The 2019 Lexus RC 350 is a luxury sports coupe whose style, performance, and a wealth of configurations certainly make it an enticing option in the marketplace. The sporty 2+2 coupe provides its occupants with a plush ride and a comfortable cabin with excellent head and legroom for front-seat passengers, although those subjected to the rear seats may feel a bit cramped.

The RC received a small refresh for 2019, drawing inspiration from Lexus’ flagship coupe, the LC. This means new front and rear bumpers, revised front and rear lighting elements, a few new wheel designs, and tweaked exterior mirrors. Inside, a new analog clock on the dashboard, a revised ignition switch button, improved cupholders, and a console-mounted knee pad for the driver create a slightly more luxurious cabin than before. Lexus updated the suspension, as well as the power steering and the turbocharged four-cylinder's logic to help improve performance. Onboard Wi-Fi with 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration are now standard, but you can't get Android Auto, as is Lexus' Enform Remote app which can also be paired with a smartwatch. The optional Premium package (equipped our test vehicle) now includes memory settings for the driver, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Ride quality, a quiet cabin and overall comfort is where the RC shines. The RC 350 is not as eager as tauter coupes when it comes to enthusiastic driving, but there's still some room to play. The steering wheel transmits a good amount of road feel, and enough driver feedback to let you know when grip begins to fade. The RC 350 comes powered by a 311-hp 3.5-liter V-6, mated to either the slick-shifting 8-speed automatic on rear-wheel-drive models or the 6-speed automatic with all-wheel-drive variants. We do like the nice growl that the RC 350 makes when you press the loud-and-go-fast pedal. The Lexus Safety System was intuitive and well-integrated, unlike some of its competitors, which made driving for long periods a pleasure rather than a chore.

Good visibility and a roomy front cabin are highlights of the RC’s interior. The front seats are supportive, well cushioned, and wrapped in supple leather. All RC models come with dual-zone automatic climate control adjusted by touch-sensitive slider controls that are intuitive and easy to use. The Mark Levinson stereo setup is crystal clear while still having a good amount of bass response with all 835-watts of premium sound through 17 speakers. It’s probably one of the best stereos I’ve experienced in a car.

A big plus for the RC 350 is its trunk space, especially with the seats down. The bad, we are not fans of Lexus' touchpad-based multimedia interface as it can be a challenge to use. Many of the controls are unnecessarily complicated and force your eyes away from the road which is never ideal. In addition to the standard RC 350, there’s also the sportier RC 350 F Sport. Like other F Sport vehicles, the RC 350 F Sport comes with an adaptive variable suspension, high-performance brake pads, limited-slip differential, and a Sport mode. Lexus’ Dynamic Handling System with rear-wheel steering is optional on rear-drive variants.

Driving the RC 350 inspired confidence, as equipped, my tester was priced at $52,670 including destination fees. The RC 350 competes with the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Cadillac ATS. If you’d like a luxury coupe that offers good handling and stands out from the crowd, the RC 350 should be on your shopping list, the 2019 Lexus RC 350 offers a fresh and stylish take on the grand tourer.

2019 Lexus RC 350 Specifications

Highlights	Description
Engine	3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower	311 hp @6600rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800rpm
Transmission	8-speed auto
Suspension, F/R	Double Wishbone/multilink
Brakes, F/R	13.2-in vented discs/12.2-in. vented discs
Wheels and Tires	18-in. alloy,235/45R18
Curb weight	3748 lb
Overall length	185.
Overall width	72.4 in.
Overall height	54.9 in.
Wheelbase	107.5 in.

2019 Lexus RC 350 - Driven