2017 Lexus RC 350

The last few years have seen a marked increase in demand for upscale coupes. Benz recently started making its first-ever S-Class two-door, and at the other end of the spectrum you'll find this car, the Lexus RC.

This isn't the first time Lexus has had a two-door compact in its lineup, but the first was actually a convertible version of the IS with a folding hard top that created a coupe-like cabin when it was in place.

The RC is a response to efforts other manufacturers have made to set their small coupes apart from the sedans with which they share underpinnings. Audi started it nearly 10 years ago with the A5, and BMW recently ditched the 3 Series coupe in favour of a new 4 Series range.

Likewise, just as the old IS convertible shared many of its dirty bits with the IS sedan, the RC is, at its root, an IS sedan with unique styling and, obviously, two fewer doors.

The RC 350 gets standard AWD, a 3.5L V6 that makes 307 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission.

We wouldn't call the RC 350 the prettiest car in its class, but it's certainly among the most distinctive, and that counts for a lot in a $60,000-ish coupe. The best part of the RC's drive is its engine, which makes great power and a decent soundtrack, without the benefit of turbocharging that its German competitors make liberal use of.

Handling is decent too, despite Lexus reputation for cars that put comfy and quiet ahead of curve appeal.

Fuel consumption ratings are 12.6/9. 2L/100 km (city/highway) according to Natural Resources Canada test methods.

Nothing changes here for 2017, so the RC 350 sticks with a list of standard equipment that includes interior features like a heated steering wheel with electric tilt-and-telescopic adjustment, 10-speaker stereo, eight-way heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Convenience kit includes passive keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and navigation with a seven-inch display.

On the outside, there are 19-inch wheels and auto-levelling LED headlights, and safety items include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

The sole option is an F Sport Series 2 package that adds a 17-speaker stereo, radar cruise control, intuitive parking assist and a pre-collision system.

RC 350 pricing starts at $59,050, and the F Sport package adds $3,300.