2023 Lexus RC 350 Review

Not every driver craves sports car performance. There are plenty of people who simply want a comfortable vehicle that looks good, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Among luxury coupes, the Lexus RC fills that role with ease. The 2023 Lexus RC 350 represents the middle ground in that lineup, supported by the less powerful RC 300 and capped by the powerful V8-powered RC F.

It's been eight years since the RC was introduced, meaning it's overdue for a full redesign if it's to continue. The edgy coupe is showing its age, especially in terms of power and performance, compared to its primary rivals, yet it remains a viable choice for luxury-oriented customers. For 2023, the RC 350 receives a new infotainment touchscreen that replaces the old display. That gives users the ability to control the system with the more common touch controls rather than being stuck with Lexus' frustrating trackpad controller. Also new is a Special Appearance package for F Sport models that debuts a two-tone paint scheme with new wheels.

Even though the 2023 Lexus RC 350 may not be as athletic as some of its German rivals, it should still please more relaxed drivers and cost them less. Competitors such as the BMW 4 Series, Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will set you back a few thousand more and deliver a more modern luxury experience, stronger performance and newer tech items. We cover all of the areas where the RC 350 holds an advantage as well as its liabilities in our Expert Rating below.

The 2023 Lexus RC 350 is available in two trim levels: base and F Sport. Both come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (311 horsepower, 280 lb-ft) joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional, which changes the transmission to a six-speed automatic. The turbocharged four-cylinder RC 300 and high-performance RC F are reviewed separately.