Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Lexus RC (2015-2020) - Engines, performance and drive

Hybrid is smooth and efficient, but turbo petrol disappoints. RC’s weight blunts performance and handling, so it’s more of a cruiser

Engines, performance and drive rating

3.2

How we review cars
Find your Lexus RC
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2015-2020 Lexus RC. If you are interested in information about the latest Lexus models, please follow the link provided.

The RC’s powertrain is found elsewhere in the Lexus range – it comes from the IS saloon – so there are no real surprises. The Japanese brand is well known for doing things a little bit differently to its German rivals, and you can feel that when you get the RC on the road.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It plays the traditional Lexus trump cards of refinement and smoothness pretty well. Wind and road noise are never noticeable, and the engines are whisper quiet most of the time. The only noise that occasionally intrudes is from the suspension, where big bumps around town can send a slight thud through the car, especially on the larger 19-inch wheels found on higher spec versions.

The RC is more firmly set-up than the IS, but apart from some lumpiness around town it’s never uncomfortable. It settles down at speed, too, and is an exceedingly smooth motorway cruiser, especially in models with the adaptive dampers. The Mercedes C-Class Coupe is even more composed, however, and specced correctly it feels less brittle over potholed streets.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Niro

2024 Kia

Niro

20,349 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £19,848
View Niro
Formentor

2024 Cupra

Formentor

25,379 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,600
View Formentor
A-Class

2021 Mercedes

A-Class

39,903 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £15,048
View A-Class
2 Series Coupe

2020 BMW

2 Series Coupe

28,100 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,603
View 2 Series Coupe

Lexus has worked on the RC to give it a sportier, more engaging feel than the IS saloon. It’s not massively successful in this regard, though, especially with the high standard set by rivals. The steering is well-weighted and more direct than you might expect, but quick driving exposes a numbness to the controls. Up the pace and body control suffers too, with the initially sharp turn-in giving way to a heavy, lumpen feel. Given that the RC is around 170kg heftier than the equivalent BMW 4 Series, that’s to be expected.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The hybrid is even heavier due to the battery pack, and body roll is more noticeable than in the turbo petrol. The adaptive dampers go some way to rectifying this in ‘Sport S+’ mode, reducing roll, but it’s still some way away from the composure of the best cars in the class. Grip levels are strong, however.

The RC received steering and suspension tweaks with its 2019 facelift – these have brought sharper turn-in and a more polished ride than before, but the RC is still no match for the BMW 4 Series when it comes to outright fun. The torque-vectoring differential helps it enter and exit corners smoothly, but grip levels aren’t much to shout about. It’s comfortable at a cruise, however, and is one of the most refined performance cars out there.

Engines

There’s just one engine available, a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid badged RC 300h. Lexus quotes 8.6 seconds to 62mph and top speed is limited to just 118mph. The hybrid's CVT gearbox is particularly frustrating for keen drivers, as it’s too eager to send the revs soaring to an intrusive drone when you press the throttle. There are ‘virtual’ ratios, but there’s often a delay when selecting them via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, plus the transmission still constantly alters the gearing.

Best hybrid cars

The downside is that the RC 300h gets noisy and sluggish if you demand all of its performance at high speed, but the RC is no sports car. The electric motor gives you instant torque and it can run on electric-only mode for a few miles around town.

The RC F’s naturally-aspirated 471bhp V8 makes a great noise and is a real firebreather when revved. It’s certainly more characterful when you’re in the mood than the turbocharged BMW M4. The trade off is a sluggish feeling at low revs, which combines with the weight to make the RC F a car you need to work surprisingly hard to get going.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025