By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 8, 2017) It’s been a long time since we last slipped behind the wheel of the Lexus RC. Two and a half years ago, to be exact, when I drove it at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, during its debut in November 2014. At the time, I drove the 467-horsepower V-8 RC F and the more benign 306 horsepower V-6 RC

Since then, Lexus has slipped the RC 200t into the lineup. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged in-line four-cylinder that delivers 241 horsepower, 258 ft-pounds of torque and has an eight-speed automatic transmission.



Our RC 200t came equipped with the F Sport package, which Lexus has taken liberty to put on pretty much every vehicle they offer. To be clear, the F Sport does not make this vehicle faster and only a bit sportier. F Sport is basically a package that includes bigger wheels and tires, heated and perforated leather seats with position memory, a slightly different front fascia and a mesh spindle grille. There’s also adaptive variable suspension with different driving modes — Eco, Normal, Sport or Sport+ — and a cool-air intake with a sound generator. The sound generator is an artificial audible that activates in Sport or Sport+, imitating and piping the sound of a V-8 engine into the cabin, promising much more than the 200t can deliver.

With the RC, Lexus has built a car that satisfies most of our carnal desire for excess while manipulating our selfish desire for power. While the RC 200t is certainly refined, rides and drives extremely well, you really need to drive this vehicle in either Sport or Sport+, because any other mode is pointless, falling far short in fulfilling one’s desire for performance. For that you’ll have to opt for the V-8 powered RC F, and pony up an additional $25,000.

We also found that, even when driving in the Sport+ mode, the vehicle’s traction control is very intrusive, intervening extremely early when you want to have some driving fun. Also, to disengage the traction control system, you must first bring the vehicle to a complete stop, put it in park and hold the traction esc button for a few seconds.

The RC is a coupe-only vehicle that’s loosely based on the Lexus IS. The interior layout is similar to that of the IS, with the dashboard and operational display areas looking more industrial, with a curved console and an offset LCD display screen.

We especially liked the digital gauge cluster included in the optional F Sport package.



Standard electronics include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a seven-inch color display, voice controls (including Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users) and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB connections.

Disappointingly, Lexus still rejects Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its vehicles, one of the few manufacturers to do so. Also standard is Lexus Enform Service Connect, which provides access to vehicle status and maintenance alerts via a smartphone app.

Seats are high-backed, sit low and are well bolstered with rich leather and hand stitching. The back seats work best for small kids or to hold packages, and can be folded to gain access to the trunk. The trunk is small, at just 10.4 cubic feet, but will accommodate two bags of golf clubs.

Overall, the Lexus RC is a stylish luxury coupe with a beautifully trimmed interior, and rewards the driver with comfort that’s the hallmark of the Lexus brand. But when equipped with the entry-level four-cylinder, it does give up massive amounts of engine performance and some of its athletic handling.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $41,130
Price as Tested: $52,649
Seating: 4
Engine: 2.0-Liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 241
Fuel Economy: 22-MPG City – 32-MPG Highway
Crash Test Safety Ratings: IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick+

Competes With

Audi A5 Coupe
BMW 4-Series
Cadillac ATS
Infiniti Q60
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

What Stands Out

Attractive, sporting cabin
Unique exterior styling
Mark Levinson Premium Audio system