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Lexus RC vs smart #3 comparison

Compare performance (464 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (82,300 £ vs 42,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Lexus RC or smart #3?

Lexus RC vs smart #3: Key differences

Lexus RC

  • substantially more power
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
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smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • only slightly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

RC

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

smart #3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 42,000 £ , while the Lexus RC costs 82,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 40,337 £.

#3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Lexus RC offers substantially more power – delivering 464 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 192 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lexus RC is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the smart #3 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Lexus RC delivers clearly more torque with 520 Nm compared to 384 Nm. That’s about 136 Nm more.

RC

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: smart #3 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus RC is barely lighter – 1,715 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 95 kg.

Looking at boot space, the smart #3 offers only slightly more boot space – 370 L compared to 366 L. That’s a difference of about 4 L.

When it comes to payload, the Lexus RC carries a bit more – 535 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 85 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #3 leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£41,991
#3

smart #3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 272 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 455 km
Lexus RC
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Lexus RC

The Lexus RC cuts a dramatic figure on the road with its bold grille and sculpted coupe silhouette, blending Japanese refinement with a dash of show-off flair. Inside it favors comfort and clever detailing over racetrack theatrics, so if you want a luxurious, dependable coupe that rewards everyday driving with poise and a grin, the RC is hard to ignore.

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smart #3

The Smart #3 turns the brand's cheeky city-car attitude into a grown-up compact SUV, pairing sleek styling with a surprisingly roomy, well-made interior. It's a brilliant pick for buyers who want electric ease without dullness — practical enough for daily life, but still lively enough to make parking and grocery runs feel a little fun.

details
Lexus RC
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

Price
82,300 - 101,500 £
Price
42,000 £
Consumption L/100km
11.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
455 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
268 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
66 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
3
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,715 kg
Curb weight
1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
366 L
Trunk capacity
370 L
Length
4,710 mm
Length
-
Width
1,845 mm
Width
1,844 mm
Height
1,390 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
535 kg
Payload
450 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
464 HP
Power HP
272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 4.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Max Speed
270 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
520 Nm
Torque
384 Nm
Number of Cylinders
8
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
341 kW
Power kW
200 kW
Engine capacity
4,969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,021 - 2,024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Lexus
Brand
smart
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.