How fast is the Lexus RC?
The fastest Lexus RC is the RC F, with about 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds and a top speed near 168 mph. Other RC variants vary widely—from the mid-5 seconds to the mid-7 seconds for 0–60 mph, and top speeds generally around 125–149 mph depending on the engine and drivetrain.
Performance by variant
RC 200t / RC 300 (turbocharged 2.0L)
Acceleration and speed figures for the turbocharged four-cylinder variants have evolved with model years, but typical values in the US market are roughly:
- 0–60 mph: approximately 6.2–6.4 seconds (RC 200t era) and around 5.8–6.0 seconds for later turbo variants in similar spec
- Top speed: about 143 mph (230 km/h) where the speed limiter applies
These turbo RC models prioritize brisk daily driving performance with respectable highway acceleration and economy for a sport coupe.
RC 350 and RC 350 F Sport
Moving to the V6 lineup, acceleration remains strong but slower than the V8 flagship, with numbers commonly cited as:
- 0–60 mph: roughly 5.6–5.8 seconds
- Top speed: around 149 mph (240 km/h) for most US-market configurations
F Sport variants offer similar sprint times but with suspension and handling tuning that emphasize sharper responses on twisty roads and tracks.
RC F
The performance pinnacle of the RC range uses a larger engine for blistering acceleration:
- 0–60 mph: about 4.3–4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 168 mph (270 km/h) with the limiter disabled or removed in some markets or on specific packages
As Lexus’s high-performance model, the RC F pairs the 5.0L V8 with track-oriented tuning and weight-saving measures to deliver standout straight-line speed and dynamic cornering capability.
RC 300h (hybrid)
The hybrid variant emphasizes efficiency with modest performance by comparison:
- 0–60 mph: about 7.3–7.5 seconds
- Top speed: around 125–127 mph (roughly 200 km/h)
For buyers prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs, the RC 300h trades some speed for improved efficiency and smoother torque delivery.
Notes on variation and driving conditions
All figures vary by model year, market, drivetrain (rear-wheel drive vs. all-wheel drive), transmission, tire choice, and optional equipment. The published numbers typically reflect factory or widely cited tests and may differ from real-world performance depending on weather, altitude, fuel quality, and track conditions.
Summary
The Lexus RC lineup spans a broad speed spectrum. If outright acceleration is the goal, the RC F leads the way with the quickest sprint and highest top speed. For balanced daily performance with better efficiency, the RC 350/350 F Sport and RC 300h offer compelling options, while the RC 200t/RC 300 provides solid turbocharged performance at a more approachable price point. In all cases, speed comes with trade-offs in price, fuel economy, and ride comfort depending on variant and configuration.
How fast does the Lexus RC go?
The Lexus RC's top speed varies by model, with the RC 300 (rear-wheel drive) reaching up to 143 mph and the RC 350 AWD limited to 130 mph. The high-performance RC F and RC F Final Edition have a higher electronically limited top speed of 168 mph.
This video shows the performance of the Lexus RC F in different driving modes: 53sEveryman DriverYouTube · Nov 2, 2018
Lexus RC top speeds by model
- RC 300 (RWD): 143 mph
- RC 300 AWD: 130 mph
- RC 350 AWD: 130 mph
- RC 350 F Sport: 143 mph
- RC F / RC F Final Edition: 168 mph
What is the 0-60 time for the 2025 Lexus RCF?
4.2 seconds
The RC F's V8 engine boasts a zero to 60 time of 4.2 seconds (4 seconds in the Track Edition.) The V8 was built to rev, delivering peak torque as it nears the 7,200 rpm redline.
Is the Lexus RC 350 fast?
With the rear-wheel drive configuration, the RC 350 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which increases to 6 seconds in all-wheel drive.
Is RC F faster than LC 500?
The LC 500 has 3 more pound-feet of torque than its sibling. Again, the driver isn't likely to notice the difference between 395 and 398 pound-feet. The two rear-wheel cars have the same 168-mph top track speed. All of this would imply that the driving experience is exactly the same.
