Five-Point Inspection: 2015 Lexus RC 350 F-Sport

In an effort to “youth-inize” its somewhat geriatric image, product planners are working to make the lineup more exciting. And one way they’re trying to do that is with stylish new products including an aggressive-looking two-door, the RC.

This model lineup includes the basic RC 350 and the fire-breathing, V8-powered RC F. There’s no shortage of excitement with the latter, but bridging the colossal chasm between these two cars is the RC 350 F-Sport.

This coupe is pretty aggressively styled, with a massive hour glass-shaped grille well as some interesting design elements sprinkled across its body. Generally the RC 350 F-Sport is a lot more in your face than, say, the Audi A5 or even BMW’s 4 Series.

Setting it apart from the basic model are things like a mesh grille, unique 19-inch wheels, aluminum pedal covers, LFA-inspired gauges, unique interior stitching and more.

I like the look of this car but don’t love it. The design is just a bit too much for my modest tastes, though I understand why Lexus took this route. They needed to break through the clutter and to do that they couldn’t afford to take half steps. From a design perspective they had to go all in, which is exactly what they did.

Matching its exterior is an equally busy cabin. The car’s interior is comfortable and solidly constructed of suitably premium materials, but again the overall design is just a bit too much. There are all kinds of different shapes, surfaces, nooks and crannies.

RCs equipped with a navigation system gain the latest iteration of Lexus’ “Remote Touch” input technology. The company has jettisoned the small joystick-like control found in today’ version of the system and they’ve gone with a laptop-inspired touchpad that even includes multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Audi A5 Review

Initially this system is a bit weird; it seems totally wrong to be using a computer while driving but with a little practice it ought to become second nature.

Just one engine is available in the RC 350 F-Sport, or the regular RC for that matter. The company’s smooth-running 2GR-FSE 3.5-liter V6 motivates these luxury coupes.

In this application it delivers 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, numbers that actually lag behind some of the competition. For instance, the base, NON-luxury Chevy Camaro features a 3.6-liter six-shooter with 323 ponies.

This on-paper lack of oomph is curious, especially since the powerplant is augmented with Toyota’s D-4S fuel delivery system, which provides BOTH conventional port fuel injectors and direct injectors, for more power, better responsiveness and lower emissions.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard unless you opt for all-wheel-drive. If you need extra traction you get saddled with a six-speed self-shifter; no manual gearbox is available at any price point.

A brief stint behind the wheel reveals that the RC 350 F-Sport is a completely competent coupe. It’s sporty and engaging, stylish and luxurious. Acceleration is more potent than its lackluster horsepower rating suggests, though it can’t hold a candle to the thunderous RC F, which brandishes a 467 hp V8. Given the option I’d F myself every time … wait … that sounds terrible.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport Review

Further enhancing the drive is a host of cutting-edge technologies. F-Sport RCs can be equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension and Lexus Dynamic Handling, LDS for short, which includes rear-wheel steering, and no, it has nothing to do with Joseph Smith or Mormonism. These technologies are designed to make the car easier to maneuver and more engaging, though even more costly to repair if something goes awry.

Is the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F-Sport a smart buy? Rear-wheel-drive models start at a not-unreasonable $47,700 including $925 for destination and delivery (all-wheel-drive adds a little more to the bottom line), which is pretty comparable to up-level versions of the A5 and 4 Series.

If you want a sporty-looking coupe with a premium cabin and engaging dynamics this car is not a bad choice. It’s quick and entertaining, plus it’s practically guaranteed to beat its German rivals in at least one area: reliability. Since this is a Toyota it’s engineered to survive the apocalypse. It’s a car that’s easy to like but perhaps difficult to love.