Road Test: 2020 Lexus RC350
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Lexus
Specifications:
Price: $62,300 (MSRP)
Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6 w/VVT-i
Trans: 6-speed auto
Power: 311 hp@ 6,600 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,891 lbs./ 1,765 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 13.1/9.8
New for 2020: Nothing new for the Lexus RC models in 2020 except some minor changes to available options on certain models.
Segment Competitors: Audi A5, Infiniti Q60, BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Skinny: The Lexus RC350 truly luxurious in every sense of the word. It has an amazing exterior design, a high-tech interior and a surprisingly smooth and effortless ride aided by all of the latest and greatest safety and driver assist technologies.
The interior is well laid out and provides a sporty driving position with great view-points all around. Where it does fall short inside is the continuation of the track pad controlled infotainment system that isn’t all that easy to use and the very cramped backseats but this is something that can be said about most if not all coupes.
Under the hood is a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 paired to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission that puts power to the ground through an AWD system. Unfortunately no matter what drive mode you are in the car does feel a bit sluggish, especially when compared to its direct competitors. Sure it puts out 311 horsepower but the 280 lb-ft of torque fail to get this heavy coupe moving fast enough for my liking. I’m not saying it has to put out 400+ horsepower just to get my attention, but the slow-feeling 311 just aren’t enough. Especially for a car that has the athletic, aggressive appearance this one does.
Pros: The exterior design is one that truly turns heads and as I said the overall comfortability of the ride is at or near the top of its class.
Cons: The back seat is pretty much useless, and again, it would greatly benefit from some more power.
The Verdict: The Lexus RC350 is a luxury coupe that has a truly great design however doesn’t necessarily have the brute force to back it up and if you are someone who is more concerned with looks rather than performance, I would strongly suggest looking in to one.
