With aggressive styling and available power to back it up, the RC enters the 2024 model year with a handful of new grayscale paint options and available 19-inch Enkei wheels, but no major changes; Lexus does note, however, that 2024 will be the final year of the RC F Track Edition.
Powertrain Specs and MPG
Beyond its body style, the RC’s powertrain options include a few throwbacks in the form of naturally aspirated V-6 and V-8 options. The base engine, only available in the rear-wheel-drive RC 300, is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 241 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque; it gets an EPA-rated 21/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined. The RC 300 with all-wheel drive steps up to a 3.5-liter V-6 making 260 hp and 236 pounds-feet; it’s rated at 19/26/22 mpg.
Both rear- and all-wheel-drive RC 350s are powered by a stouter version of the 3.5-liter V-6, which puts out 311 hp and 280 pounds-feet. The EPA rates the rear-drive RC 350 at 20/28/23 mpg and the AWD version at 19/26/22. AWD RCs use a six-speed automatic transmission, while RWD variants get an eight-speed automatic.
The RC line’s performance halo is the RC F, which gets swollen fenders stuffed with additional air intakes and outlets and packs a 472-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 with 395 pounds-feet of torque. It’s only available with an eight-speed automatic and RWD, and fuel-economy ratings for the RC F are 16/24/19 mpg. For maximum performance (at a maximum pricing premium), the RC F Track Edition features a carbon-fiber hood, roof and rear wing, Hitachi shock absorbers, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and a black-and-blue simulated suede interior.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 Standard
Every 2024 Lexus RC comes fitted with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as standard equipment. This suite of advanced driver-assist features includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, left-turn intersection support, lane departure steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, automatic high beams and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors are available.
Availability and Pricing
The 2024 Lexus RC is on sale now. Full line pricing (including $1,150 destination) is as follows:
RC 300: $45,920
RC 300 AWD: $48,610
RC 300 F Sport: $50,540
RC 300 F Sport AWD: $52,830
RC 350: $48,850
RC 350 AWD: $51,015
RC 350 F Sport: $53,470
RC 350 F Sport AWD: $55,195
RC F: $68,295
RC F Track Edition: $101,170
Versus the Competition
The current generation of the Lexus RC dates to the 2016 model year; its German competitors have all been significantly refreshed since then. The Audi A5 starts at $48,795, while the high-performance RS5 bases at $79,695. BMW charges $50,895 for a 430i and $79,095 for the M4. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 can be had from $50,700, while the 2023 AMG C63 S starts at $83,000.
