A Closer Look at the 2021 Lexus RC350 F Sport AWD
A new edition to the RC line.
Car Front
The RC coupe is a sporty version of their Lexus IS sedan. While lacking four doors makes it less practical, it certainly has style, and gets plenty of attention on the street.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Engines
There is a wide range of engine choices here. There is the RC300, which starts with an economical 2.0 liter 241 turbo. On the top end is the RC-F, with a potent 5.0 liter 472 hp V-8. The more popular choices are V-6 models. There are now three to pick from. First is the standard RC350. It has a 311 hp 3.5-liter engine with an 8-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. The second choice is the RC300 with all-wheel drive, a 6-speed gearbox, and a de-tuned V-6 with 260 horsepower. New for 2021 Lexus took the RC350 with 311 hp engine but gives it the AWD and 6-speed of the RC300. This means you can now get this sporty coupe with four-wheel traction, yet do not sacrifice the top-rated 311 horsepower.
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AWD
The new RC350 with AWD is what we got. With traction on all four wheels, driving on wet or slick roads is far safer. We lose a bit of acceleration due to driveline drag, but not much. Lexus claims 0-60 time drops from 5.8 to 6.0 seconds, which is still brisk enough. The fuel economy is still good rated at 19/26 mpg.
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Drive Mode
This knob allows Eco, Normal, Custom, Sport, or Sport+ drive modes.
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Shifter
What would a sports car be without paddle shifters for manual gear selection?
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Touch Pad
The infotainment and navigation system has the newer finger touchpad that replaced the older stick control. It takes practice to operate, especially when the car is in motion.
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Info Screen
The info screen isn't very large but serves its purpose. The climate controls are very simple to operate. We get a real analog clock, which is a nice touch.
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Headlights
These triple beam LED headlights to push out a strong beam, but are part of the F-Sport Blackline option at $2,145. We also get a wood steering wheel, and an official Lexus two-piece luggage set mailed to your house.
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Exhaust
These exhaust tips will have onlookers think you ordered the stronger V-8 car when it is parked. They will no longer be fooled when the engine is started, but the sound is still impressive for a V-6 motor.
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Performance
While the RC350 V-6 doesn't have the raw acceleration of the more potent V-8 RC-F (0-60 in 4.6 seconds), it is quick enough, and more practical in daily commuting. The AWD will be a blessing on slick pavement.
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Price
At $51K, the RC350 is reasonably priced, but like most Lexus cars, the option list can raise the fee in a hurry. Charging $120 for a trunk mat seemed rather bold; shouldn't this be standard on a top-line vehicle? But the good news is this car is totally made at the Lexus factory in Japan by Japanese workers. This explains the excellent workmanship and build quality. That is certainly worth the price.
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Rear View
The RC coupe is an excellent car. With four engine offerings and this newest AWD version, the choices are even better.
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Check out the how-to sections of ClubLexus.com for help keeping your car in great shape.