2023 Lexus RC 350

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 comes as a base trim and a high-performance F-Sport variant, which is reviewed separately by us. The RC 350 costs about $48,400 for its RWD version, while the price of the AWD trim is $50,565. The Coupe features a 3.5L V6 powertrain with an automatic transmission. The trim comes with several standard features such as LED headlights and taillights, Keyless entry with push-button start, Power-adjustable front seats, Heated front seats (AWD models), Dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and Android Auto integration, and 10-speaker audio system.

The regular 2023 Lexus RC comes with 8 configurations to offer in total including 2 from the RC 350. For enhanced traction in its RWD configuration, the Coupe also offers options including the Lexus Dynamic Handling System and Torsen limited-slip rear differential. Additional optional Packages are also available like the Navigation package, Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package, and All-Weather Package.

All-Weather Package includes:-

• Windshield wiper de-icer
• Rapid cabin heater
• Headlight washers

Navigation Package includes:-

• 10.3-inch infotainment screen
• Navigation
• In-dash CD and DVD player

Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package includes:-

• Navigation package features
• 17-speaker audio system with subwoofer
• Aluminum control knobs

We Recommend

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 Base remains to be the sole option to choose, but we would highly recommend going for the RC 350 version due to its high-performance upgrades such as upgraded brakes, optional summer tires, and a limited-slip differential. The Coupe offers nimble handling capabilities, which are further enhanced with the AWD option.

Release Date

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 has already been released.

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 comes with a 3.5L V6 powertrain. It makes 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque. The engine reaches peak torque at 4,800 rpm, so in. Even after Smooth and linear power delivery, some of the German rivals feel more agile and faster over asphalt. The Coupe comes with a standard RWD and an optional AWD. The 8-speed transmission is standard with the RWD trim, whereas the AWD model gets a 6-speed transmission. The Lexus RC 300 models with AWD get the same V6 engine but it remains detuned for much less260 horsepower. 

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 offers a better power delivery than the BMW 4-Series, Audi A5 and the Porsche Cayman. The 4-Series dominates the rivals in terms of torque, followed by RC 350 and the Cayman. Among the four rivals, the 718 Cayman provides the quickest acceleration as per the 0-60 MPH mark and quarter mile timing. By hitting the 60 MPH mark more quickly than the Audi A5, the RC 350 is able to outperform it. It also does better than the A5 and 4 Series in the quarter mile time.

2023 Lexus RC 350 Ride and Handling

For those seeking a laid-back daily cruiser, the 2023 Lexus RC 350 offers a composed and comfortable driving experience. The car is super easy to drive, and the Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering wheel delivers excellent levels of feedback, which has become uncommon in cars nowadays, due to some body lean and low-speed understeer. The RC 350 comes with an RC 350 Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension. This nicely tuned suspension includes Double Wishbone Front Suspension w/Coil Springs and Multi-Link Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs. The Sport Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Mgmt and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) improves the overall stability of the automobile. If one wishes to further upgrade the ride quality, Lexus Dynamic Handling System and Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction are also optional with the RC 350. 

2023 Lexus RC 350 Braking Performance

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 comes with disc brakes on all of its four wheels. The brake pads last about 40,000-70,000 miles which depends on the drive. It comes with 13.2 in and 12.2 in brake rotors in front and back respectively. There is negligible nosedive in the RC Sport and the panic braking won’t let you feel sudden jerks, which is common in cars of this segment. You can always upgrade to the F Sport in order to get Upgraded brakes. Additional braking of the 2023 RC 350 features include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Hill hold control, and Brake Assist.

The Lexus RC 350 comes with the biggest front brake rotors as compared to the Porsche 718 Cayman. On the rear side, the 4-Series and the A5 come with bigger rotors than the other two rivals. Furthermore, the BMW 4-Series and the Audi A5 come with more curb weight, contributing to more momentum while riding the car at high speeds. Being the heaviest, A5 still manages to cover less distance than the 4-Series while braking at 60 MPH. The data for the RC 350 and the 718 Cayman is yet to be determined.

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 offers a fuel economy of 20 MPG in a city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined with its RWD version. With the AWD model, the RC 350 gets a bit less fuel efficient with 19 MPG in a city, 26 MPG on a highway, and 22 MPG combined. The AWD is less efficient due to its added weight and 6-speed transmission. The Coupe comes with an enormous 17.4 gallon of fuel tank capacity. The car can travel up to 348 miles in a city and 487.2 miles on a highway over a full tank with its RWD variant.

The Lexus RC 350 has similar fuel economy to the Porsche 718 Cayman in the city. The 4-Series and the A5 dominate the RC 350 in this aspect. Similarly, the 4-Series offers the best highway efficiency, followed by the A5, RC 350, and the Cayman. The 2023 RC 350 comes with the largest gas tank capacity as compared to the other rivals. However, the range of travel in a city is just better than that of the Cayman, and on a highway, the car provides longer travel than the A5 and the Cayman.

Lexus is known for creating a cozy interior, and the 2023 RC 350 does so in a fashionable manner as well. Its sophisticated design is built to easily compete with its German competitors. The front passenger room appears to be sufficient, while the rear space feels a bit tight. The heated and power-adjustable seats are comfortable and come with two-tone NuLuxe material upholstery. Other standard features include a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat.

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 provides a significantly better front headroom and legroom than the BMW 4-Series and the Audi A5. The rear space is tight in the RC 350 as compared to its rivals. The data for the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is not yet available, but it is expected to be the least among all due to its smaller exterior dimensions. With a well-organized center console, the cabin style of the RC 350 and 4 Series looks inviting. The A5 offers a cabin that is more attractive and futuristic than the other two rivals. The 718 Cayman's interior is not as aesthetically pleasing to us as others.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Lexus RC 350 include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated seats
• Ventilated front seats
• NuLux seats
• Illuminated entry system
• Power adjustable seats

How intuitive is the 2023 Lexus RC 350 infotainment system?

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 comes with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display. The system supports Amazon Alexa, two USB ports, Bluetooth streaming voice commands, and a 10-speaker premium sound system. It also provides Android Auto and Apple Carplay Integration. The RC 350 also features an active sound control. There is also an 835-watt Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers available from Lexus. Other additional options include a 10.3-inch touchscreen display and dynamic voice control, onboard navigation that adds a touchpad controller.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Lexus RC 350 include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Onboard navigation
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Alexa compatibility
• Mark Levinson audio system 
• Voice command support

The Lexus RC 350 looks stylish and athletic. The standard features include a bright metallic front grille with chrome trim, Bi-LED headlamps with daytime running lamps, and 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels. The Coupe comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers and 18-inch split-five-spoke wheels. The base model comes with a total of 6 paint options. There is a slight difference in the F Sport's palette, as Eminent White Pearl has been replaced with Ultra White. There are also other vibrant colors you can choose from, including Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Grecian Water.

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 is tallest as compared to the 4-Series, A5 and the 718 Cayman. The RC 350 is also longer than the A5 and the Cayman. It comes with the same ground clearance as that of the Cayman. The largest wheelbase is of the BMW 4-Series, followed by the A5 and the RC 350. The Porsche Cayman looks sportiest of all, boasting its racecar look. The A5 and RC 350 have an athletic appearance and smooth curves, but they lack the Cayman's level of sportiness. With its two-slat grille, the 4-Series boasts a futuristic and modern appearance.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED Headlights
• LED tail lights
• LED brake lights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Metallic front grille with chrome trim

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 features Lexus Safety System Plus suite. Furthermore, the coupe gets 8 airbags which include driver's knee airbags and side curtain airbags. The car comes with a number of driver assistance features like  intelligent high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, lane departure alert with steering assist, high-speed dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert with an optional parking assist. The 2022 Lexus RC has received a ‘Good’ rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in the Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint, and Moderate Overlap Front Test. The crash test ratings from the NHTSA are not yet available.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Lexus RC 350 include

• Lane departure alert
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Parking Assist
• High-speed dynamic cruise control
• Lexus Safety System Plus suite
• Blind spot monitor

2023 Lexus RC 350 vs 2023 BMW 4-Series 

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 is more expensive than the BMW 4-Series and comes with a V6 powertrain. It leads to better power delivery as compared to the rival. Whereas, the 4-Series comes with an Inline 4 engine that generates more torque output than the former. It also reaches the 60 MPH speed mark quicker than the RC 350. However, the RC 350 scores a better quarter-mile timing. Moreover, the 4-Series comes out to be more fuel efficient in all three aspects(city, highway, and combined).

2023 Lexus RC 350 vs 2023 Audi A5

The Audi A5 is less expensive than the RC 350. It lags behind in terms of the quarter mile timing but comes out to be more fuel efficient as compared to the rival. Whereas, the V6-driven RC 350 generates more power and torque. Furthermore, it reaches 60 MPH speed quicker than the A5. The exterior of the cars looks similar in terms of style and aggressiveness. However, Audi carries on its more appealing front face which looks more attractive.

2023 Lexus RC 350 vs 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche Cayman is much more expensive than the Lexus RC 350. It comes with an H4 powertrain with its base model progressing to H6 with upper trims. Quicker with overall acceleration, the 2023 Cayman also provides less highway economy as compared to the competitor. The RC 350 comes with a V6 engine that generates more power. The fuel tank capacity of the RC 350 is also better than the Cayman, which is reflected in the overall range of travel. The exterior of the Cayman is a lot sportier but lags behind in exterior dimensions. 

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 is comfortable, stylish, and a powerful coupe. If a fan doesn't need a real racecar in their garage, the RC 350 seems like a good option. The fuel economy of the Coupe is decent, but not as efficient as some of its competitors. The V6 powertrain gives out excellent power and torque output that are at par with others in this segment. The interior and exterior of the car also look appealing. The RC 350 provides plenty of safety features and has been ranked impressively by the IIHS. Also, being Toyota’s sibling, Lexus is synonymous with reliability. One can opt for the Base trim for an all-around experience, but can definitely seith to F-Sport for an even better ride experience.