The Lexus RC is a luxury 4-seat coupe that places a heavy emphasis on sport. It competes with vehicles like the Audi A5, BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe, and, in a way the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang. It's loosely based on the Lexus IS sedan and comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. Introduced in 2014, it's seen only minor enhancements and changes since.
Three versions of the RC are offered: RC 300, RC 350, and RC F. Prices start at $45,820 for the RC and climb to more than $71,000 for the RC F. There is even a light-weight version of the RC F that lists for more than $100,000. The 300 comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. Rear-drive models get a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive models come with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The RC 350 is offered with rear- or all-wheel drive as well. Both versions get a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The RC F is rear-drive only and gets a 5.0-liter V8 engine that makes 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque. Rear-drive models come with an 8-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive models get a 6-speed automatic.
Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with brake intervention, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard are LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, synthetic leather seats, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto and Apple Car Play support.
The RC 300's turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and the RC 350 huskier V6 provide solid acceleration. Neither engine will pin you back in the seat, but they prove more than adequate match to help offset the RC's 3800-pound curb weight. The engines are smooth and refined and deliver power in an even and meaningful thrust. Stomp on the gas pedal and the RC 350 will rush to 60 mph from a standstill in about 6.0 seconds. That's on par with competitors' base powerplants.
The RC F's fire-breathing V8 is a throwback to a time when fuel efficiency didn't matter. There's no "technique" to extract maximum performance. Just stomp the gas and the RC F goes from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds. More impressive is the way the engine pulls at any speed and willing revs to redline. Oh, and that beautiful exhaust note ....
The RC's 8-speed automatic is a model performer. It shifts seamlessly between gears - up or down - and never seems to hunt on hilly. The paddle shifters provide a nice "manual experience" but simply putting the drive selector in Sport + provides the best transmission shift performance. Traction can be a problem on wet or icy roads, even with the full-time traction control engaged. So if you plan on driving in the winter, make sure to swap out the all-season rubber for a set of snow tires.
As you might expect, the RC isn't focused on fuel efficiency. Still, the 300 nets a respectable 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. The rear-drive RC 350 is EPA rated at 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. RC F models drop to 16/24 MPG ratings. Based on a week's suburban commuting, those ratings seem fair. Straight highway cruising 27 mpg overall and stop-and-go grocery getting brings about 20 mpg average in the lessor models. Good luck averaging 20 MPG with the RC F. All RC models require premium-grade fuel.
Apart from the Ferrari-aspiring Lexus LFA, the RC may be the best handling Lexus ever. The low-slung two-seater has a sophisticated suspension that does an excellent job of keeping the tires in contact with the road regardless of surface. The steering is sharp and instantaneous, in fact, you may find yourself turning into a corner too quickly when you first get behind the wheel. Brakes have more than ample stopping power. All told, the RC has the chops to tackle just about any twisty road you can throw at it.
At the same time, the suspension seems to magically reduce impacts to the point that you are fooled into thinking the RC is a touring car, rather than a sports car. Even over large expansion joints and badly broken roads, the RC stays composed. Road and wind noise are impressively suppressed and engine roar never intrudes. As you might expect, the RC F is a different beast altogether. The suspension is very firm and the tires grip with the tenacity of a bulldog.
Saying the RC is low-slung is certainly an understatement. You have to bend and contort to get in and the coupe's long doors complicate egress further. Once nestled into the tight cockpit front-seat passengers will find firm and well bolstered cushions and good leg room. Head and hip room are marginal, meaning larger adults might need to recline the seatback to a somewhat awkward angle to find enough head clearance. Outward visibility is fine forward, but somewhat restricted to the side and rear. Thankfully there's a blind-spot warning system. Rear seats are really tokens, but you can put children back there if you move the front seats up a bit.
Interior materials are more than appropriate for the class. Depending on engine/model choice, drivers face either a single dial that shows engine speed surrounding a digital speedo or a dual dial setup for RPMs and speed. In either case there's a configurable digital display as well. The center console houses a forward-set display screen and traditional climate and audio controls.
From a tech standpoint, the RC is clearly a step behind others in the class, especially the Audi and new Ford Mustang. Controls are small and not all that clearly marked and the infotainment system has a dull screen that's not very responsive.
Interior storage is tight -- which is normal for this class. Map pockets are small and the center-console bin is shallow. Conversely, the trunk is fairly roomy with a rather large opening and the rear seatbacks fold to increase cargo space when necessary.
Bottom Line -- Lexus built its reputation on providing comfortable and quiet luxury vehicles. The RC is anything but. It's a sports coupe with a healthy dollop of luxury. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the RC is the way it tenaciously grips the road while providing a quiet and comfortable ride. Most competitors in this class do one or the other, the Lexus, somehow, does both. Perhaps the most "fun" is had with the base RC 300 and its peaky turbocharged engine. But there is something intoxicating about the RC F. It's exhaust note, endless thrust and gumball tires ...
|
|