2020 Lexus RC 300

Lexus knows how to make an impression with its entry-level cars and the Lexus RC is everything that the brand stands for, at least on paper. The design is glitzy but not that hyperbole like on the LC and RC F, which makes it more approachable and open. The RC is offered in two trims and two drive train options. There is also a choice of engine for both trims. The base RC employs decent fills of standard safety features while the F sport brings more sugar and spice with aggressive handling instincts in the form of adaptive suspension, sports seats, and heated and ventilated seats.

Trims	Base	F Sport
MSRP	$ 41,145	$ 47,860
AWD	$ 43,835	$ 50,035
Features	18-inch wheels	19-inch wheels
	Apple CarPlay	Adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers
	Forward collision warning and mitigation	Perforated-leather upholstery and trim
	Lexus Enform communication and remote services	Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
	Adaptive cruise control	Driver-seat memory settings and a special instrument cluster
	Lane departure warning	Navigation and Premium packages (see below)
	10-speaker sound system with satellite radio	Sport front seats with heating and ventilation
	60/40-split-folding rear seat
	Simulated leather upholstery
	Power-adjustable front seats Heated seats (AWD models only)
	7-inch display
	Dual-zone automatic climate control
	Keyless entry and ignition
	LED headlights

We Recommend

The F Sport package will make your ride sportier, at least that's what Lexus says. Though it does not have any impact on the ride quality, we would recommend you pair the base RC with the Premium package.

Frugality is not this Lexus best virtue, the base Turbo Inline-4 engine will just keep you on the thins to avoid frequent gas station visits. The V6’s thirst, on the other hand, crosses your line of the budget. The base engine will yield a 21 mpg economy in the city which can be stretched to 30 mpg on the highway. The V6 drops the number of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The upper-middle-class may not be intrigued but compared to the gas-guzzling RC F these numbers are delicious.

Model	Lexus RC 300	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium Sportback	BMW 430i coupe	Jaguar XE
MPG (city)	21	24	22	21	24	24	24
MPG (highway)	30	33	33	28	34	34	34
MPG (combined)	24	27	26	23	27	27	28

“The RC's interior is easy to see out of, easy to climb into, easy on the eyes, and mostly easy to figure out. Alas, it has a poor exterior-to-interior space ratio — especially with regard to the rear seats — and operating the entertainment system is a nuisance”-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The RC’s interior is everything right about the luxury coupes in the industry and at the same time, it’s not a bulletproof sample either. The interior is comfortable and the low height makes entry and exits easy, though the long gates make parking in tight spaces a tricky job. As for the cabin space, Lexus messed up the interior exterior ratio resulting in cramped rear seats.

Model	Lexus RC 300	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium Sportback	BMW 430i	Jaguar XE
Passenger capacity	4	5	5	5	4	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39/54.7/45.4	38.6//42.4	37.1/55/N/A	39.7/56.3/42.6	39/55.3/41.3	39.8/54.8/42.2	N/A
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	34.8/50.8/27.3	37.6/53.6/35.1	37.1/55.3/N/A	36.9/54.6/34.8	36.1/50.7/32.7	37.2/54.8/33.7	N/A

Just like the exterior, the interior shows a great work of art cabin with uniform gaps and minimal rattles. The use of plastic is not much visible and just around the analog clock which may blend with the design but is reminiscing of the past. The RC offers to seat for 4 which itself is a farfetched statement as the rear seats are deprived of any legroom space. Competitors, on the other hand, takes the ball by delivering more pleasing seating conditions.

Infotainment

Lexus’s infotainment is not particularly easy to use. The 7-inch infotainment screen is buried deep into the dash making it difficult to use. There is an option for a 10.3-inch split-screen display which eases things a little bit, but the Remote Touch Controller spoils the fun. On top of that, Lexus’s galoot Enform infotainment system feels dated to use. This year you get Apple CarPlay which is a good thing but Android users are left hanging.

Cargo Space

Even with that long feline body, the RC runs low on the utility curve. Its 1.3 cubic feet of space is not just lower than the competitors it can only manage a couple of bags for a two-day trip. The cabin is not much of practical too. You have a central console fit for only carrying the car keys and small door pockets on large doors. The impractical rear seats are the only place you can fit the extra luggage.

Model	Lexus RC 300	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium Sportback	BMW 430i coupe	Jaguar XE
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	10.4	13.0	10.5	10.5	21.8	15.7	16.1

Interior Features

• Front Seatback Storage
• Front Cupholders
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Keyless Ignition
• Climate Control
• Turn Signal In Mirrors
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear View Camera
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Front Door Pockets
• Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)

“The 2020 Lexus RC maintains its visual intrigue with a few updates, and remains a style standout”- The Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

Lexus has always avoided those mundane subtle lines which the luxury-oriented cars are known for, they like to go a little creative with their car’s shell. Through the LC doesn’t share the hyperbole stylings as the LC receives, it has an elegant character of its own. Right from the brand-defining Spindle grill to the revised headlamps with daytime running lights makes the design speak for itself, it’s a Lexus after all! The hood remains long and gets the best out of RC’s length, from the sides it looks a little bulky which goes with the story of RC’s heavyweight.

Model	Lexus RC 300	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium Sportback	BMW 430i coupe	Jaguar XE
Curb weight (lbs.)	3737	3521	3500*	3516 lbs	3704	3574	3500 lbs
Length(in)	184.8	182.6	184.5	184.4 in	186.3	182.7	183.9
Width(in)	72.4	73.7	71.3	72.8 in	72.6	71.9	77.4
Height(in)	54.9	56.5	55.3	55.1 in	54.6	54.2	55.8
Ground clearance (in)	5.3	NA	3.5	5.1 in	N/A	5.1	-
Wheelbase (in)	107.5	111	111.8	111.6 in	111.2	110.6	111.6
Track width (in) F/R	62.2/63	61.3/63.9	61.5/60.9	-	62.5/61.7	60.8/62.8	62.8/62.4

Taking a page from Lexus LFA’s book, the RC has a peculiar design language. Its entire 184.8 inches long body comprises of aggressive detailing to style. A large hoof, the spindle grille, and fins make up the most of the design part. From ear to ear the RC’s width accounts for 72.4 inches and the peculiar low stance makes the height at 72.4 inches in total. Compared to other coupes in the war pit, the RC has a smaller wheelbase which eases on the turning radius.

Exterior Features

• 19" Split 10-Spoke Alloy Wheel W/Summer Tires
• Alloy Wheel Locks
• Rear Spoiler
• Door Edge Guards
• Special Color
• Rear Bumper Applique
• Premium Triple Beam LED Headlamps
• Power Moonroof
• Orange Brake Calipers
• Black Brake Calipers
• 19" Aluminum Alloy Wheels WAll-Season Tires

Lexus installs the best of what it has in the safety department with good crash test ratings to build the RC 300. The 2020 RC 300 is not completely ready to joust the wall yet but last year’s scores are quite convincing. IIHS gave Lexus its approval by making the RC its Top Safety Pick + award last year and they intend to replicate the results. The standard safety set includes-

• Engine Immobilizer
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
• Front And Rear Head Airbags
• Stability Control
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• 2 Front Headrests
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• LED Headlamp
• Auto Delay Off Headlamps
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Traction Control
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

Mercedes Benz C 300 vs 2020 Lexus RC 300

This entry-level Merc knows how to make a statement. The minimalistic styling clubbed with the Merc’s tri-star logo and superb interior quality makes the C class stand out. In many ways, German elegance and better driving dynamics make the RC appear pale but you won’t find the hypercar like styling remotely on the C class. Also, the C 300 is more frugal and offers better practicality.

It's smart to parley a few horses for magnetic styling but doing that by crucifying fuel economy, practicality and comfort is fool’s play.

Audi A5 vs 2020 Lexus RC 300

Audi’s one foot in the future not just influences the A5's styling but also the technology used. Compared to Lexus clumsy infotainment Audi is a life savior and that’s not even the best part. It takes Lexus’s V6 engine to compete against Audi’s Inline -4 engine and outperforms the Japanese. Despite both cars sharing similar dimensions, Audi found a better way to use theirs. The A5’s rear seats are usable while the RC’s seats can only accommodate extra bags.

The 2020 Lexus RC lies in the posh side of luxury coupes. Its berserk styling and king size body makes it a post the worthy car on your timeline, though it’s the only strong point that Lexus has. The RC’s engine is potent but even Audi’s Inline-4 has more muscle than the RC’s optional V6 which is a discouraging factor. But then again it's intended to be a boulevard cruiser than a sporty animal. The cabin has an elegant vibe with decent quality but the inhabitable rear seats ruin the entire experience.

Everything Lexus is rooting for on the RC is already there in the market in a more elegant way. Right from economy to power, and comfort to frugality, you will find better numbers and a better deal on the competitor’s territory.