A Comprehensive Review of the 2024 Lexus RC: Unleashing Luxury and Performance
Lexus As a prominent luxury automaker, Lexus continues to push boundaries with innovative designs, cutting-edge technology and unmatched craftsmanship. Below we will dive into different aspects of the 2024 Lexus RC, including exterior and interior features, performance, safety features and overall driving experience. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply want to explore the latest Lexus products, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Contents
- 1 Overview 2024 Lexus RC
- 2 Exterior Design of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 3 Interior Comfort of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 4 Technology of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 5 Performance of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 6 Safety Features of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 7 Driving Experience of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 8 Fuel Efficiency of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 9 Pricing of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 10 Specifications of the 2024 Lexus RC
- 11 Feelings about 2024 Lexus RC
- 12 FAQ: 2024 Lexus RC
Overview 2024 Lexus RC
Time waits for no one, and neither does the 2024 Lexus RC. Despite its contemporary styling, the RC is starting to show its age. However, it’s aging gracefully, like a fine wine, rather than one of those flashy, artificially flavored drinks found in gas station convenience stores.
Nevertheless, its elegant appearance cannot hide the fact that its chassis and engines are outdated. While the ride is smooth and the interior is luxurious, newer competitors offer more advanced powertrains and sharper dynamics.
The RC300 comes standard with a turbocharged inline-four engine, while the option for all-wheel drive or upgrading to the RC350 brings a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6. However, even the V-6 version in the available F Sport trim lacks the immediacy and boldness of some of its European rivals.
For those seeking more excitement, there is the RC F (reviewed separately), which boasts a powerful V-8 engine and a tuned suspension. Nonetheless, as a laid-back personal luxury coupe, the RC is a sophisticated choice that prioritizes style, comfort, and furnishings above all else. For certain buyers, that is more than sufficient.
Exterior Design of the 2024 Lexus RC
The 2024 Lexus RC boasts a captivating exterior design that seamlessly blends elegance and sportiness. The front fascia is dominated by the signature Lexus spindle grille, which exudes a commanding presence on the road. The sharp LED headlights and distinctive L-shaped daytime running lights further enhance the aggressive stance of the RC. Moving towards the rear, you’ll notice the sleek lines and sculpted curves that give the car a dynamic and aerodynamic appearance. With its attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship, the exterior design of the 2024 Lexus RC is a true testament to Lexus’ commitment to luxury.
Interior Comfort of the 2024 Lexus RC
Step inside the 2024 Lexus RC, and you’ll immediately be enveloped in a world of luxury and comfort. The cabin showcases premium materials such as leather upholstery, wood accents, and soft-touch surfaces, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. The seats are ergonomically designed to provide optimum support and comfort, making long drives a pleasure. The RC also offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone can enjoy a comfortable ride.
The most appealing features of the RC are its interior quality, comfort, and layout—especially for the front passengers. It’s important to note that the rear seats in all RC variants are not very spacious and are better suited for small, flexible individuals who don’t mind maneuvering to get in position. On the other hand, the front seats are welcoming and supportive, and the leather upholstery feels even better than expected.
Dual-zone climate controls are included as standard, and the interior remains remarkably quiet regardless of speed. Cargo capacity is not a strong point, although the RC’s trunk was able to accommodate four carry-on cases, or five when the rear seat is folded flat. For a pair of occupants, however, the RC offers a luxurious and comfortable environment to enjoy the journey. It’s worth mentioning that the low roofline and fastback design, while stylish, do create significant blind spots.
See more: Unveiling the 2024 Lexus LX: A Review of Luxury and Performance
Technology of the 2024 Lexus RC
When it comes to technology, the 2024 Lexus RC leaves no stone unturned. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large high-resolution touchscreen display that serves as an interface for the infotainment system. This system includes features such as navigation, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice commands. Furthermore, the RC is equipped with an impressive audio system that delivers crystal-clear sound quality, immersing you in your favorite music.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen comes as standard, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen available as an option. Fortunately, now that the screens have touch capabilities, the sometimes confusing console-mounted remote touchpad no longer exclusively controls the infotainment system. CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa are included as standard features; onboard Wi-Fi is also offered. Audiophiles may consider spending ($2725) on the Premium audio package, which includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system bundled with the larger 10.3-inch touchscreen and navigation. The price may be high, but the sound quality is exceptional.
Performance of the 2024 Lexus RC
Underneath its sleek exterior, the 2024 Lexus RC offers an exhilarating performance that will satisfy even the most discerning drivers. The base model of the RC is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. This engine delivers smooth acceleration and responsive handling, making it perfect for everyday driving.
For those seeking more power, Lexus offers an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine in the RC 350 model. With 311 horsepower at your disposal, this engine provides a thrilling driving experience with quick acceleration and impressive passing power.
Both engine options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that ensures seamless gear shifts. Additionally, the RC features rear-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction and stability on various road conditions.
The base RC300 model is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. With full torque available at 1,650 rpm, it may not be exceptionally fast, but it won’t keep you waiting long to reach higher speeds.
Opting for all-wheel drive brings the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed transmission. The V-6 produces 260 horsepower, but torque slightly decreases to 236 pound-feet. In the RC350, the V-6 is tuned for 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel drive model uses an eight-speed transmission, while the all-wheel drive version has a six-speed automatic.
During our testing, we found that the V-6 engine was smoother than the four-cylinder, but the RC350 still falls short in terms of power compared to its rivals. While it took 5.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, the BMW 440i coupe we tested accomplished the same feat in just 4.4 seconds—a performance difference that feels much more significant than it appears on paper.
Despite not being the most exciting performer, the RC does have some capability and will respond with moderate enthusiasm. However, where it truly excels is in ride comfort, earning high praise in this regard.
Safety Features of the 2024 Lexus RC
Lexus prioritizes safety in all their vehicles, and the 2024 Lexus RC is no exception. The car comes equipped with an array of advanced safety features that provide peace of mind during your journeys.
One notable safety feature is the Lexus Safety System+, which includes features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and mitigate potential risks on the road.
Furthermore, the RC is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes to ensure maximum safety for both the driver and passengers.
While the 2024 Lexus RC has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it has received “good” ratings in all tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Moreover, the 2024 RC comes equipped with a range of essential driver-assistance technologies as standard.
These include radar cruise control, automatic braking, and more, which are part of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package. For additional information regarding the RC’s crash test results, it is advisable to visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Notable safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Driving Experience of the 2024 Lexus RC
Once you take the wheel of the 2024 Lexus RC, you’ll immediately feel its sporty nature come alive. The precise steering and responsive handling make maneuvering through tight corners a breeze. The suspension system strikes a fine balance between comfort and sportiness, providing a smooth ride even on rough surfaces.
Whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling winding roads, the RC offers a refined driving experience with minimal road noise and vibrations. The well-insulated cabin creates a serene environment where you can fully enjoy the drive.
Additionally, the RC offers multiple driving modes that allow you to customize your driving experience based on your preferences. From Eco mode for enhanced fuel efficiency to Sport mode for a more dynamic ride, you can tailor the car’s performance to suit your needs.
Fuel Efficiency of the 2024 Lexus RC
The most fuel-efficient variant of the Lexus RC is the rear-wheel drive RC300 with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which has received an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. However, in our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, it only achieved disappointing 29 mpg. Although it falls slightly short of its EPA estimate, it still fares better than many higher-powered competitors that either match or surpass their own EPA highway ratings.
Interestingly, the more powerful RC350 F Sport we tested delivered the exact same results as the turbo four. The RC350 with all-wheel drive is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, or 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, respectively. Overall, none of the RC models stand out in terms of fuel economy within the segment. For further information regarding the RC’s fuel economy, please refer to the EPA’s website.
Pricing of the 2024 Lexus RC
RC300
|
$45,920 |
RC350 | $48,850 |
RC300 F Sport | $50,540 |
RC350 F Sport | $53,470 |
At this stage of its life, the RC is more like a distinguished gentleman than a boy racer. Therefore, we believe that most buyers would be happiest with the base RC300 model. If performance is a priority, we suggest that the additional $2930 required to upgrade to the 311-hp RC350 would be better spent on the much more powerful 472-hp RC F, or even on competitors such as the Audi A5 and BMW 4-series.
For those who desire all-wheel drive, it is available for a few thousand dollars more. Additionally, we recommend opting for the Premium package, which includes heated and ventilated front seats with memory function for the seats, mirrors, and steering wheel.
It also includes heated exterior mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers. There is also a weather package that offers windshield wiper deicers, headlamp washers, water-repellent front-door glass, and a fast-response interior heater.
Specifications of the 2024 Lexus RC
2024 Lexus RC350 F Sport AWD | Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe |
PRICE | Base/As Tested: $52,555/$59,995 Options: Mark Levinson audio package with navigation, $2725; LED headlamps, $1160; power moonroof, $1100; Infrared paint; $595; park assist, $500; illuminated door sills, $450; rear spoiler, $410; heated steering wheel, $150; door edge guards, $140; carpet trunk mat, $120; rear bumper applique, $90 |
ENGINE | DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 211 in3, 3456 cm3 Power: 311 hp @ 6600 rpm Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
TRANSMISSION | 6-speed automatic |
CHASSIS | Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: 14.0-in vented disc/12.7-in vented disc Tires: Bridgestone Turanza EL450 235/40R-19 92V M+S |
DIMENSIONS | Wheelbase: 107.5 in Length: 185.0 in Width: 72.4 in Height: 55.1 in Passenger Volume: 82 ft3 Trunk Volume: 10 ft3 Curb Weight: 3986 lb |
C/D TEST RESULTS | 60 mph: 5.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.1 sec @ 100 mph 130 mph: 26.6 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.0 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 132 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g |
C/D FUEL ECONOMY | Observed: 19 mpg |
EPA FUEL ECONOMY | Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/26 mpg |
Feelings about 2024 Lexus RC
The 2024 Lexus RC is a remarkable luxury sports coupe that combines striking design, luxurious comfort, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance. With its attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Lexus has once again delivered a masterpiece that will captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re looking for a stylish daily driver or a thrilling weekend getaway vehicle, the 2024 Lexus RC is sure to exceed your expectations.
Reference: https://www.lexus.com/
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