Is the Lexus RC350 fast?
Yes. The RC350 offers brisk acceleration for a luxury coupe, with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering roughly 311 horsepower. In rear‑drive form it typically reaches 0–60 mph in the mid‑5 seconds, while all‑wheel drive adds weight and can slow it slightly.
To understand what “fast” means in this context, this article examines the RC350’s powertrain, acceleration figures, and how it stacks up against key rivals, along with practical considerations like ride quality and weight.
Performance specs
The following figures summarize what powers the RC350 and how it behaves on the road.
- Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 (around 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with available manual shift mode
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available
- Weight: Curb weight roughly 3,700–3,900 pounds depending on trim and drivetrain
- Acceleration: 0–60 mph typically in the mid‑5 seconds for RWD; AWD models are a touch slower due to extra weight
- Top speed: Electronically limited to about 130 mph in most markets
In practical terms, the RC350 delivers strong, linear acceleration and confident highway merging, especially in rear‑drive form. It prioritizes smooth, steady power over outright race‑car sprint.
Notes on ride and handling
Beyond straight-line speed, the RC350 emphasizes Audiophile-grade comfort and poised handling. The suspension strikes a balance between composure on winding roads and ride comfort in daily driving, with the F Sport variant tuning dynamics for a sharper feel without becoming punishing on rough pavement.
How it compares to peers
Compared with its luxury‑sport peers, the RC350 sits in a middle ground: quicker than many entry‑level rivals but slower than the high‑performance variants from Europe and Japan. This section contrasts the RC350 with notable contenders to place its speed in context.
- Infiniti Q60 (3.0‑liter twin‑turbo V6 variants): Generally offers competitive acceleration, with some trims delivering brisk 0–60 times that can edge ahead of the RC350 depending on configuration.
- Audi A5/S5: The A5 2.0T is slower in base form, while the S5 with a 3.0T typically delivers noticeably quicker 0–60 times, placing it ahead of the RC350 in straight-line pace.
- BMW 4 Series (including M440i): The M440i xDrive, and other boosted trims, usually clocks 0–60 in the low to mid‑4-second range, outperforming the RC350 by a comfortable margin.
- Mercedes‑AMG C43/C300 variants: The C43 (and related performance variants) tend to be faster off the line than the RC350, thanks to turbocharged power and tuned chassis.
Overall, several rivals deliver quicker 0–60 times or sharper straight‑line pace, especially in higher trims. The RC350 remains competitive for buyers who value a blend of comfort, refinement, and respectable speed, rather than outright sprint performance.
Practical considerations
Beyond numbers, buyers weigh daily usability, fuel economy, and ownership costs. The RC350 generally offers refined ride quality, a well-appointed interior, and strong reliability expectations typical of Lexus, but it carries a weight penalty relative to lighter, turbocharged rivals. Fuel economy is solid for its class, though not class-leading, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly in most driving scenarios. If raw track-ready speed is a priority, Lexus’s RC F or rival performance models may be a better fit.
Summary
The Lexus RC350 is fast enough to feel lively and confident in most everyday driving scenarios, delivering solid acceleration, smooth power delivery, and a refined chassis. It sits between everyday luxury and high-performance sport cars: more than sufficient for daily driving and highway overtakes, but outpaced by turbocharged or V8 rivals at the high end. For buyers prioritizing comfort, styling, and balanced performance, the RC350 offers a compelling combination; for those chasing sprint speed and corner-carving prowess, alternatives within the segment may be more satisfying.
Is the Lexus RC 350 a good car?
The RC300 and RC350 models reviewed here make for great long-distance grand tourers and are comfortable for daily driving too, but they aren't as satisfying to drive as their sporty-looking bodywork would suggest.
Is the RC 350 fast?
With the rear-wheel drive configuration, the RC 350 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which increases to 6 seconds in all-wheel drive.
Is the Lexus RC 350 a sports car?
This luxury sports car makes calculations based on vehicle speed and driver input, delivering performance on demand.
How fast can you make a RC 350?
That gives it enough power to jump from zero to 60 MPH in just 5.8 seconds, and hit a maximum top speed of 143 MPH on the track.
