2024 Lexus RC F Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Love the understated luxury attitude of the Lexus RC coupe but left a little cold by its uninspired powertrain? The 2024 Lexus RC F is the solution to your dilemma. More than just an ornamental marketing ploy, that “F” suffix signifies the presence of a 472-hp V-8 engine, an adaptive suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and Brembo brakes, among other tweaks. (Note that the similarly named “F Sport” is a mild performance and cosmetic package available on the standard RC without the added bonus of V-8 power.) More exciting and precise than the base RC, the RC F still lacks the performance edge of European competitors such as the Audi RS5 and BMW M4. On the other hand, the RC F delivers a quiet cabin, a compliant ride, and the same luxurious interior as the non-F RC. In some respects, it’s not unlike a modern interpretation of the classic 2+2 coupe, an impression bolstered by its naturally aspirated V-8. There are also some racy exterior bits including an available carbon package, while the tech and safety content, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, is commensurate with the rest of the Lexus lineup. Buyers determined to get the most out of the RC platform can step—and pay—up, to the RC F Track Edition with carbon-fiber hood and carbon-ceramic brakes, among other performance mods.

What's New for 2024?

The big news is that 2024 is the last year for the RC F Track Edition, which will be available in a choice of Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, or Caviar exterior finishes. Otherwise, the 2024 Lexus RC F carries over virtually unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Given the price delta between the RC F and its Track Edition variant, it’s unlikely the customer base overlaps. That said, we think the base RC F makes the most sense, as it packages the desirable V-8 engine with the adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, and a well-appointed interior. Exterior features include 19-inch wheels, a black grille, a spoiler, and LED head- and taillights. The carbon package includes matte-black wheels and carbon-fiber trim for the roof, rear bumper, lip, and front spoiler, door moldings, and rear wing. Interior bits include more carbon-fiber trim, heated and ventilated leather front seats, and a heated steering wheel with a power-adjustable steering column. All RC F models come with the Lexus 2.5 Safety System+ suite of driver-assistance technology, and this includes such tech as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The RC F’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine is rated for 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The cornerstone of the RC F’s transformation, the V-8 is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. So equipped, Lexus claims a 4.2-second zero-to-60 time, but we beat that time by a tenth in C/D testing; the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition (mechanically commensurate with the 2024 Track Edition) shaved an additional tenth for an even 4.0-second run. The top speed is an electronically limited 168 mph. Though quick, it still trails the best high-performance coupes such as the manual-equipped BMW M4 that knocked off a 3.8-second zero to 60 run in C/D testing. As expected, the RC F features standard drive-mode settings that allow you to customize the car's tuning, and the six-piston Brembo brakes provide smooth and powerful braking. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires are standard on the RC F. Overall, the RC F makes for a comfortable choice for everyday driving, it’s just not the hard-edged performance weapon that its looks lead you to believe it will be.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Lexus RC F returns 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway according to the EPA. It’s worth noting that it returned 26 mpg in C/D’s 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, beating its official highway estimate by 2 mpg. None of the vehicles in this segment are miserly, and the RC F’s fuel economy is competitive with segment leaders including the BMW M4 which is rated for 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. For more information about the RC's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

As with the base RC, the RC F prioritizes the comfort and convenience of the front passengers. The styling is tasteful and contemporary, and the materials are of good quality. Seat bolstering is supportive but doesn’t entirely preclude comfort. As a weekend escape pod for two, it’s an ideal choice; just don’t expect to bring the kids, because the rear seat is cramped and best used for additional storage. The RC F's trunk offers 10 cubic feet of room, less than rivals such as the BMW M4 coupe (12 cubic feet).

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system comes standard with a 10.3-inch display. The Lexus RC F features most of the same features of the base RC, including a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to easily connect to the internet. Navigation and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system are optional as part of the Premium Audio package.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All models come with several standard driver-assistance technology features including radar cruise control, automatic braking and more as parts of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package. For more information about the RC's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lexus offers strong warranty protection that surpasses the coverage offered by competitors such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs