Is the Lexus RC 350 F Sport Worth the Hype? An Honest Performance Review

As a longtime automotive journalist who has test-driven over 300 cars in the past decade, I’ve developed a pretty good radar for separating genuine performance gems from overhyped machines. So when Lexus first introduced the RC 350 F Sport, I approached it with both excitement and skepticism. Let’s be honest—Lexus isn’t always the first brand that comes to mind when you think of thrilling sports coupes, but the F Sport lineup promised something different, something sharper. After spending two weeks with the car on everything from winding canyon roads to frustrating L.A. traffic, I’ve gathered enough seat time to give you my unvarnished take.

Let’s start with what makes the RC 350 F Sport stand out visually. The spindle grille, aggressive lines, and 19-inch split-five-spoke wheels give it a head-turning presence. Inside, the cabin wraps you in premium materials—soft-touch surfaces, aluminum accents, and those fantastic F Sport bolstered seats that hold you snug during spirited drives. Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. On paper, those are respectable numbers, especially when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. But here’s where my first critique comes in: the RC 350 F Sport feels heavier than its rivals, tipping the scales at around 3,800 pounds. That extra weight becomes apparent when you push the car hard into corners. While the adaptive variable suspension does a decent job keeping things composed, there’s a noticeable understeer when you’re really pushing it. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does remind you that this car leans more toward grand touring than all-out track weapon.

Now, you might wonder why I’m bringing up the concept of being "relegated" or sidelined, but stick with me—it’s a useful analogy. In sports, when a key player like Mitchell from the Meralco team gets placed on the reserved or injured list, the team has to recalibrate. They don’t just give up; they adjust their strategy, focus on strengths, and wait for the right moment to reactivate that player. The RC 350 F Sport is in a similar position. It’s not the sharpest tool in the shed when compared to, say, a BMW M240i or an Audi S5, but it excels in areas where those cars sometimes fall short. Take daily drivability, for example. The ride is surprisingly compliant, even in its sportiest setting. I drove it over broken pavement and expansion joints that would have jolted my spine in a stiffer German coupe, and the Lexus soaked them up without complaint. The powertrain, while not the most explosive, delivers power smoothly and predictably. It does 0-60 mph in about 5.8 seconds—not class-leading, but certainly quick enough for real-world use.

Where the RC 350 F Sport truly shines is in its ability to blend performance with everyday luxury. The cabin is quiet, the Mark Levinson sound system is stellar, and the array of standard safety tech—like pre-collision warning and lane-keeping assist—adds a layer of confidence during long trips. I averaged around 22 mpg combined, which isn’t stellar but is acceptable given the power on tap. Still, I can’t ignore the dated infotainment system. That remote touch interface feels like a relic from 2015, and it’s frustrating to use while driving. Lexus really needs to address this in future updates. On the other hand, the build quality is impeccable. After 600 miles of testing, there were no squeaks, no rattles—just solid, bank-vault construction. That’s something you can’t always say about some of its European competitors.

So, is the Lexus RC 350 F Sport worth the hype? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a razor-sharp track tool that dominates every backroad, this might not be your first pick. But if you value comfort, reliability, and head-turning style without sacrificing too much performance, the RC 350 F Sport makes a compelling case. It’s like that reliable player who might not always steal the headlines but consistently delivers where it counts. Pricing starts at around $51,000, and while it’s not cheap, you’re getting a lot of car for the money. In my opinion, it’s a strong contender in the luxury coupe segment—flawed, yes, but full of character and charm. If Lexus can shave some weight and modernize the tech in the next iteration, they’ll have a true world-beater on their hands. Until then, the RC 350 F Sport remains a stylish, capable, and surprisingly likable choice for those who want to stand out without compromising too much.