The term “Lexus Sports Car” conjures images of high performance, sleek design, and exhilarating driving dynamics. Lexus has indeed produced vehicles that fit this bill, models like the legendary LFA supercar, the sophisticated LC 500 grand tourer, and the acclaimed GS F sports sedan. These cars have cemented Lexus’s ability to create truly engaging performance machines. However, the Lexus RC 350 F Sport, a coupe that has been around for a decade, enters the scene with a somewhat ambiguous identity. While it sports aggressive styling cues and an “F Sport” badge, a closer examination reveals whether it truly lives up to the “sports car” designation. This review delves into the 2023 Lexus RC 350 AWD F Sport to determine if it’s a genuine sports car or merely a stylish coupe with sporting aspirations.
The 2023 Lexus RC 350 F Sport front profile, showcasing its aggressive black hood, hinting at sporty performance.
At first glance, the RC 350 F Sport certainly looks the part of a performance vehicle. The tested model featured a striking black hood, a design element seemingly borrowed from the world of The Fast and the Furious, instantly suggesting speed and power. This visual aggression might lead onlookers to believe this is a car eager to race, an impression the author himself experienced. However, appearances can be deceiving. Despite its sporty aesthetics, the RC 350 F Sport’s performance figures and driving experience tell a different story. It’s crucial to look beyond the surface and evaluate its capabilities as a supposed “lexus sports car”.
The heart of the RC 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are respectable, they are not class-leading, especially when considering the competition in the sports coupe segment. Moreover, the torque peaks at a rather high 4,800 RPM, indicating a need to rev the engine to access its power. This engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission – an aging component in a market where eight-speed transmissions are the norm. The result is a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.7 seconds. While not inherently slow, this figure pales in comparison to rivals like the BMW M440i, which achieves the same sprint in a mere 4.0 seconds. In the realm of “lexus sports car” expectations, the RC 350’s performance is decidedly underwhelming.
Side view of the Lexus RC 350 F Sport highlighting its coupe silhouette and F Sport badging, suggesting a sporty character.
The engine’s power delivery further diminishes its sports car credentials. Below 4,500 RPM, the V6 feels anemic, offering minimal response when you put your foot down. Even at 3,000 RPM, the acceleration is lackluster. While the engine does come alive at higher revs, the outdated six-speed automatic transmission struggles to keep it in its sweet spot. With fewer gears than modern transmissions, upshifts drop the engine speed too significantly, further hindering performance. This powertrain combination means the RC 350 lags behind competitors, even those equipped with base four-cylinder engines, in terms of outright speed and responsiveness. Adding to the disappointment, the RC 350 AWD is not fuel-efficient, averaging just 20 MPG, which is less than more powerful vehicles like the Lexus IS 500 with a V8 engine.
Moving beyond straight-line speed, a true “lexus sports car” should also deliver engaging handling and cornering prowess. Here, the RC 350 F Sport again falls short of expectations. The car feels most comfortable at moderate speeds, around 7/10ths of its perceived limit. Pushing harder reveals understeer and a lack of playfulness. Despite being an AWD vehicle, it’s not designed for tail-out antics or aggressive cornering. Body roll becomes noticeable in quick transitions, especially on twisty roads, as the weight of over 4,000 pounds and modest tires struggle to maintain composure. The steering, while offering a slightly tactile leather-wrapped wheel, lacks the necessary weight and feedback at higher speeds, further disconnecting the driver from the driving experience. In essence, while it wears the F Sport badge and boasts sporty styling, the RC 350 is reluctant to embrace spirited driving.
Interior of the 2023 Lexus RC 350 F Sport, showcasing yellow accents intended to evoke a sporty atmosphere, contrasting with its actual driving dynamics.
Inside, the RC 350 F Sport presents a more convincing case for luxury and style, though it still struggles to fully embody the “lexus sports car” ethos. The interior is well-appointed with supple leather and comfortable seats, hallmarks of Lexus craftsmanship. The yellow accents in the test car, reminiscent of McLaren’s interior color schemes, aim to reinforce a sporty character. However, this visual sportiness is at odds with the car’s actual performance. While the cabin is generally well-built and rattle-free, some cheap-feeling elements detract from the overall premium experience. Notably, the dated cruise control stalk and a volume knob with a tacky rubbery texture feel out of place in a vehicle at this price point. Even the sunroof’s manual shade, split into two clunky pieces, feels less refined than expected in a luxury coupe.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2023 Lexus RC 350 F Sport, emphasizing its sporty lines but hinting at its limitations as a true sports car.
Practicality is not typically a primary concern for sports cars, but it’s worth noting the RC 350’s limitations in this area. Rear seat space is cramped, particularly headroom. A 6’1″ passenger reportedly had to tilt his head significantly to fit in the back. Furthermore, the climate control system exhibited an odd tendency to default to recirculated air, even when set to outside air, requiring frequent readjustment. Another issue arose with the trunk, which occasionally produced a creaking noise upon opening, an anomaly for Lexus, known for its build quality. The infotainment system, while now featuring a touchscreen, remains cumbersome due to the legacy trackpad controller. Even the touchscreen integration feels half-baked, with inconsistent back button functionality, indicating a lack of thorough optimization. Compounding these issues, the RC 350 uses an older infotainment system, not the latest version found in newer Lexus and Toyota models, signaling a lack of investment in keeping the RC current.
Where the Lexus RC 350 truly excels is in its role as a comfortable grand tourer. It offers a hushed cabin, minimizing road and wind noise, coupled with comfortable seats and a compliant ride that absorbs bumps effectively. However, this strength ironically underscores its weakness as a “lexus sports car”. It presents the visual appeal of a high-performance coupe, amplified by details like the black hood and yellow interior trim, but its performance and driving dynamics fall short of genuine sports car standards, especially for its $60,000 price tag. This positions the RC 350 as more of a “poser’s dream” – a car for those who prioritize the look of a fast, sporty vehicle without the actual desire or intention to drive it spiritedly. It’s a car designed to make a visual statement, but not to deliver a truly engaging driving experience.
This point was driven home when a Lexus RC F, the higher-performance variant and arguably the real “lexus sports car” of the RC lineup, pulled up alongside the test car. The RC F, with its carbon fiber hood and wing, highlighted the performance gap and made the RC 350 F Sport feel like a less authentic imitation. For those seeking a comfortable cruiser, there are arguably better, more spacious, and potentially more luxurious options available. The Genesis G70, for example, is cited as a superior car in virtually every aspect and offers a more engaging driving experience. And for those truly seeking a sports car, the BMW M240i and M440i, despite styling criticisms of the latter, offer significantly better performance, as do Mercedes-AMG C43 and CLA 45, the Audi S3, and the upcoming Integra Type S. Even considering non-luxury options like the Toyota GR Supra and Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, these similarly priced coupes deliver a far more thrilling and engaging driving experience, highlighting the RC 350’s shortcomings in the sports car arena. Ultimately, the Lexus RC 350 F Sport leaves one questioning its purpose and target audience. Its appeal seems primarily rooted in aesthetics, neglecting the driving dynamics and performance expected of a true “lexus sports car”.
2023 Lexus RC 350 AWD F Sport Review: Summary
As-tested price: $61,430
Pros: Eye-catching, sporty aesthetics; comfortable and refined cruising capabilities.
Cons: Significantly slower and less engaging to drive than competitors in the sports coupe segment; questionable value proposition at $60K price point.
Link to the original review of the 2023 Lexus RC 350 F Sport on The Road Beat website.
