2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Overall Rating
The Lexus RC 350 carries style with substance, and most of all, a sense of reliability due to its roots. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 powertrain that belts out 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Lexus RCÂ 350 comes in two trims, the drivetrain being the differentiating factor. The AWD costs $2,000 more than the regular RWD. The RWD version of the 2021 Lexus RC 350 is priced at an MSRP of $45,150. Lexus carries forward its Elegant offering with several features added for the 2021 iteration. Equipped with a 3.5L V6 the Lexus RC 350 generates 311 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
On the inside, it is equipped with a Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, Dual-zone climate control with interior air filters, smog sensor, and automatic recirculation mode, and a lot more. With competition brewing from the 2021 Infiniti Q60, the 2021 Audi S5 Coupe Quattro, and the 2021 BMW 4-Series, let’s find out if the 2021 Lexus RC 350 is ready for the challenge that awaits.
While the Lexus RC 350 is a drool-worthy vehicle as-is, we recommend you get the AWD model and add the Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package and Premium Package since they will add a horde of functionality and safety tech to the ride and make it one complete and encompassing package.
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
F Sport 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
The Lexus RC 350 carries style with substance, and most of all, a sense of reliability due to its roots. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 powertrain that belts out 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Lexus RCÂ 350 comes in two trims, the drivetrain being the differentiating factor. The AWD costs $2,000 more than the regular RWD. The RWD version of the 2021 Lexus RC 350 is priced at an MSRP of $45,150. Lexus carries forward its Elegant offering with several features added for the 2021 iteration. Equipped with a 3.5L V6 the Lexus RC 350 generates 311 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
On the inside, it is equipped with a Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, Dual-zone climate control with interior air filters, smog sensor, and automatic recirculation mode, and a lot more. With competition brewing from the 2021 Infiniti Q60, the 2021 Audi S5 Coupe Quattro, and the 2021 BMW 4-Series, let’s find out if the 2021 Lexus RC 350 is ready for the challenge that awaits.
"Its bodywork helps it look the part, but the RC needs more power and sharper handling to be a true contender among sports coupes." - Car and Driver
Like any luxury brand, the 2021 Lexus RC 350 is offered in a single standalone trim which encompasses all that the ride can offer in terms of features, functionality, and performance. Priced at $45,150 for the RWD, the base trim is a trusty steed that won’t let you down at any given time. If you want the AWD, then be prepared to shell out $2,165 more at $47,315.
Overall the 2021 Lexus RC 350 has four paid packages that you can opt for. The packages are Navigation, Navigation/Mark LevinsonPremium Audio Package, Premium Package, and All-Weather Package. Like all Lexus vehicles, a performance-centric F-Sport model will also be revealed later which will be enough to satisfy the revv head in you.
Models |
Lexus RC 350 |
---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$45,150 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$47,315 |
Key Feature |
18” Split-5-Spoke Alloy Wheels |
Bi-LED headlamps and LED taillamps with DRLs |
|
Drive Mode Select Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters |
|
SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop |
|
Dual-zone climate control with interior air filters, smog sensor, and automatic recirculation mode |
|
Perforated Nuluxe interior trim |
|
10-way power-adjustable and heated driver’s seat (including lumbar) |
|
8-way power-adjustable and heated passenger’s seat |
|
10 speaker premium sound system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth |
|
Lexus Multimedia System with 7-inch color multimedia display and Scout GPS Link with MapStream and TurnStream |
While the Lexus RC 350 is a drool-worthy vehicle as-is, we recommend you get the AWD model and add the Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package and Premium Package since they will add a horde of functionality and safety tech to the ride and make it one complete and encompassing package.
"It's one of the rare naturally aspirated powerplants still on sale; revving it out for all its worth is enjoyable, and doing so is met with a great exhaust note." -Motortrend
Under the hood, the Lexus RC 350 is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that produces a decent 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, even the RC 300 gets the same powertrain even though the price difference is approximately $3,000. The transmission of choice is an 8-speed direct shift automatic unit that can happily tame all the power from the powertrain. The engine is capable of hitting the 60 mph mark in just 5.8 seconds.
The power can be put either on the rear wheels or on all the wheels depending on your choice. You get three drive modes, normal, sport, and a new snow mode for traveling through those slippery days conveniently. The 2021 Lexus RC 350 delivers a comfortable ride with potent power. The steering delivers a good sense of the road grip as well.
Models |
2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD |
2021 Infiniti Q60 |
2021 Audi S5 Quattro |
2021 BMW 4-Series xDrive |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$47,315 |
$41,650 |
$52,500 |
$47,600 |
Engine |
3.5 L V6 |
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 |
3.0L Turbo V6 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD/RWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
8 speed automatic |
7 speed automatic |
8 speed automatic |
8 speed automatic |
Power (hp@rpm) |
311 hp@6,600rpm |
300 hp@6,400rpm |
349 hp@5,400rpm |
255 hp@5,200rpm |
Torque (lb-ft@rpm) |
280 lb-ft@4,800 rpm |
295 lb-ft@1,600 rpm |
369 lb-ft@1,370 rpm |
294 lb-ft@1,450 rpm |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
5.8 sec |
5.4 sec |
4.3 sec |
5.3 sec |
Quarter Mile (seconds) |
14.2 sec |
13.3 sec |
12.9 sec |
14.2 sec |
Top Speed (mph) |
168 MPH |
155 MPH |
155 MPH |
149 MPH |
60-0 MPH (feet) |
115 ft |
163 ft |
108 ft |
162 ft |
Up against its competition, the drive experience lacks to deliver. The 2021 Lexus RC 350 isn't the eager enthusiast on track, unlike its rivals, however, it does some pretty performance to offer. Audi S5 with a smaller turbocharged unit takes the top spot while the Lexus RC 350 follows in last. The Infiniti Q60 comes in at a close second spot while the BMW 4-Series misses the second spot by a split second.
With an eye to luxury and performance, the Japanese have tried to keep an eye on fuel economy as well, however have failed in this aspect. The Lexus RC 350 offers 19 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined. The fuel tank is average-sized at 17.4 gallons and hence offers an average of 366 miles as its overall range.
Model |
2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD |
2021 Infiniti Q60 |
2021 Audi S5 Quattro |
2021 BMW 4-Series xDrive |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
19 |
19 |
20 |
24 |
MPG (Highway) |
26 |
27 |
28 |
33 |
MPG (Combined) |
21 |
22 |
23 |
27 |
Fuel Capacity |
17.4 gallons |
20 gallons |
15.3 gallons |
15.3 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
311/452/366 miles |
380/560/440 miles |
306/428/352 miles |
374/515/444 miles |
When compared to the others, the BMW 4-Series shines thoroughly owing to a well-refined smaller-sized engine. The only caveat is that it has a smaller fuel tank as compared to the rest. The Audi S5 Quattro ranks second after the beemer, the 2021 Infiniti Q60 ranks in the third position, leaving the 2021 Lexus RC 350 behind.
The Audi S5 takes the second spot and suffers the same issue of a smaller fuel tank. The Infiniti Q60 is pegged in the third spot and thanks to its large fuel tank, it offers the best range as well. In terms of range, the 2021 Infiniti Q60 outperforms the Audi S5 Quattro. Even the Lexus leaves behind the Audi in terms of overall range, all due to its larger fuel tank.
"The RC's well-made interior is stylish, comfortable, and spacious, but only for front-seat passengers." - Caranddriver
The 2021 Lexus RC 350 has an interior that feels very posh and beautiful. The seats are wrapped in leather and the black roof has contrasting colored trims at the door and along the lines of the dashboard. The quality feels very premium, as is expected of Lexus.
The front seats are heated, spacious, and cozy, with power control seating, are comfortable with ample moving rooms, and offer a very decent field of sight for the driver. The same cannot be said for the rear seats as they are cramped and only fit for seating children at best.
Model |
2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD |
2021Â Infiniti Q60 |
2021Â Audi S5 Quattro |
2021Â BMW 4-Series xDrive |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39/54.7/45.4 |
37.4/54.6/43.1 |
37/55.3/41.3 |
38.0/55.1/41.8 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
34.8/50.8/27.3 |
34.5/52/32.4 |
36.1/51.2/33.1 |
35.2/51.0/34.5 |
Cargo space (cubic feet) | 10.4 | 8.7 | 10.9 | 12 |
Further, the RC 350 offers a lot of cubby spaces like spacious door pockets, cup holders, and storage in the armrest. It also offers 10.4 cu-ft of cargo space which is just about enough to carry a month of household supplies if you do use it for that purpose. The standard features of the infotainment system that you could find in the 2021 Lexus RC 350 are:
The system is pretty basic but you get the option to upgrade this to a 10.3-inch navigation enabled system with a Mark Levinson sound system for an additional $2,800.
Also read:
"This luxurious two-door is showing its age, but it’s still a rewarding car for people who love to drive." -Motortrend
In recent years, Lexus has made sure that its vehicles are spectacular looking. The RC 350 is no different. The large blackened spindle grille along with the sleek LED headlamps.
The sloping roofline that meets at the far end on the rear gives it a very sporty vibe and makes sure that its presence is felt anywhere it goes. It’s the exterior styling that Lexus always seems to get right.
Model |
2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD |
2021 Infiniti Q60 |
2021 Audi S5 Quattro |
2021 BMW 4-Series xDrive |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3891 lbs |
4020 lbs |
3858 lbs |
3578 lbs |
Length |
185” |
184.4” |
184.7" |
187.9” |
Width |
72.4” |
72.8” |
72.9" |
72.9” |
Height |
55.1” |
54.9” |
54.0" |
54.6" |
Ground Clearance |
5.3” |
4.9" |
4.6" |
5.0" |
Wheelbase |
107.5” |
112.2” |
108.8” |
112.2" |
As you move to the rear, the modern taillamps with the dual exhausts give off a very Lexus LFA-inspired look to the car. That being said, in comparison to the rest, the RC 350 is of comparable weight while the Infiniti Q60 is the heaviest. The Lexus RC 350 is also the longest and tallest among the lot.
Also read:
The Lexus RC 350 is one of the best in the business and with the factor of reliability, it has kept a wary eye out for the safety of the passengers. Like its founder, Toyota, the Lexus RC 350 comes with an elaborate safety suite that encompasses most features you would need in long-term use as well.
The NHTSA has not tested the Lexus RC 350, but the IIHS has and granted it an overall Good rating which is the best they offer for any vehicle. So, you can rest assured that every ride will be a safe one. The safety features of the 2021 Lexus RC 350 include:
The Infiniti Q60 comes from the same home turf as the Lexus, Japan. Both of the vehicles are pretty reliable, however, the Infiniti Q60 is bland and underpowered in comparison to the Lexus. It is more tended towards a “tried and tested” safe approach and does not do much to excite. And with the price being higher than the RC 350, the case of the Q60 only becomes weaker.
The biggest German automaker Audi has the Audi S5 Coupe competing with the Lexus RC 350. And when pitted against each other, the Lexus bites the dust. The S5 also looks pretty neat and stylish, with a much higher price tag as the only con. However, if you’re willing to pay, you will definitely not regret it.
The underdog of the arena is the BMW 4-Series. The coupe is decently powered, adequately spacious, and has great fuel efficiency but does not have much else to offer besides these. The design for the 2021 model is either a hit or a miss depending on your taste, and the rest is pretty much average. With the price similar to Lexus, the only upside of the 4-Series is the superb driver assistance tech and the tag of being a Bimmer.
If you’re in the market for a visually appealing and unquestionably reliable car, then the Lexus RC 350 would be a great pick. It does not soar the skies in terms of performance but offers a touch of everything in luxury, technology, class, and style for its price bracket.