2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
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Find all cars near me?F Sport 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Overall Rating
Starting at the base price of $41,145 the 2019 Lexus RC is one of the sportiest luxury coupes in the market that is offered in two drivetrain options. The Rear wheel drive employs a 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the All-wheel-drive uses a V6 engine to do the heavy lifting.
Starting at the base price of $41,145 the 2019 Lexus RC is one of the sportiest luxury coupes in the market that is offered in two drivetrain options. The Rear wheel drive employs a 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the All-wheel-drive uses a V6 engine to do the heavy lifting. The RC 300 faces tough competition from other Luxury coupes in the segment like the Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe, Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4 Series coupe.
The F Sport package will make you ride sportier, at least that is what Lexus things. Though it does not have any impact on the ride quality. We would recommend you pair the base RC with Premium package.
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Starting at the base price of $41,145 the 2019 Lexus RC is one of the sportiest luxury coupes in the market that is offered in two drivetrain options. The Rear wheel drive employs a 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the All-wheel-drive uses a V6 engine to do the heavy lifting.
Starting at the base price of $41,145 the 2019 Lexus RC is one of the sportiest luxury coupes in the market that is offered in two drivetrain options. The Rear wheel drive employs a 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the All-wheel-drive uses a V6 engine to do the heavy lifting. The RC 300 faces tough competition from other Luxury coupes in the segment like the Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe, Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4 Series coupe.
The RC is offered in two trims and two drive train options, also there is a choice of engine for both trims. The base RC employs decent fills of standard safety features while the F sport brings more sugar and spice with aggressive handling instincts in the form of adaptive suspension, sports seats, and heated and ventilated seats.
Trims |
Base |
F Sport |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$ 41,145 |
$ 47,860 |
AWD |
$ 43,835 |
$ 50,035 |
Features |
18-inch wheels |
19-inch wheels |
Apple CarPlay |
Adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers |
|
Forward collision warning and mitigation |
Perforated-leather upholstery and trim |
|
Lexus Enform communication and remote services |
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel |
|
Adaptive cruise control |
Driver-seat memory settings and a special instrument cluster |
|
Lane departure warning |
Navigation and Premium packages (see below) |
|
10-speaker sound system with satellite radio |
Sport front seats with heating and ventilation |
|
60/40-split folding rear seat |
||
Simulated leather upholstery |
||
Power-adjustable front seats Heated seats (AWD models only) |
||
7-inch display |
||
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
||
Keyless entry and ignition |
||
LED headlights |
We Recommend
The F Sport package will make you ride sportier, at least that is what Lexus things. Though it does not have any impact on the ride quality. We would recommend you pair the base RC with Premium package.
Previously known as the RC 200, Lexus RC 300 opens up a menu of choices when it comes to power trains. There are two engine options, the base engine which comes with a 2.0L Turbo Premium Unleaded engine, you can also go for the bigger muscle that is the optional 3.5 L V6 engine, both ways power is routed through a monochromic 8-speed automatic transmission.
To further diversify and restrict your options Lexus clubbed the V6 engine with and All-wheel-drive, hence you cannot have the 3.5 Liter engine with standard rear-wheel drivetrain. The base inline-4 hammers out a prompt 241 horsepower and 258-pound-feet of torque while the V6 adds a 19-horsepower bump to produce 260 horsepower and 236-pound-feet of torque.
Models |
Lexus RC 300 Coupe |
Mercedes-Benz C class coupe |
Audi A5 Sportback |
BMW 4 Series coupe |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$41,145 |
$43,800 |
$44,200 |
$44,800 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4 |
2.0 L Turbocharged Inline 4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
AWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
9-Speed Automatic |
7-Speed automatic |
8-Speed automatic |
Horsepower |
241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
248 hp@ 5000rpm |
248 hp@ 5200rpm |
Torque |
258 lb.-ft @ 1650 rpm |
273 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm |
273 lb.-ft @ 1600rpm |
258 lb.-ft @ 1450 rpm |
As for the power delivery the accelerator is bound by your wishes though make sure not to ask much of it. The RC is particularly a cruiser as its heavier and slower than the rest of the big sharks. Other aspects of the Lexus are serviceable and does not interfere with the tuneful driving experience. However, go for the V6 engine if you seek some jolting spikes of adrenaline.
There is nothing sensational about the RC's acceleration. The car is heavy and lacks the alacrity to take on the German competition. It gets a little lungful before the rpm to kick in and torque up the wheels, hence a bad start but when it does it is pretty good. The car takes over 7 seconds to manage the 60-mph speed which is a little disheartening as it is a sloth in a squirrel’s race.
Models |
Lexus RC 300 Coupe |
Mercedes-Benz C class coupe |
Audi A5 Sportback |
BMW 4 Series coupe |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
7.3 sec |
5.5 sec |
5.7 sec |
5.5 sec |
Quarter mile |
15.2 sec |
14.1 sec |
N/A |
14.3 sec |
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
6.0 |
5.9 |
5.4 |
5.4 |
However, if you are willing to spend and bit more for the all-wheel drivetrain; you get the benefit of the AWD and the more powerful 3.5 Liter V6. The RC 300 with these upgrades post a naught to 60 time of 5.7 seconds which is inline with its rivals. Moreover, the RC 300 with the All-wheel drivetrain is still cheaper than its rivals.
The RC may not be the brightest when it comes to handling. Its slower than the rest of the competition and does not share a similar eagerness to tackle corners. The steering feel is accurate and easy to maneuver but the minimal road feedback leaves you to improvise on your instincts during spirited driving.
The F sport package adds adaptive dampers and summer tires which nicely hands the 19-horsepower bump by making it a little more aggressive. However, it does not improve the numb ride quality. The transmission keeps the engine on the boil with minimal fuss, it holds the gear position to the extreme.
Brakes compliment the RC's drivability on an overall level. Lexus employs a 13.2-inch front and 12.2-inch brakes on the front and rear side. The pedal gives a stellar performance, it manages to find a sweet spot between soft and strong feelings, making its malleability well suited for natural human movement. From a speed of 60 mph, the RC comes to a standstill in 110 feet which is quite impressive.
Models |
Lexus RC 300 Coupe |
Mercedes-Benz C class coupe |
Audi A5 Sportback |
BMW 4 Series coupe |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
13.2 |
13 |
13.3 |
12.3 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
12.2 |
11.8 |
13 |
11.8 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
110 |
123 |
N/A |
122 |
Frugality is not this Lexus best virtue; the base Turbo Inline-4 engine will just keep you on the thins to avoid frequent gas station visits. The V6's thirst, on the other hand, crosses your line of the budget. The base engine will yield 21 mpg economy in the city which can be stretched to 30 mpg on the highway. The V6 drops that number to 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Models |
Lexus RC 300 Coupe |
Mercedes-Benz C class coupe |
Audi A5 Sportback |
BMW 4 Series coupe |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
MPG (highway) |
30 |
31 |
34 |
34 |
MPG (combined) |
24 |
25 |
27 |
27 |
Fuel Tank (Gallons) |
17.4 |
17.4 |
15.3 |
15.8 |
Range (City/Hwy) (miles) |
365 / 522 |
383 / 539 |
352 / 520 |
379 / 537 |
The upper middle class may not be intrigued but compared to the gas-guzzling RC F these numbers are delicious. Furthermore, Lexus RC 300 also has a range that is pretty decent, it is not the best but its still manages to keep up with its rivals thanks to the larger fuel tank.
The RC's interior is everything right about the luxury coupes in the industry and at the same time, it is not a bulletproof sample either. The interior is comfortable, and the low height makes entry and exits easy, though the long gates make parking in tight spaces a tricky job. As for the cabin space, Lexus messed up the interior exterior ratio resulting in cramped rear seats.
Just like the exterior, interior show a great work of art cabin with uniform gaps and minimal rattles. The use of plastic is not much visible and just around the analog clock which may blend with the design but is reminiscing of the past. The RC offers to seat for 4 which itself is a farfetched statement as the rear seats are deprived of any legroom space. Competitors, on the other hand, takes the ball by delivering more pleasing seating conditions.
Models |
Lexus RC 300 Coupe |
Mercedes-Benz C class coupe |
Audi A5 Sportback |
BMW 4 Series coupe |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.0/54.7/45.4 |
38.8/54.8/42.0 |
39.0/55.3/41.3 |
39.8/55.3/42.2 |
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
34.8/50.8/27.3 |
35.6/51.7/32.0 |
36.1/50.7/32.7 |
36.1/51.7/33.7 |
Cargo Volume (cu-ft) |
10.4 |
10.5 |
11.6 |
15.7 |
Even with that long feline body, the RC runs low on utility curve. Its 1.3 cubic feet of space is not just lower than the competitors it can only manage a couple of bags for a two-day trip. The cabin is not much of practical either. You have a central console fit for only carrying the car keys and small door pockets on large doors. The impractical rear seats are the only place you can fit the extra luggage.
Lexus's infotainment is not particularly easy to use. The 7-inch infotainment screen is buried deep into the dash making it difficult to use. There is an option for 10.3-inch split screen display which eases thing a little bit, but the Remote Touch Controller spoils the fun.
On top of that, Lexus's galoot Enform infotainment system feels dated to use. This year you get Apple CarPlay, which is a good thing, but Android users are left hanging.
Lexus has always avoided those mundane subtle lines which the luxury-oriented cars are known for, they like to go a little creative with their car's shell. Through the LC does not share the hyperbole stylings as the LC receives, it has an elegant character of its own.
Right from the brand defining Spindle grill to the revised headlamps with daytime running lights makes the design speak for itself, it is a Lexus after all! The hood remains long and gets the best out of RC's length, from the sides it looks a little bulky which goes with the story of RC's heavyweight.
Models |
Lexus RC 300 Coupe |
Mercedes-Benz C class coupe |
Audi A5 Sportback |
BMW 4 Series coupe |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3737 |
3,527 |
3605 |
3574 |
Length(in) |
184.8 |
184.5 |
184.0 |
182.7 |
Width(in) |
72.4 |
71.3 |
72.6 |
71.9 |
Height(in) |
54.9 |
55.3 |
54.0 |
54.2 |
Ground clearance (in) |
5.3 |
3.5 |
N/A |
5.1 |
Wheelbase (in) |
107.5 |
111.8 |
108.8 |
110.6 |
Taking a page from Lexus LFA's book, the RC has a peculiar design language. Its entire 184.8 inches long body comprises of aggressive detailing to style. A large hoof, the spindle grille, and fins make up most of the design part. From ear to ear the RC's width accounts for 72.4 inches and the peculiar low stance makes the height at 72.4 inches in total. Compared to other coupes in the war pit, the RC has a smaller wheelbase which helps with the turning radius.
Lexus installs the best of what it has in the safety department with good crash test rating to build the RC 300. The NHSTA has not crash tested the RC. However, the Radical Coupe scores exceptionally well in the IIHS Crashworthiness test. The standard safety set includes-
This entry-level Merc knows how to make a statement. The minimalistic styling clubbed with the Merc's Tri-Star logo and superb interior quality makes the C class stand out. In many ways, German elegance and better driving dynamics make the RC appear pale but you will not find the hypercar like styling remotely on the C class. Also, the C 300 is more frugal and offers better practicality.
It is smart to parley a few horses for magnetic styling but doing that by crucifying fuel economy, practicality and comfort is fool's play.
Audi's one foot in the future not just influences the A5's styling but also the technology used. Compared to Lexus clumsy infotainment Audi is a life savior and that is not even the best part. It takes Lexus's V6 engine to compete against Audi's Inline -4 engine and outperforms the Japanese.
Despite both cars sharing similar dimensions, Audi found a better way to use theirs. The A5's rear seats are usable while the RC's seats can only accommodate extra bags.
The 2019 Lexus RC lies in the posh side of luxury coupes. Its berserk styling and king size body makes it a post the worthy car on your timeline, though it is the only strong point that Lexus has. The RC's engine is potent but even Audi's Inline-4 has more muscle than the RC's optional V6 which is a discouraging factor. But then again, it is intended to be a boulevard cruiser than a sporty animal. The cabin has an elegant vibe with decent quality, but the inhabitable rear seats ruin the entire experience.
Everything Lexus is rooting for on the RC is already there in the market in a more elegant way. Right from economy to power, and comfort to frugality, you will find better numbers and a better deal on the competitor's territory.