Since 2015, the Lexus RC has made a name for itself in the luxury car market. From the refined RC 300 to the fast RC F, there’s a model for diverse tastes and preferences. The BMW 3 Series isn’t far behind. The Lexus RC offers a luxurious interior and an exhilarating drive. Everything from the materials to the layout of the controls shows the manufacturer’s exceptional craftsmanship. In this article, we compare the 2025 Lexus RC and the BMW 3 Series to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Exterior Design and First Impressions
The Lexus RC’s exterior design captivates attention with its bold, contemporary look. The F version, in particular, offers a sporty, powerful appearance. Race-inspired elements, such as a GT3-style carbon fiber rear wing, highlight the performance model’s track-ready heritage. Its front features triple-beam LED headlights, which not only light up the road but also create a unique look.
The 2024 BMW 3 Series features a sporty, elegant exterior design that embodies the brand’s signature aesthetics. It showcases a prominent kidney grille, sharp LED headlights, and sculpted body lines that enhance its athletic stance. L-shaped taillights and an integrated spoiler complement the rear, balancing sophistication with sportiness.
Interior Comfort and Luxury
Both the Lexus RC and BMW 3 feature luxurious cabins. Step inside the Lexus RC, and you’re immediately enveloped in a world of refinement. The cabin is quiet and awash with high-quality synthetic leather and wooden trims. The Lexus features NuLuxe upholstery, while the BMW uses SensaTec, both of which are eco-friendly and luxurious.
While the standard seats provide excellent comfort, the performance variant offers specially designed seats for enhanced support during spirited driving. The available heated and ventilated seats ensure year-round comfort, allowing you and your passengers to independently customize your ideal temperature settings.
The Lexus RC provides plenty of room up front, with 45.4 inches of legroom, which is 3.4 inches more than the BMW. The rear seats are smaller, with 27.3 inches compared to its competitor’s 35.2 inches. The Lexus can only seat four people, while the bigger BMW can accommodate five. Although the Lexus RC offers a more luxurious cabin, the BMW features a more spacious, modern interior with a larger infotainment system.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Lexus RC caters to different driving preferences with its range of performance options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The RC 300 all-wheel-drive option has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 350 all-wheel-drive version delivers 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque with the same engine. Both models have a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
The BMW 330i features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The sportier M340i is equipped with a brawnier inline-six that delivers 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
While the Lexus provides a more comfortable, composed ride, the BMW offers a more performance-oriented driving experience due to its more powerful engines and sport tuning.
Technology and Infotainment
Although both the BMW and Lexus offer best-in-class technology and infotainment, the RC is dated. The coupe’s tech suite has standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a companion app that allows you to start, turn off, and monitor the vehicle remotely. Lexus Enform services add more ways to stay connected.
The Lexus offers a standard 8-inch screen, which is upgradable to a 10.3-inch display. The BMW offers a larger 14.9-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, providing a visually appealing, intuitive way to interact with the car. Both cars offer excellent sound systems, guaranteeing an immersive audio experience on your drives.
Safety Features and Ratings
Lexus prioritizes protection with the advanced Safety System+ 2.5. This technology includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, helping to prevent frontal crashes. Lane departure alert with steering assist keeps you in your lane, while road sign assist keeps you informed about speed limits and key signs. The all-speed dynamic radar cruise control adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead.
While eight air bags provide considerable protection for you and your passengers, the blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert significantly improves safety in busy parking areas. The intuitive parking assist system helps you navigate tight parking spots.
The BMW 3 Series offers similar safety technology, including all the standard driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist.
Both the Lexus RC and BMW 3 Series are exceptional vehicles. If you’re looking for an affordable luxury vehicle that provides impeccable performance, the Lexus RC may be the right choice for you.
Experience the Luxury of the 2025 Lexus RC at Lexus of Stevens Creek
The Lexus RC provides superior comfort without compromising on power. From the sophisticated 300 to the thrilling F model, this premium lineup is perfect if you’re looking for a combination of style and performance. If you’re in the San Jose, California, area and want to experience this exceptional vehicle firsthand, we invite you to visit Lexus of Stevens Creek to explore our wide range of models and add-ons. Our friendly team will walk you through their impressive features and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
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