for any 2023 models. The similar Lexus IS was IIHS Top Safety pick 2022.

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Driver Assistance Features

Like all Toyota/Lexus vehicles, the RC has a suite of safety systems. Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard in all models, protecting drivers and pedestrians. On top of this, convenient features like cruise control and a reversing camera are available on all trims.

• Pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Intelligent high beams
• Enhanced radar cruise control
• Road sign assist

IIHS Crash Testing

Warranties

Lexus has a comprehensive warranty, typical of Japanese manufacturers. Every customer of a new Lexus will receive 48 months of roadside warranty with unlimited mileage, plus 12 months/12,000 miles cover for wheel alignment and balancing.

2024 Lexus RC Versus Its Competitors

There’s a lot of competition for luxury sedans. In the case of the sporty yet luxurious RC, we’ve decided to combat some popular German rivals. Known for their premium quality and matching performance, the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C Class are worthy competitors.

How The Lexus RC Compares To The BMW 4 Series

• 	2024 Lexus RC	2023 BMW 4-Series
  Model	RC 350	4-Series / 4-Series Gran Coupe / 4-Series Convertible
  Engine/Motor	3.5-liter V6	2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder / 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder
  Horsepower	311 HP @ 6,600	255-382 hp
  Torque	280 LB-FT @ 4,800 RPM	295-369 lb/ft
  Drivetrain	RWD	Longitudinal front-engine, RWD / AWD
  Transmission	Eight-speed automatic	8-speed automatic

Both of these luxury cars look sporty, but the BMW outperforms the Lexus. Powered by a smaller 3-liter turbocharged engine, the 4 series generates 382 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Almost a whole second faster! Stepping inside either the Lexus RC 350 or BMW 4 Series is joyful. Both use high-quality materials and have cabins focused around the driver. However, the Lexus offers better value for money, with more standard features.

Personal taste will be the deciding factor between the Lexus RC and BMW 4 Series. Though, if a striking appearance and value for money are important, the Lexus comes out on top.

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How The Lexus RC Compares To The Mercedes-Benz C-Class

• 	2024 Lexus RC	2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  Make	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
  Model	RC 350	C-Class
  Engine/Motor	3.5-liter V6	2.0-liter, turbocharged I4 mild hybrid
  Horsepower	311 HP @ 6,600	255 hp
  Torque	280 LB-FT @ 4,800 RPM	295 lb-ft
  Drivetrain	RWD	RWD/AWD
  Transmission	Eight-speed automatic	9-Speed Automatic

The Mercedes is less of a sports car and more of a limousine. Built with refinement and elegance at the forefront, the C-Class sets the benchmark for luxury sedans. Equipped with advanced technology to connect drivers to the road, the C class is packed with intuitive driving aids that make driving effortless.

Compared to the RC, it has a nicer interior design, with a bigger 11.9-inch touchscreen with large icons for ease of use. It also comes with a fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a virtual voice-activated assistant as standard.

How Much Does A 2024 Lexus RC Cost?

Considering the level of luxury and performance in the Lexus RC, it starts at a modest $45,920. This price quickly rises as you work through the range, up to $55,195 for an F Sport AWD model.

Fuel Economy

Adding to the initial cost of the RC is the estimated annual fuel cost. Given most of the range consists of 3.5-liter V6 engines, with the smallest being a 2.0-liter turbo only returning 24 MPG, it should be no surprise that the fuel cost is high.

Is It Worth Buying a Lexus RC?

The costs of buying and running a Lexus RC are high, but owners get a luxury sports sedan that’s better than some pricier rivals. This instantly recognizable two-door coupe demands attention wherever it drives, and fits in at the office or on track. The deluxe interior is a comfortable place to be, but it is let down by the limited space for rear passengers.

Overall, the Lexus RC is a great value-for-money luxury sedan with plenty of tech as standard compared to some of its rivals. However, buyers are looking for more fun for less money, the Toyota GT86 is a bargain sports car.