Upgraded Suspension Better Suits 2019 Lexus RC 350, Says New Atlas
Lexus infotainment systems still struggle to satisfy consumers and critics alike.
For 2019, Lexus retains its status as America’s most popular luxury automaker. Much of this is due in large part to the overall quality of the brand’s vehicles. Beautiful styling, elegant interiors, premium comfort, and balanced road-feel all come at a modest price point with the Japanese luxury automaker. Although we’ve come to expect these benefits in every Lexus automobile, they are not without their flaws.
In a recent review by New Atlas, the pros and cons of the RC 350 are explored fully. And while overall the RC 350 is everything Lexus has embodied over the past decade, it is not a perfect vehicle.
New Atlas feels the styling of the 2019 RC 350 is much improved from 2018. “For the 2019 model year, Lexus updated the look of the RC series, giving the coupe a stronger visual appeal front and rear. The huge Lexus grille has been tamed somewhat, with less sharpness to its nose and more visual breakup of the mesh. That and light modifications to the rear design of the RC 350 give it a much more sophisticated and less in-your-face look compared to previous years.”
Most Lexus vehicles are not bred for aggressive driving styles. Until recently, the RC 350 had been no exception. But, new additions to the RC’s driving performance, such as a re-tuned suspension and four-wheel steering hope to match its sporty appearance and help it compete with its European counterparts.
“Lexus has taken a step to change that, though, by adding the option for a four-wheel steering system for the truly sport-focused RC 350 rear-wheel-drive F Sport model. A more aggressive limited-slip rear differential is also available,” says New Atlas.
New Atlas shares the opinion of many in regards to the Lexus infotainment systems. “What mars the interior’s beauty and excellence are the details beyond design and comfort. The infotainment system in the RC 350 is, as with all other Lexus vehicles, a serious weak point. The clunky interface requires a lot of attention to use properly. That’s not what is needed in today’s info-rich age…” says New Atlas. “The Lexus system is the opposite of that, requiring multiple looks away from the road and down to the screen or the controls for even the simplest of functions.”
Lexus interiors have struggled in this department for quite some time. Though the recent addition of Apple Carplay is a welcome one, New Atlas understands it’s not quite enough to overcome the general lack of user-friendliness. “The addition of Apple CarPlay helps somewhat, but Android Auto is still not available and integration with CarPlay is still hit-and-miss.” Distraction-free driving is simply a must in the modern world with so many on the road, and the infotainment system fails to aid that cause.
“Powering the Lexus RC 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 that outputs a healthy 311 horsepower (232 kW) to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available, changing the car to a less efficient six-speed automatic.”
“The Lexus RC 350’s six-speed transmission is not afraid to downshift when pressed, and can be controlled readily via the paddle shifters on the wheel. Lexus upgraded the RC’s suspension for better tuning to suit the car, and the F Sport model we drove also included adaptive dampers,” says New Atlas. “We also liked the upgraded instrument cluster that comes with the F Sport model, adding more intuitive sport-focused information in the cluster. The Mark Levinson stereo option is also a nice upgrade, piling 17 speakers into the little RC for maximum audio excellence.”
All in all, the RC 350 serves its purpose well and the pros certainly outweigh the cons. If you’re in the market for a luxury coupe with a little sporty edge to it, New Atlas feels confident that, despite its flaws, the RC 350 is the car for you.
“With several downsides, including the relatively small trunk compared to rivals, its near-useless back seat, and infotainment that leaves much to be desired, the 2019 RC 350 is still a car worth looking at. If those downers aren’t deal-breakers for you, and the idea is to have a wonderful daily car with comfort and luxury as primary focus, the RC is a near-perfect match.”
Photos: New Atlas
