Like the IS F Sport, the RC 350 F Sport features integrated foaming construction in the seats.  Here, wrapped in NuLuxe (that completely fooled me into believing it was leather), they’re brilliantly comfortable, yet supportive enough to keep a driver in place during spirited cornering.  Rear seat passenger space is woefully lacking, though, particularly in legroom.  This was surprising given the RC’s dimensions mirroring (and in some cases eclipsing) all of its primary competitors, each of which offer considerably more rear seat space and is the price of all that sexiness I guess.

The dashboard design and layout is sensational, just as it is in its IS 350 sibling.  The steering wheel is small in diameter and feels great in hand.  The gauges are reminiscent of the LF-A super car and in their standard mode, are the most simple and legible you’ll find anywhere, but if you need more information, the tach ring and speedometer slide to the right, revealing a host of information on a separate screen.

The central dash and tall console tunnel are trimmed in luxurious materials and all controls are easily reached and operated.  The climate control temperature is adjusted via a pair of electronic slider strips that are smooth and sensitive enough that they’re easily operated with gloves on.  Cadillac should take note of how it’s done here.  At the top of the dash is the seven-inch display portion of the infotainment system.  For 2015 Lexus has done away with its mouse-like controller in favour of a square touch pad.  I found it no easier to use than the mouse device, just different.  The system is easy enough to navigate and there are enough redundancy controls for primary audio functions to keep the driver from needing to redirect his or her attention to function-searching while on the road.

The door handle levers, plastic paddle shifters and a curious metallic-hued, carbon-fibre pattern plastic are the only elements of the RC’s interior that cheapen the otherwise luxurious experience.

Competitors:
Audi A5
BMW 4-Series
Cadillac ATS Coupe
Infiniti Q60

The new Lexus RC 350 is a well-built, high fashion personal luxury car.  It’s aggressively priced to compete directly with the best of the class – a group that now appears dated or dowdy next to the sexy Lexus.  For buyers that put a car’s fashion above outright performance, the smooth and comfortable RC 350 is a fantastic car, even if you should pay extra for the paint.

Pricing: 2015 Lexus RC 350 AWD
Base Price (AWD Premium Package): $54,000
As-Tested Price (AWD F-Sport Series 2):  $60,500
Options: Ultrasonic blue mica paint, $650
Destination: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $63,245

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