Based loosely on the existing IS and GS sedans, the compact RC 350 coupe is blessed with a muscular fastback body and beautifully refined interior that's at once luxurious and sporty. Inside and out, the RC 350 represents a new type of vehicle for Lexus, one that we suspect will draw buyers to the brand for the first time.
What's New For 2015
The RC 350 is an all-new model.
Choosing Your Lexus RC 350
If not for the trademark spool grille, you'd be hard pressed to identify the RC 350 as a Lexus. The designers have done a masterful job of incorporating some of the best styling themes found in this class. To back up the looks, every RC 350 carries a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 306 horsepower, and all-wheel drive is available in place of the standard rear-drive setup. Rear-drive models get an 8-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed version is required with all-wheel drive. A selectable driving mode system is standard across the board.
The RC 350 starts with NuLuxe (leather-like vinyl) seating for four, wood interior trim, keyless access and ignition, LED exterior lighting, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker audio system with HD radio. The Premium package adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Luxury package is much the same, except you get genuine perforated leather seats. The available navigation system comes with a touchpad controller, a slew of integrated smartphone apps and streaming audio. Finally, there's an All-Weather package with headlamp washers, wiper deicers and a more powerful heater.
The performance-oriented F Sport package is available on both two- and all-wheel drive versions. Along with revised trim inside and out, you get an adaptive suspension system, summer performance tires on specific 19-inch wheels, expanded digital instrumentation, high-friction brake pads and four-wheel steering.
For safety's sake, you can add a collision mitigation system with integrated adaptive cruise control to any model, as well as front and rear parking sensors. A sunroof is mandatory on the F Sport and optional elsewhere. The standard RC 350 model can get some of the F Sport's performance upgrades as individual options.
The option packages tend to cost less on all-wheel drive models. So if you intend to load up your RC 350, adding all-wheel drive can almost pay for itself. We do recommend at least the Luxury package because a car like this just doesn't feel complete without real leather seats.