You know the Lexus RC lineup, but you don’t know the new models yet that have been introduced in 2016. For example, the RC 200t, but you should know it. Indeed you will, well if you are a luxury coupe lover that is looking for an impressive fuel economy along with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
For a comparison, the RC model is based on the Lexus IS sedan, but for a wider range comparison the competition includes the Audi 5 or the S5 as well as the Cadillac ATS Coupe and the BMW 4 Series option.
The trims on this entry level Lexus RC includes the RC 200t, RC 300 and RC 350 and much is the same across the board on these three trim levels.
On all trims, you get 18-inch wheels that include all-season tires, drive mode options, heated side mirrors and keyless ignition and entry as well as LED headlights and taillights. There is an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rearview camera, automatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power driver seat with an eight-way power passenger seat and heated seats with premium vinyl upholstery and real wood and aluminum trim used inside. Add to that the 60/40-folding rear seat and technology goodies that include not only the Bluetooth phone and audio connect, but a seven-inch display with voice controls, 10 speakers, HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB connections.
You will also find the Lexus Enform system on the Lexus RC that allows for vehicle status and maintenance alerts as needed.
There are a variety of packages that are optional for this model depending on how you want to add to the equipment. The Premium package offers heated and air-conditioned front seats, auto-dimming side mirrors and safety functions like the blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Navigation package has a console-mounted touchpad controller, navigation system, smartphone app integration and on the Navigation/Mark Levinson package there are 17 speakers included.
On the Luxury package, you will find automatic wipers and leather upholstery additions as well as power tilt-and-telescoping steering. With the All-Weather package, its headlight washers and a windshield wiper de-icer.
For the F Sport Package, the RC has 19-inch wheels that are summer or all-season, a mesh grille and a unique front fascia. There are sport-tuned suspension dampers and sport front seats and leather upholstery and trim with a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a cool instrument cluster.
If you aren’t up for adding an entire package, you can opt for stand-alone features such as a power sunroof, LED fog lights, limited-slip differential with sport-tuned dampers on select trims and adaptive cruise control with front and rear parking sensors.
Under the hood, the 2016 Lexus RC 200t comes with rear-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine offering up 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic.
The RC 300 is an all-wheel drive with a six-speed speed automatic transmission, 3.5-liter V6 engine with 255 horsepower and 236 pound feet of torque.
On the RC350, you can get the all-wheel or rear-wheel drive with eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V6 engine cranking out 306 horsepower and 277 pound feet of torque.
For safety, expect features that come standard including antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control and the front-seat side, front knee and side curtain airbags. You also get one year of the Lexus Enform Safety Connect that gives you an onboard emergency system with collision notification and stolen-vehicle or roadside assistance.
On the Premium package, safety is increased with a blind-spot monitoring mechanism including rear cross-traffic alert as well as adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation that will stop the vehicle for you in the case of an imminent collision.
Of course, the interior and exterior is sexy, but behind the wheel feels equally sexy too. You can feel the luxury oozing from the cars pores as you ride or drive the Lexus RC. It is a cabin that seats four and all around no matter where you sit you will find high-end materials. There is a heavier than usual padding on the armrests, console and dash and it’s certain you will find the front two seats comfortable, however the back seats do not offer the legroom or headroom that is needed for an extended drive.
The knobs and buttons for sound and climate are easily navigated; the touch-sensitive controller does take some getting used to, but is easy once you have the hang of it.
The trunk has 10.4 cubic feet and more if you utilize the 60/40 folding rear seatbacks.
As you drive the Lexus RC, you will find a power coupled with a refined ride that won’t go unnoticed. You will accelerate with ease and it’s a smooth ride all the way around thanks to the suspension, which is impressive for a luxury sport coupe in the entry level market.
If you want to ride and glide and feel good at the same time, the 2016 Lexus RC is your go-to as you find yourself turning heads and making one excuse after another for another grocery store run so you can get behind the wheel.
Should You Need to Know: The 2016 Lexus RC luxury coupe offers two new engine choices this year and the 2016 RC 350 F Sport will get you 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds.
Miles Per Gallon: I drove the 2016 Lexus RC200t and it came it at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2016 Lexus RC200t I drove with the F Sport Package had a price tag of $49,180.
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