Lexus RC vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?

Lexus RC

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2020 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

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2026 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2020 Lexus RC

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

By Justin Hilliard

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V6, 3.5L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Striking exterior design
Feels rather luxurious
Unrivalled value for money

Imposing presence
Immense power
Plush interior

Dislikes

Infuriating multimedia system
Token second row of seats
Not very fuel efficient

Somewhat thirsty
Too fast for the road
Average warranty coverage

2020 Lexus RC Summary

If it wasn’t for this review appearing on your screen right now, would you have even remembered the Lexus RC was a thing?

At the time of writing, the RC is actually the fifth most popular model in its sports car segment. Yep, only the two-door versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, and BMW 4 Series and Z4 sell better.

So, why is the RC seemingly invisible? But more importantly, does it deserve to be? Let’s test the RC 350 F Sport to find out.

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2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Summary

What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish a luxury car? Everything.

Its over-the-top performance and opulence makes its very existence the definition of a luxury car. Nobody on the planet has any need for this car, you only buy the Vanquish because you want it - and that makes it one of the most luxurious vehicles on sale today.

Its very existence is tied directly to what’s under the bonnet, the last V12 remaining in Aston Martin’s showroom, and the fact that some customers can simply not bring themselves to drive anything without 12 cylinders.

So, what’s it like driving the apex of luxury? Read on to find out…

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Lexus RC 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

Verdict

If you’re a buyer that thinks with their head, the RC 350 F Sport is the obvious choice when compared to its direct rivals.

After all, it looks great (at least to these eyes), feels luxurious in more ways than one, and is unrivalled when considering value-for-money.

But, if you think with your heart instead, it’s clear it is isn’t on the same level dynamically and therefore doesn’t feel as sporty to drive as its name suggests.

So, don’t let its sports car classification fool you, the RC 350 F Sport is more of a grand tourer, or a comfortable cruiser, to be precise, and an underrated one at that.

Verdict

The definition of luxury is having something you want, rather than something you need. And the Vanquish is definitely something you don’t need, but will desperately want once you’ve experienced it. It’s opulence on wheels, the kind of car you buy mostly because you can. Because owning a V8-powered Aston Martin wouldn’t cut it in your circle of friends. Or because you just want the very best things in life, cost be damned.

Lexus RC vs Aston Martin Vanquish What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus RC vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?