Lexus RC 350 2021 Review

The 2021 Lexus RC 350 is an eye-catching luxury sport coupe that leans more toward comfort than all-out performance. The Lexus RC has been on sale since 2015 and has gotten a few refreshes over the years. Updates for 2021 include the new Black Line Special Edition. Limited to just 350 units, it comes with some special interior and exterior styling details plus a set of custom luggage. The rest of the RC carries over unchanged. While the RC 350 isn't as sporty as its design might suggest, its well-crafted cabin is quieter and more comfortable than the interiors of many competitors.

Its main rivals all hail from Germany. The new BMW 4 Series is the latest addition to this class. Its schnoz is as striking — and divisive — as the RC 350's spindle grille. Looks aside, we found the new 4 Series to be sporty and athletic without compromising comfort. The Audi A5 was just updated too, with revised looks and an updated infotainment system. Then there's the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe. It's as old as the RC 350 but, like the Lexus, it doesn't feel all that dated when you slip behind the wheel. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth evaluation on this year's RC.

Which RC 350 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Lexus RC 350 is available in two trim levels: base and F Sport. Both are powered by a 3.5-liter non-turbocharged V6 engine (311 hp, 280 lb-ft) that sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on both models. The turbocharged four-cylinder RC 300 and high-performance RC F are reviewed separately.

Base The base RC 350 comes fairly well equipped from the get-go. Standard features include:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Heated front seats (all-wheel-drive models)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 7-inch infotainment screen
• Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and Android Auto integration
• Two USB ports
• In-car Wi-Fi with three-month subscription
• 10-speaker audio system

Standard driver aids include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Automatic high beams

Lexus offers a handful of options such as:

• Black Line Special Edition
• Triple-beam LED headlights
• 19-inch black chrome wheels
• Black upholstery with silver stitching
• Wood interior trim
• Zero Halliburton luggage
• Navigation package
• 10.3-inch infotainment screen
• Navigation
• In-dash CD and DVD player
• Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio package
• Navigation package features
• 17-speaker audio system with subwoofer
• Aluminum control knobs
• Premium package
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
• Moonroof
• Heated steering wheel

F Sport The F Sport builds on the standard RC 350 with features including:

• F Sport-tuned adaptive suspension
• Upgraded brakes
• 19-inch wheels
• F Sport steering wheel
• F Sport front seats
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Aluminum pedals
• Black headliner

Options include those available on the base RC 350, but the F Sport also offers a few performance options such as:

• Lexus Dynamic Handling System (upgrades suspension and adds rear-wheel steering for improved handling)
• Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction (rear-wheel-drive models)