Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Lexus RC offers sporty driving
Introduced in 2014, the Lexus RC is a modern luxury sports coupe with bold styling, flexible driving character and next-generation technology, designed for drivers who value performance and craftsmanship.
The RC features a few changes for 2021, including a new, limited-production 350-unit Black Line Special Edition.
Now standard are the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and heated electrochromic exterior mirrors. A new exterior color, Grecian Water, is available, depending on trim level.
Both the RC 350 ($45,050) and RC 350 F Sport ($49,520) come with standard rear-wheel drive.
My F Sport tester added full-time all-wheel drive for $1,610 extra.
The RC’s 311-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 generates 280-foot-pounds of peak torque, features direct and port fuel injection, and produces an awesome sound.
Rear-drive models have an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission, while AWD models come with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
EPA ratings for my RC 350 F Sport AWD are 19 mpg city/26 highway/22 combined. Driving mostly local two-lane roads and city streets, I averaged 23.4 mpg.
My RC 350’s athletic form and powerful stance featured an impressive fascia with dramatic Premium Triple-Beam LED headlights ($1,160). It also has strong character lines sweeping back from the headlights to the A-pillars and flowing to the dramatic rear valance and 3D wraparound LED tail lights, creating an enticing exterior.
Specific F Sport features include the bolstered front heated/ventilated power seats; the Lexus memory system for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel; power tilt/ telescopic steering wheel; rain-sensing wipers; Drive Mode Select with Sport S, S+ and Custom modes; F Sport suspension tuning; Adaptive Variable Suspension; Dark Gray Streamline trim; aluminum pedals and footrest; F Sport mesh grille with smoked-chrome trim; and movable speedometer with specific graphics for each drive mode.
My F Sport had 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with a Dark Graphite finish. The dark glossy wheels and grille trim were striking without being overpowering.
The cockpit displayed artistry with a signature analog clock and expressive gauges for extra refinement.
Cabin storage was limited. The two rear seats were nicely padded, although legroom was snug at 27.3 inches, and there was only a shallow tray between the seat cushions for small objects.
A Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package ($2,725) brought lots of audio and driver-assist upgrades, including an 835-watt surroundsound system, 17 high-efficiency speakers including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi technology, machined-aluminum control knobs, a 10.3-inch split-screen navigation system with multimedia display, Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation, Dynamic Voice Command, Lexus Enform Destination Assist, and In-dash DVD/CD player. My favorite feature of the navigation system was the weather overlay.
Lexus Safety SystemPlus is the most comprehensive safety package ever for the RC and includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Intelligent High Beams.
With $6,450 total in options and $1,025 in destination charges, my fun-todrive, attractive Lexus RC 350 F Sport AWD delivered for $58,605.