Lexus RC F vs Lexus LC

The 2021 Lexus LC was a visual masterpiece, exuding an aura of luxury that belied its price tag. Its dramatic lines and angles were reminiscent of high-end supercars, making it a standout at any event. The signature Lexus "hourglass" grille, which seemed out of place on smaller models, was perfectly suited to the LC's grand coupe design. The car's styling was full of clever design tricks, such as the three-dimensional grille and the dynamic shape that appeared to be in motion even when stationary. The interior continued this theme with elegant curves and a dash defined by straight lines, creating a sophisticated and inviting cabin. The front seats were both supportive and comfortable, ideal for long journeys, while the standard features list was extensive, including triple-beam LED headlights, a glass roof, and a premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus RC F, though still in its first generation, had a design that felt slightly dated compared to its contemporaries. However, it retained a classic sports-car aesthetic with its long hood, wide hips, and short rear end. The Track Edition, in particular, featured carbon fiber components that enhanced its race-ready appearance. The interior, while straightforward and simple, was functional and comfortable, with well-bolstered front bucket seats. The rear seats were notably tight, serving more as a nod to insurance requirements than practical seating. Despite its age, the RC F's design had aged well, maintaining a sense of nostalgia for those who appreciated its sporty coupe nature.

The 2021 Lexus LC was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, which could be operated manually using paddle shifters. The LC offered a range of drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Sport+, each altering the car's dynamics to suit different driving conditions. In normal mode, the LC was smooth and refined, while Sport and Sport+ modes sharpened throttle response and steering feel. The car's active sport exhaust system added to the driving experience, providing a thrilling soundtrack during spirited driving. Despite its performance capabilities, the LC maintained a sense of heft, emphasizing its role as a grand touring car rather than a hardcore sports machine.

The 2024 Lexus RC F shared the same 5.0-liter V8 engine as the LC, but with a slight increase in output to 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the RC F Track Edition to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. The RC F was rear-wheel-drive and featured a Torsen limited-slip differential and high-performance Brembo brakes. The Track Edition's carbon-ceramic brakes were particularly effective, though they required careful handling in traffic. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while not as responsive as some might hope, could be manually controlled via paddle shifters. The RC F balanced comfort and performance, with its F-Adaptive Variable Suspension providing a smooth ride and direct steering. Overall, the RC F offered a blend of luxury and thrills, appealing to those seeking a sporty yet comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus LC's cabin, despite its broad proportions, was not particularly spacious. While head- and legroom were adequate, the wide center console limited leg space, potentially posing a concern for larger drivers. The rear seats were cramped, typical for high-end convertibles, and the limited trunk space of five cubic feet meant that the rear seat area often served as additional storage. The LC 500 Convertible featured a power-retractable soft top, which could be operated at speeds up to 30 mph. When the top was down, the combination of windscreens and windows created a cocoon-like effect, minimizing wind intrusion.

The 2024 Lexus RC F, as a sports coupe, had two doors and required front seats to be folded forward to access the rear. The front seatbelts were kept aligned with the headrests by a magnetic strap, though it could be temperamental. The front passenger seat's position occasionally interfered with visibility, and the overall interior volume was limited to 79.4 cubic feet. Trunk space was modest at 10.1 cubic feet, comparable to other vehicles in its class. Despite these limitations, the RC F's interior was functional and well-suited to its sporty nature.

The 2021 Lexus LC was equipped with the Lexus Enform infotainment system, featuring a 10.3-inch digital screen operated by a trackpad. While not as intuitive as a touchscreen, the system had evolved to be somewhat user-friendly. The LC included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping its technology offerings relevant. The performance-inspired instrument panel, with its sliding center dial, was minimalist and adapted to different drive modes, drawing inspiration from the Lexus LFA supercar.

In the 2024 Lexus RC F, the focus was on the driver-car interface, with technology taking a backseat. The 10.3-inch touchscreen, part of the Premium Audio package, felt dated and was challenging to operate. The touchpad in the center console was cumbersome, prompting a desire for more touchscreen operations. The RC F's infotainment system included two USB ports, a 10-speaker audio system, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Additional features like navigation and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system were available as upgrades.

The 2021 Lexus LC came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The LC's safety was somewhat compromised by its visibility, particularly in the convertible model with its large rear pillars.

The 2024 Lexus RC F featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering advanced driver-assistance technologies such as a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The RC F performed well in IIHS crash tests, earning top scores and previously receiving the Top Safety Pick+ award. However, the RC F itself had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, a common scenario for vehicles in its class.