Lexus RC 300 2018 review: snapshot

15 May 2018

Andrew Chesterton

As it is with most of the Lexus range, the RC model comparison is pretty straightforward. (RC300 pictured)

Its dimensions measure 4695mm in length, 1840mm in width and 1395mm in height. (RC300 pictured)

The regular RC models make do with twin exhaust tips. (RC300 pictured)

Front on, the pincered grille dominates the view, sweeping back into bonnet. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Luxury cars get 18-inch alloy wheels and F Sport cars add bigger 19-inch alloys. (RC300 pictured)

Spring for the 300, and you'll find a 2.0-litre turbo engine nestled under the bonnet, good for 180kW at 5800rpm and 350Nm at 1650rpm. (RC300 pictured)

Price N/A

What we like

Looks killer in the metal
Strong on standard safety
Four-year warranty rare among the premium brands

What we don't

The smallest engine doesn't quite match the go-fast looks
Cabin technology feels out of date
Some cabin materials less than premium

The 300 marks the cheapest way into the RC family, making use of the smallest engine; a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit good for 180kW/350Nm. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic and shuffles power to the rear wheels.

Like the rest of the RC range, the 300 can be had in three trim levels - Luxury, F Sport or Sports Luxury - with prices spanning $65,400 to $84,900.

Luxury cars get 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, leather trim, standard navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate and keyless entry with push-button start. F Sport cars add bigger 19-inch alloys, a better Mark Levinson stereo and rain-sensing wipers. Finally, the Sports Luxury models get better seats, some fancier cabin furniture and a moonroof.

Tech across all three trim levels is handled by a new 10.3-inch screen (but no Apple Car Play/Android Auto), that is controlled via a uniquely Lexus mousepad controller.

Standard safety kit includes dual front and front-side airbags, as well as front airbags for the second row. You'll also find a knee airbag for both driver and front-seat passenger. Forward collision warning with AEB (and pedestrian protection) is standard fit, too, and so are front and rear parking sensors and a parking camera.

F Sport and Sports Luxury-badged cars add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, along with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

Pricing & Specs