Car review: 2021 Lexus RC 350 F Sport

By Larry Lark, contributor

The 2021 Lexus RC 350 F Sport is a refined luxury sports couple crafted to stand apart.

Thanks to its aggressive styling and versatile driving character, the RC has become a highly sought-after coupe by enthusiasts who value performance and world-class craftsmanship. With its muscular form and aggressive stance, the RC seamlessly balances eye-catching style with impressive technology.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this rear-wheel driver generates 311-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, and boasts direct and port fuel-injection and awe-inspiring sound reminiscent of the LFA supercar.

My tester came equipped with an available Torsen limited-slip rear differential that helps maximize drivers’ ability to power out of corners. The RC 350 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in an estimated 5.8 seconds.

I tried – but failed – to be on my best behavior over the course of a week, but I must admit, my willpower weakened with each passing day. The RC 350 F Sport is a driver’s car, pure and simple.

The coupe seats four adults, but the backseat is a squeeze. The benefit is it helps with your insurance bill. And even with the large engine, the RC manages to deliver 28 miles per gallon down the highway as estimated by the EPA.

With its muscular form and aggressive stance, the RC seamlessly balances eye-catching style with impressive technology. In front, a bold fascia and available premium triple-beam LED headlamps announce its arrival. While strong character lines sweep toward its dramatic rear valance and LED taillamps, creating a captivating appearance from every angle.

While every bit a performance cockpit, the interior of the RC envelops the driver and passengers in stunning craftsmanship. From meticulous stitching to distinctive wood trims, the RC delivers an ideal combination of performance and luxury.

F Sport trim adds bolstered, heated and ventilated leather-stitched seats, 19-inch split five-spoke wheels, aluminum pedals, and drive mode select with Sport and Sport+ options. Also included is an adaptive variable suspension and exclusive grille.

Creature comforts include a 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lexus multimedia system, and premium sound system with 10 speakers.

Optional items included a navigation system, all-weather package, dynamic handling and rear steering, and a couple other extra that added almost $10,000 to the RC 350’s bottom line.

Last, but certainly not least, is Lexus peace of mind.

The once available blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard across all RC models. To help guests change lanes with confidence, BSM is designed to detect and warn

drivers of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes. Additionally, RCTA can help guests when backing out of a parking space by notifying them of vehicles approaching from either side.

Lexus Safety System+ is designed to help pave the way to a world with fewer collisions and better-informed drivers. An integrated suite of advanced active safety equipment, the system is designed to help in certain circumstances, from providing pedestrian alerts to preventing lane drift.

The safety suite also includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, high-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and intelligent high beams.

Base Price: $50,545

Price As Driven: $60,310

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.