For a rare and remarkable driving experience, the Lexus RC (also known as the Radical Coupe) is one automobile you need a special space for in your garage. It is one of the sharpest-handling models of cars in the Lexus lineup. It rides effortlessly, steers responsively, and gives a solid drive on rough pavement.
2014 – Launching Year
Lexus introduced the RC at the Tokyo Motor Exhibition of 2014 for the 2015 model year. The Lexus RC sports automobile featured advanced handling features, sleek passenger layout, and aerodynamic appearance.
At launching, Lexus offered the RC in the following trims and engine choices, namely:
- RC 300h - 2.5L 2AR-FSE I4 hybrid engine coupled with a continuously variable transmission (126-134 kW, 226-235 Nm)
- RC 350 - 3.5-litre 2GR-FSE V6 petrol engine paired with 8-speed auto transmission (233 kW, 378 Nm)
- RC F - 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 petrol engine paired with 8-speed auto transmission (351 kW, 530 Nm)
2015 to Present – Upgrades & New Variants
Lexus progressively updated the RC to maintain its competitiveness, adding a new model to the range in 2015, the RC 200t, which is now known as RC 300. A 2.0-litre 8AR-FTS I4 turbocharged petrol engine sends power to the drive wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, attaining peak outputs of 180 kW and 350 Nm. Upgraded equipment and features include power steering, adaptive variable suspension, and dynamic integrated management, among other state-of-the-art technology.
Progressive Updates
For the 2015 RC model year, Lexus introduced an all-new coupe to the automobile market, though similar to the 2014 models in its trim levels.
In 2016, Lexus RC acquired a new base trim with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine as well as a V6 additional engine as an option.
The 2017 Lexus RC received minor modifications, such as adaptive suspension and performance dampers for the RC F and RC base model correspondingly. Four trim levels were available, including the RC 350, RC 300, RC F, and RC 200t. Each RC trim comes with a rugged and more powerful engine system than the model trim before it. Standard features across the lineup are pretty much similar.
The first prominent facelift given the Lexus RC occurred in 2018, which added several notable upgrades, such as the inclusion of enhanced safety features (like AEB and forward-collision warning) as standard equipment. The available V6 engines as well got an increase in power.
The RC for 2018 model year comes in 3 trims: RC F, RC 350, and RC 300. There are no significant differences between the features of the three model trims. One noteworthy upgrade, however, is the additional 5-horsepower for each of the model's optional V6 engines.
For the 2019 RC model year, the coupe ranks as one of the top competitive luxury compact car class. Lexus launched it in four trim levels which comprise of the F-Sport, RC 300, RC F, and RC 350. The dominant difference between these four trims is in their powertrains. Their features are more or less similar across models.
Engine Performance
Lexus stated that the upgrades on aerodynamics, powertrain and suspension would improve the RC both as a grand tourer and as a driver's car.
Lexus offered the 2015 models in 350 and high-powered F variants, with the 350 receiving a boost in its 306-horsepower V6 turbocharged engine. Standard features included rear-wheel steering and electronic suspension damping.
Lexus retained the available engines of the 2016 RC models in the 2017 launching of the coupe and implemented a facelift for all models. For 2018, the Lexus brand engineered the RC with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that set it apart from the 2017 models. All 2018 RC variants also gained a V6 engine with five extra horsepower.
The Lexus RC for 2019 comes in four powertrains. The RC 300 model consists of an all-wheel-drive powered by a 260-hp 3.5-litre V6 engine. The RC 350 model uses a similar V6 engine, but its power output could reach up to 311-hp.
Trims and Safety Features
All RC trims come standard with power-adjustable front seat, synthetic leather upholstery, push-button start, alloy wheels, and dual-zone automated climate control. The standard features of the 2015 and 2016 Lexus RC include two USB ports, Bluetooth, proximity key entry, HD radio, satellite radio, a 7-inch display screen, and a 10-speaker audio system. The 2017 Lexus RC enjoyed a little upgrade from the 2016 model with the inclusion of a 17-speaker Levinson stereo. Also, a notable update for the 2018 model includes the infotainment system which makes use of a touchpad controller that functions as the mouse of a personal computer.
For 2019, the Lexus brand retuned the suspension of the RC, updated the coupe exterior styling, added Amazon smartphone connectivity, and Apple CarPlay to its list of standard features. Every Lexus RC model comes standard with the Lexus Safety Suite Plus, which includes pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, pre-collision warning along with the braking system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, front and rear side parking sensors are also available.
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