Introduction

Sporty in nature and stylish to the eyes, the 2020 Lexus RC demonstrates that larger coupes can still be compelling choices. Aggressively handsome, the RC has become a worthy competitor to sporty German-brand two-doors since its 2014 launch. 

Little has changed for the 2020 model year, except for an updated design and enhanced performance for the sizzling RC F, including a new Launch Control system. Headlights for the RC F are new, and its engine gains 5 horsepower. Android Auto compatibility has been added to the infotainment system. 

The broad lineup is arranged by powertrain and performance. The lineup includes RC 300, RC 350, and RC F versions, as well as F Sport offshoots of the RC 300 and RC 350. 

The base RC 300 can be fitted with either a turbo-4 or a V-6. The tepid 2.0-liter turbo-4 issues 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, reaching the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions of the RC 300 get the slightly more powerful 3.5-liter V-6, making 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic. 

In the RC 350, the V-6 upgrades to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, promising significantly greater vigor. It's paired with the 8-speed automatic. 

For all-out frenzy, nothing will suffice other than the RC F, which unleashes a 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8. Lexus also offers a Track edition, adding a carbon fiber hood, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium muffler, and other performance upgrades. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 4.2 seconds, versus 5.8 seconds for the rear-drive RC 350 and 6.3 seconds for the RC 300's 260-hp V-6. 

Gas mileage is a demerit, especially with the V-6 engine that's otherwise a good choice. With the turbo-4 and rear-drive, the RC 300 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined. All-wheel drive, with the 260-hp V-6, lowers fuel economy to a less-frugal 18/24/21 mpg. 

In the RC 350, the more powerful V-6 is rated at 20/28/23 mpg with RWD, or 19/26/21 mpg with AWD. The swift-moving RC F and its V8 aren't much worse at 16/24/19 mpg. Lexus recommends premium fuel for all versions. 

The IIHS gave the RC top “Good” ratings in each of its crash tests, including the challenging small-overlap collision for both the driver and passenger sides. Headlights haven't been tested, which takes the RC out of the running for the agency's Top Safety Pick designation. 

Every RC includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, active lane control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Drivers can expect good outward visibility. 

Lineup

The Lexus RC is available in three trim levels: RC 300, RC 350, and RC F. The RC 300 and RC 350 are available in F Sport guise, while the RC F features a Track Edition. Prices include a $1,025 destination charge. 

The base RC 300 starts at $42,320 and includes synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, paddle shifters, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, selectable drive modes, keyless ignition, and 18-inch wheels. The infotainment system has a 7.0-inch screen as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

The $47,390 RC 300 F Sport adds an adaptive suspension, Sport S+ and Custom drive modes, heated and cooled front seats with enhanced bolsters, perforated leather upholstery, a unique grille, and 19-inch wheels. A limited-slip differential is optional. 

The RC 350 is priced from $45,250. It upgrades to the 311-horsepower V-6 engine, but is otherwise equipped just like the RC 300. The same goes for the RC 350 F Sport ($50,320) compared to the RC 300 F Sport. 

For all-out performance and bolder styling, the $65,925 RC F makes use of the V-8 and rear-wheel drive, with a specially-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. A scintillating Track Edition of the RC F ($97,825) adds a carbon fiber hood and wing, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, 19-inch ultralight BBS wheels, and Alcantara interior trim. 

Walkaround

Nothing about the Lexus RC is sedate, especially in F Sport and RC F configurations. Neat detailing blends with a clean profile to create a look that's not for everyone, but which enthusiasts are likely to praise. 

Curves and angles work together with a cohesive result. As in other Lexus models, the RC's oversized “spindle” grille demands attention, if not always favorably. Sharp headlights penetrate into the fenders, while bodily angles are echoed in chrome detailing on the rear roof pillar. Taillights serve to tie the rear end together. The RC 350, in particular, is in accord with the coupe's audacious styling. 

Front and rear styling differs on the RC F, which also gets its own wheel designs. 

Interior

Within the delightful cabin, the driver faces a low, horizontal dashboard. Materials excel, with little evidence of cost cutting. 

Standard interior colors are dull on the base RC 300 model, but brighter hues are available. Optional wood trim looks good, but so do aluminum inlays. 

With seating for four, the RC can't be called family-car spacious. Front occupants can revel in comfortable seats with multiple adjustments. Seats might be upholstered in synthetic or genuine leather, with heating and cooling available. Bolstering is more expansive in the F Sport, whose seats are wide enough to satisfy a broad range of drivers. 

Rear seats aren't easy to access, but are reasonably spacious after wiggling into position. Better to reserve that space for youngsters or storing small items. Folding the rear seat flat expands cargo space well beyond the trunk's modest 10.4 cubic feet. 

Unfortunately, the infotainment software is a sore spot, made worse by a touchpad controller that operates like a low-budget laptop. 

Driving Impression

Not every RC is dedicated to no-holds-barred performance like the fiery RC F, but most versions work well as grand touring cars. In urban driving, the regular RC is docile and comfortable. With its stiffer suspension, the RC F Sport handles corners with greater verve, but without a significant penalty in ride quality. 

The underwhelming turbo-4 struggles to propel the RC, which hovers around 3,800 pounds. A stronger choice is the 3.5-liter V-6, which comes in two states of tune. The best bet is the smooth V-6 in the RC 350, which sounds as good as it performs. For full-bore performance, pick the RC F, with a V-8 blasting out 472 horsepower like a Detroit muscle car from the past. 

Taking advantage of its Launch Control system, the Track Edition of the RC F can reach 60 mph in a hair under 4.0 seconds, according to Lexus. Its 8-speed transmission whips out ultra-quick shifts. 

Base models ride somewhat softly, but certainly aren't cushiony cruisers. The F Sport's adaptive suspension eases through big bumps, despite sportier tires and larger wheels. 

Every RC benefits from crisp steering, but the optional rear-wheel steering doesn't appeal to everyone. 

Summary

Generous standard equipment helps make the 2020 Lexus RC a reasonable value in a sporty coupe. Depending on its powertrain, the RC can be a mild-mannered companion, a luxury-sport contender, or a powerhouse for the enthusiast crowd. Not everyone is ready for a rear-wheel-drive two-door with sporty tires. For those who are, a 311-hp RC 350 would be a good buy, especially in F Sport trim. 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.