Lexus offers the 2022 RC 350 in a single trim. The coupe gets its power from a 3.5L V6 engine and is offered with an optional AWD drivetrain configuration. The RWD variant will cost $45,150, while the AWD variant will cost $47,315. Available packages with the RC 350 include a Navigation Package worth $1,645 that adds a Navigation System with a 10.3-Inch Split-Screen Multimedia display, Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation, Dynamic Voice Command, Lexus Enform Destination Assist, and an In-Dash Dvd/Cd Player. 

You could also opt for the Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package which adds a premium audio system along with the navigation package for $2,725. Other packages include the Premium Package worth $1,790 and the All-Weather Package ($220) The following are the main features in the 2022 Lexus RC350-

Which Trim should you buy?

There is only a trim option on offer. However, you can customize it with the vast availability of optional features and packages. We recommend you to opt for the Navigation System w/Mark Levinson Audio and Premium Package that will cost you $2,725 extra. 

Release Date

The 2022 Lexus RC 350 is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2022. Although Lexus has not officially confirmed this, the 2022 RC 350 is expected to release very soon as it is a carryover model. 

The 2022 RC 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine coupled with 8-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to the rear wheels as standard but you can also opt for an AWD drivetrain configuration. The AWD RC 350 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, unlike the RWD version. The engine generates 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque and that helps the vehicle cover the 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 14 seconds. The engine feels smooth and punchy. 

As the engine is naturally aspirated you experience no turbo lag. As soon as you press the gas pedal, it quickly responds to the inputs. 2022 RC 350 is more like a tuned-up version in the RC lineup. Apart from this, the RC lineup has an RC 300 variant which comes with a slightly underpowered 2L Turbo 4-pot motor. You can also opt for the high-performance variant for those track days. These variants will be reviewed separately. Driving a Lexus is great, and when the engine is a Naturally Aspirated V6, it’s a pleasant and memorable experience.

The Infiniti Q60 is the cheapest one on the lot here; cheaper by 4 grand. Yet it offers similar specs as to the Lexus. The Q60 comes with a 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 unlike the Lexus; this means that it achieves peak torque at lower revs. Q60 is the fastest of the lot here covering the 0-60MPH run in just 5.2 seconds. The Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series come equipped with small yet capable 2L turbo inline-4 engines. While the Audi feels underpowered, BMW 4 Series offers similar torque as the Q60.

How well does the 2022 Lexus RC 350 Coupe handle?

Just like its admirable performance, Lexus RC 350 managed to check the boxes when it comes to handling. The steering feels responsive, light, and delightful. The coupe being light in terms of curb weight has minimal body rolls. This makes it easy for the driver to take a sharp corner and tread through curves quite easily. 

Consider spending a couple of grand extra for the AWD variant and the driving dynamics significantly improves. The AWD drivetrain helps the car perform well even in terrains, snow, and sand. In short, when it comes to handling, this Lexus will inspire confidence to take on twisty roads.

2022 Lexus RC 350 Coupe Braking Performance

The 2022 RC 350 comes fitted with disc brakes on all the wheels. The front wheels come equipped with 13.2” rotors at the front and 12.2” rotors at the rear. The brakes are responsive and work smoothly. It brings the car to stop from 60 mph within 115 feet. The braking system is further assisted by ABS, Hill Hold Control, EBD, and Emergency Brake Assist.

The Audi A5 comes with the largest braking hardware in its class; larger brakes mean it can slow down in the shortest distance. However, we don't have the braking performance data with us. The Lexus’s braking performance is impressive as it can stop from 60mph in just 115 feet when the brakes are slammed. Most vehicles in its class take a little over 120 feet to stop from 60-0mph.

When it comes to fuel efficiency the 2022 RC 350 fails to impress. The 3.5L V6 only manages to offer 21/31/25 MPG in the city/highway/combined driving cycles respectively. The AWD variant drops the figures down to 1-2 mpg further. Being packed with a 17.4-gallon fuel tank, the car manages to offer a range of around 365 miles in the city, 539 on the highway, and a combined range of around 435 miles. These figures are on the lower side of the spectrum compared to other cars in the segment, but they are not the worst either.

The BMW 4 Series offers the best in class fuel efficiency at 28 MPG combined. Even with the smaller fuel tank, the driving range on the highway shoots up well over 500 miles. A5 offers respectable fuel economy but its smaller fuel tank does affect its overall driving range. The Q60 is the least efficient of the lot but the larger 20-gallon fuel tank puts its overall driving range at the top-end of the table.

Inside the sporty and sleek exterior of the 2022 Lexus RC 350 lies a class-leading cabin that can seat 4 people. Almost all coupes in the segment offer standard 4 seating except the Challenger. Nonetheless, RC 350 offers an adequate amount of passenger space in the front. At the front, the seats are covered with NuLuxe. Furthermore, you get 10-way power-adjustable sport bucket seats for the driver and an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The high seating position offers an excellent view of the road ahead. At the rear, the RC 350 being a coupe loses out on passenger space. The space offered at the back is best suited for kids and storage of cargo.

Lexus has been quite generous when it comes to the features. There are key elements that are fitted in the cabin which significantly spices up the cabin’s feel. Standard cabin features include dual-zone automatic climate control and fade-to-off interior lighting. Apart from the above, you can also opt for Heated and ventilated seats via the Premium package and can also equip the vehicle with a heated steering wheel and a moonroof from the options list. At the back, the coupe offers a 10.4 ft³ of cargo space, which is considerably less. The small compartment can only be used to store small bags. However, one can fold the rear seats in a 60/40 split to increase the cargo space. There is a catch; you need to climb into the back seats and press the release switches

All the coupes offer 4-seater accommodation. The Lexus RC 350 offers the best front-row legroom at 45.4 inches. But it offers the most cramped rear row. The Infiniti Q60 tried to balance out the rear row but that ate into the cargo space. At the back, the BMW 430i offers the best space, and it also stays ahead in terms of cargo space offered at 12.0 cu ft. Standout interior features include:

• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control w/ air filter
• Aluminum/Genuine Wood instrument panel and door panel insert
• NuLuxe seat trim
• Carpeted floors and trunk lid

What’s there to keep you entertained?

As standard, a 7” VGA screen is offered for infotainment and basic multimedia needs. The 7” VGA screen is placed like a docked tablet that looks sleek and well fitted. The infotainment system further supports HD Radio, AM/FM/MP3 Player, SiriusXM services.

Additionally, for mobile phone pairing and ease of access, features like Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Alexa are installed. An optional Mark Levinson premium audio system can be further availed for $995 Apart from this, you can also fit the Navigation Package that costs $1513. It brings DVD/VCD, a 10.3” touch screen that supports navigation and voice activation. Standout infotainment features include:

• 7” VGA display
• 10-speaker audio w/ AM/FM/MP3
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Siri Eyes Free, Alexa, and Google Assistant
• HD Radio
• 17-speaker premium audio by Mark Levinson (O)
• 10.3” touch high-resolution display (O)
• Navigation w/ voice activation (O)

Lexus has spiced the game with the car’s looks. 2022 RC 350 is sleek, handsome, and can easily grab your attention. The redesigned headlights and wide chrome surround grille are a treat to the eyes. The finely sculpted fascia now has a more muscular look and it's apparent with the lines that make the RC 350 seem like a battle-ready horse. The newly designed DRLs look distinct and better compared to the previous models. 

At the rear, the LED brake lights and muscular rear bumper now bring black inserts that look more attractive. Additionally, the deck lid now looks bigger and offers the car a more shredded look. The sloping roofline, though compromises the rear headroom, gives it a streamlined shape. To sum up, the exterior design of the RC 350 is a perfect combination of sporty and premium elements that make it so distinct.

The 2022 RC 350 has the highest ground clearance at 5.3-inches and combining that makes the RC 350 the most practical one here. The BMW 4-Series on the other hand is the biggest car in comparison today with respectable ground clearance while actually being the lightest among the competitors. In terms of curb weight, the Lexus is the heaviest of the lot but by a very slight margin compared to the Infiniti. Standout exterior features in the 2022 Lexus RC 350 Coupe include:

• 18" Split-5-Spoke Alloys
• Bi-LED headlamps and LED taillamps
• Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Moonroof
• Black Grille w/Chrome Surround

The 2022 RC 350 hasn’t been crash-tested by the NHTSA and IIHS yet. However, the 2021 MY achieved a “Good” rating from the IIHS. The RC 350 is based on Toyota’s New N platform. The mainframe of the body is monocoque, further strengthened by side beams and pillars. Moreover, Lexus has stuffed the car with all the necessary safety features and driver-assist programs. A standard layer of airbags comes fitted in the cabin followed by additional airbags at the knees. Standout safety features include:

• Pre-Collision System (PCS)
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist Lane Departure Warning
• Tire Pressure Warning
• Blindspot monitor and warning
• Enform Safety Connect
• Hill Hold Control

2022 Lexus RC 350 Coupe vs 2021 Infiniti Q60 Coupe

Both the coupe comes from Japanese hands and can seat 4 people. The Lexus is $4000 more expensive than the Q60 but offers better looks, a bigger trunk, better braking performance, fuel economy, and a lighter body with higher ground clearance.

Infiniti Q60 justifies itself with a twin-turbo engine that offers better performance and it comes with a bigger fuel tank, and spacious rear row.

2022 Lexus RC 350 Coupe vs 2022 Audi A5

The Audi A5 is slightly more expensive than the Lexus. Talking about the mileage, the Audi has better fuel economy but lags in range due to its smaller fuel tank.

The Lexus offers a sportier and more appealing exterior and a bigger fuel tank. The Lexus gains our appreciation, because of the value it offers and its practicality.

2022 Lexus RC 350 Coupe vs 2022 BMW 4-Series

The BMW comes with the top-notch build quality and a better-looking exterior. The cabin inside is arguably more appealing and user-friendly, compared to the complicated controls of the Lexus. The BMW 4 Series offers the best MPG figures and class-leading driving range.

On the contrary, Lexus offers a distinct exterior styling, more comfortable cabin with good front space. It’s a difficult task to prefer one over the other because both are excellent coupes and are a practical choice when it comes to buying one.

The new Lexus RC 350 is top-notch and is comparatively cheaper than the German brands. It comes with a potent V6 engine that offers decent performance and a futuristic cabin adds to the appeal. The rear row however is cramped, but you can’t expect spacious rear seats from a coupe. It comes with all the required safety features and driver-assistance tech. Being priced much lower than the coupes we have compared it with, we can’t help but appreciate the 2022 RC 350. And we recommend you to bring one home.