2016 Lexus RC 350 F Sport

Lexus introduced the RC as its new luxury sport coupe last year and we tested the new RC 350 F Sport for the 2016 model year. This Lexus delivered an all areas, from design to performance and comfort.

Exterior

The exterior of the RC is bold yet elegant, though I probably wouldn’t choose the Molten Pearl color of our test model pictures above. The Lexus signature spindle grille dominates the overall design with LED headlamps and separate L-themed daytime running lamps. The F Sport package offers some nice upgrades with the 19-inch alloy wheels with a distinctive 10 twin-spoke layout to create a deeply sculptured shape. Check it out from all angles and you’ll see a beautiful vehicle that fits the sport coupe segment perfectly.

Interior

I liked the style of the interior as it comes across as more sport than luxury. The seats in particular give you more of a feeling of the snug fit of a sports car cockpit as opposed to a luxury car. Still, it has all the fine touches and craftsmanship you’d expect from a Lexus. The F Sport model has some distinctive features such as unique quilting and flowing stitching. It’s a very comfortable experience in the front seats though it can be a little tight in the back.

The RC also comes with technology you would expect from a luxury coupe such as Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. I also had fun testing the premium audio system featuring a Mark Levinson 17-speaker system.

Performance

Getting to the heart of the matter, the RC 350 F Sport is a joy to drive and I loved the impressive acceleration in Sport mode. I tested the vehicle on a wide variety of roads and it handles beautifully with a very comfortable ride. Lexus emphasizes the ultra-stiff platform with this model.

The 2016 model comes with more engine options, including a 241 horsepower Turbocharged 4-Cylinder, a 255 horsepower V6 and the 306 horsepower V6 in the 350 F Sport we tested. It also features an eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission that debuted in the IS F high-performance sedan.

Given the impressive performance and overall driving experience the fuel economy numbers are pretty solid at 28 MPG highway, 19 city and 22 combined.

Overview

The model we tested comes with a sticker price of just under $55,000 including delivery fee, so buyers get quite a package for a reasonable price in the luxury category. If you’re considering a luxury sport coupe, or even a traditional sports car, you should certainly put the Lexus RC on your test drive list.