Lexus RC 350 review: A sporty yet sensible daily driver

Overall Impression: Great style. Simplicity in management. Excellent quality. Excellent quality. Four-wheel drive. Comfortable cab.

Five years later, the Lexus RC 350 is getting an update for the 2019 model year. Toyota boss Akio Toyoda has said he wants to infuse the Lexus brand with a new spirit, and offerings like the RC 350 show it doesn't just blow smoke out the tailpipe. Toyoda says he wants to compete with the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Cadillac ATS, and the RC 350 is his answer.

This week we drove a 2019 Lexus RC 350 with all wheel drive.

Lexus RC 350: what's new in 2019?

The Lexus RC 350 has been updated with new front and rear styling, retuned suspension and power steering for crisper handling, and integration technologies like Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. The premium package gets new content and Blue Vortex Metallic joins the exterior color roster.

Features and options: locked and loaded

The 2019 Lexus RC 350 with all-wheel drive ($ 46,440) comes standard with 18-inch wheels; LED headlights; keyless entry and ignition; dual-zone automatic climate control; Rear View Camera; front seats with electric drive and heating; faux leather upholstery; and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Technology and infotainment features include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, a seven-inch display, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

Also standard are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and Lexus Enform communications and remote services.

Features & Options: Locked & Loaded (some more!)

This tester was equipped with an all-weather kit, triple-beam LED headlights, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system. The Premium package adds heated and ventilated front seats; blind spot monitoring with rear cross alert; automatic wipers; reinforced tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; and driver's seat memory settings.

The Navigation Pack includes a console-mounted touchpad controller; 10.3" display; and upgraded voice commands with navigation. Ventilated seats, an intuitive parking assistant and a heated steering wheel complete the selection. Total MSRP including destination: $54,630. By comparison, the 2019 Lexus RC 350 starts at $ 44,075 rear-wheel drive; 46.240 $ with all wheel drive.

2019 Lexus RC 350.

Interior highlights: cramped but still nice

The two-tone black and burgundy interior color scheme with woodgrain trim is particularly attractive. The RC 350's 10-way power adjustable front seats are comfortable and offer us the perfect driving position. As you'd expect from a Lexus, the interior offers plenty of soft-touch materials and first-class quality. For the 2019 RC, Lexus is offering six different interior trim combinations, and that's not a bad one.

There is an additional level of comfort with heated and cooled front seats, and this model offers a quick-acting cabin heater on cold winter mornings. The ventilated seats were appreciated as Denver was warm even in September. The RC 350 still holds the analog clock, which we consider an interesting choice. Our only compatible with Lexus and its interiors is the infotainment touchpad. It's still not as intuitive as others on the market.

We tested Mark Levinson's 17-speaker system and kept a noisy world as we made it to the mountains from Denver. However, don't expect the rear seat to be used to carry adult passengers. It's tight and best for small kids and cargo, though it's okay for a sports coupe. Trunk space is also 10.4 cubic feet, big enough for two golf bags.

2019 Lexus RC 350 interior layout.

2019 Lexus RC 350: engine and fuel specifications

The 2019 Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. torque. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters comes with all-wheel drive models. The coupe gets an EPA of approximately 18/24 city/highway and 21 combined mpg with all-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel drive is available for the RC 350. Engine power remains unchanged, although power is sent through an eight-speed automatic versus a six-speed. Fuel economy improves to 20/28 city/highway and 23 combined mpg. In any case, premium fuel is recommended for the 3.5-liter V6. Given the best all-weather capabilities, we would choose our Lexus RC 350 with all-wheel drive.

Driving dynamics: ideal for the daily grind

The RC 350 Coupe has enough power and performance to satisfy most driving enthusiasts. The sporty feel of the car, along with the power of the V6 engine, is enough to handle almost any driving situation. The 2019 Lexus RC 350 is perfect for enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable, capable daily driver. If you're looking to up your game, the available F Sport package adds things like an adaptive suspension that improves overall comfort and handling.

This week the Lexus RC 350 handled the corners on the mountain roads west of Denver really well. Lexus upped the power a bit, giving the V6 enough grunt to let slower drivers up I-70 into the mountains at altitude pass. The naturally aspirated RC 350 doesn't have the "torque" response of the turbo engines used by rivals, but acceleration is still smooth and linear. While the RC 350 looks sporty, we think it's well suited for everyday riding.

2019 Lexus RC 350 F Sport.

Conclusion: a solid choice

The 2019 Lexus RC 350 is a good choice for those looking for a sporty yet reasonable coupe. It's not as attractive as its German rivals, but the Lexus is a solid choice no matter what. With all-wheel drive, you can ride it all year round with less fear of getting stuck in the snow. And with heated seats and steering wheel, it's all the better.