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Introduced for 2015 and based loosely on Lexus’ IS and GS sedans, the compact RC 350 coupe flaunts a muscular-looking fastback body. Inside, the beautifully refined cockpit is both luxurious and sporty. Emergence of the RC 350 represented a new type of vehicle for Lexus, created to draw younger buyers, in particular, to the brand for the first time. In addition to the V6-powered RC 350, Lexus offers a lower-powered RC 300 (also V6) and a turbocharged four-cylinder RC 200t. A costly, enthusiast-oriented RC F also is available, but the RC 350 serves as the flagship of the quartet of models.
What's New for 2017
Standard equipment now includes a Scout GPS Link. Rear-drive models have added standard Yamaha performance dampers. Triple-beam LED headlights now are available. The base grille gets a black finish, while 18- and 19-inch wheels have revised finishes.
Choosing Your Lexus RC 350
If not for the familiar spindle grille, you might have trouble identifying the RC 350 as a Lexus. Designers did a masterful job of infusing the RC 350 with some of the best styling themes found in this class.
Both the regular RC 350 and the F Sport edition contain a 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available as an alternative to the standard rear-drive setup. Rear-drive models get an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed automatic is required with all-wheel drive. Drive Mode Select, switchable between Sport, Eco and Normal, is standard on each version.
Acceleration to 60 mph is claimed to take 5.8 seconds with a rear-drive RC 350. Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway (22 mpg combined) with rear-drive. All-wheel drive drops the highway figure to 26 mpg.
Base
Standard RC 350 features include NuLuxe (leather-like vinyl) seating for four, aluminum/wood interior trim, power front seats, keyless access and ignition, LED exterior lighting, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker audio system with 7-inch screen, satellite radio, and HD radio. Alloy wheels hold 18-inch tires. The monitor for the standard rearview camera includes dynamic gridlines. Sticker prices are $43,985 (destination charge included) with rear-drive, and $46,150 with all-wheel drive.
An optional Premium Package, for $1,240, adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and heated/ventilated front seats. The $2,990 Luxury Package also includes genuine perforated leather-trimmed seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, and driver’s memory; plus, for AWD models, a heated steering wheel. An All-Weather Package comes with headlight washers, wiper de-icers. and a more powerful heater.
The available Navigation system comes with a Remote Touchpad controller, a comprehensive Lexus Enform app suite, and streaming radio. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system can be added. Individual options include a moonroof, LED foglamps, and a Dynamic Handling system with dynamic rear steering.
For safety's sake, you can add to the RC 350 a collision mitigation system with integrated adaptive cruise control, as well as front/rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
F Sport
The performance-oriented F Sport package is available on both rear-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, at $49,190 and $50,950, respectively. Along with revised trim inside and out, the rear-drive RC 350 F Sport incorporates an adaptive variable suspension system. Drive Mode Select includes a Sport+ position to enhance steering response. Summer performance tires ride on specific 19-inch wheels. F Sport instruments, evolved from Lexus’ LFA supercar, use full-length illuminated needles. Also standard are high-friction brake pads. Lexus’ Dynamic Handling system with rear-wheel steering is a $1,900 option.
Some option packages tend to cost less on all-wheel-drive models. So, if you intend to load up your RC 350 with extras, choosing all-wheel drive might be sensible, not to mention handy in bad weather. We do recommend at least the Luxury Package, simply because a car of this caliber just doesn't feel quite complete without genuine leather seats.
Get your price on a Lexus RC 350 »
