Lexus RC F Review & Prices

The Lexus RC F is a rare breed of car - it’s a two-door sports coupe, powered by a naturally-aspirated (non-turbocharged) 5.0-litre V8. While you might think of Lexus as a high-tech car company building cutting-edge hybrids, the RC F is actually closest in character to the Ford Mustang - it’s an old-school muscle car at heart.

It’s like spotting Colin from accounts in a club on the weekends - cowboy boots on, hair down, and having an absolutely great time.

Alternatives to the RC F are limited, but include the aforementioned Mustang as well as more focussed European options such as the BMW M2 and M4. You might also consider the Mercedes CLE 53, though that isn’t quite as extreme.

The Lexus’ old-school feel starts with the styling - it doesn’t look much like the brand’s latest models, but that’s no bad thing. The two-door shape is long and lithe, and bulging wheelarches, a bonnet scoop and a dramatic carbon-fibre spoiler on the boot lid all conspire to make it look purposeful and dynamic.

The old-school feel continues on the inside, too, which is something of a mixed bag. The cabin feels like something from last century - it’s a sea of buttons and switches on a high-set, two-tiered centre console. You even get an analogue clock and a CD player.

While you do get an infotainment screen, you might be surprised to find it’s not touch-sensitive. Instead of reaching out and pressing the screen, you have to interact with it through a touchpad controller behind the gear selector. Combine this with the incredibly outdated graphics and limited functionality, and you’ll find it’s an exercise in frustration to use it at all. You don’t even get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, not that you’d particularly want to use them with just the touchpad.

But this awkward interior has some real high points - it’s absolutely beautifully finished. The sports seats are finished in bright blue leather and Alcantara on the Ultimate Edition model, and they’re incredibly comfortable yet still supportive for drivers of all sizes. The centre console feels dense and solid, and the choice of materials is fantastic. It’s the ideal mix of luxurious and sporty, and makes the Ford Mustang’s interior feel like a Happy Meal toy in comparison.

Practicality isn’t the RC F’s strong suit - not that you’d expect capacious rear seats or a massive boot in a two-door coupe. While the front seats are nice and roomy, the rear seats are only suitable for small adults and short journeys. Boot space, at 366 litres, is decent for a coupe - it’s a little smaller than the Mustang or the BMW M2, but you should still be able to fit weekend luggage for two with ease. And there’s always the back seats if you need more space to sling bags.

The RC F uses a massive 5.0-litre V8 engine - the total opposite to Lexus’ usual eco-focused hybrids. It does without electrical assistance or even a turbocharger, and as a result it’s powerful but not groundbreaking, putting out 457hp. That’s the sort of figure you’ll see from any number of electric SUVs.

In outright performance terms, it’s impressive but not groundbreaking. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes around 4.3 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 168mph. Those are undeniably strong numbers, but you’ll easily beat them in a BMW M2 or M4.

The RC F’s real appeal lies in just how it goes about putting that performance down. The engine sounds truly spectacular when it’s revving high - it’s a much nicer sound than the slightly strangled tone you get from most turbocharged alternatives. Unlike a turbocharged engine, too, you get the best performance by going right up into the heavens of the rev range, which is where all the aural drama lies.

It’s a shame the gearbox isn’t anywhere near as responsive as you’d like from a performance car - and if you just leave it in ‘Drive’ you don’t get the high revs that really make the most out of the engine. On the flip side, when you’re just bumbling around, the gearbox is smooth and slushy and the engine lovely and smooth with minimal vibrations, even though the exhaust note is always present.

The RC F is also a lovely car to cover distance in. It’s comfortable and the adaptive cruise control works really smoothly. Get onto a country road, and you’ll find the steering is lovely and natural-feeling, without the artificially quick sensation you get from some alternatives. However, it’s not quite as willing as a BMW M2 in fast cornering - it feels larger and heavier, and the body leans a bit more in the bends.

In terms of running costs, the RC F is quite good - when compared to other coupes of this size and performance. You’ll be able to top 30mpg if you’re doing a long motorway run, though if you’re using the engine’s performance or just doing lots of short-distance town runs, you’ll see it tumble closer to 20mpg. However, a Ford Mustang will struggle to do 20mpg even if you fill it with helium.

The Lexus RC F isn’t for everyone - you can get better performance from a European coupe, and the interior is so outdated in places that it feels like a joke. But it’s also a very usable everyday car, and the aural drama you get from that wonderful engine is a joy to behold.

You can search for used Lexus RC F models right here on Carwow, or browse new or used deals on other Lexus models. Remember that Carwow can even help you to sell your old car when the time comes.

The RC F is quite a bit pricier than a Ford Mustang or BMW M2, and the Ultimate Edition model is on par with a BMW M4. In pure performance terms, the M4 has the Lexus licked, but when it comes to exclusivity and interior build quality the RC F is the superior car.