Lexus RC 350 2018 review: snapshot

15 May 2018

Angle finder: The Lexus RC is the car that reinvented the Lexus look, and arguably made it exciting. And the new one keeps up the good work. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

We cycled through two models, the RC350 and the performance-focused F Sport. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Yes, yes - eye of the beholder and all that business. But for mine, the RC looks terrific. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

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

The regular RC models make do with twin exhaust tips. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Up front, that cursed mousepad control system is still in full flight, but the screen it controls is now bigger. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Deep cut-outs in the rear of the front seats mean more room for your legs. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

The boot opens to reveal a fixed 423 litres of space. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Step up to the 350-badged cars and you'll find a 3.5-litre V6 motor providing the horsepower, good for 232kW at 6400rpm and 380Nm at 4800rpm. (RC350 pictured) (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Entry-level Luxury cars arrive with 18-inch alloy wheels, and F Sport cars get bigger 19-inch alloys. (image: Andrew Chesterton)

Price N/A

What we like

Plenty of kerb appeal
A sense of lasting quality throughout
V6 engine is our pick for perkiness

What we don't

Go never quite matches the show
Back seat is tight
Lacks modern cabin technology

The 350 occupies the second rung on the RC ladder, between the entry-level 300 and the V8-powered RC F models. It's powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, good for 232kW at 6400rpm and 380Nm at 4800rpm. The eight-speed automatic gearbox sends that power to the rear tyres.

It's available across three trim levels; Luxury ($68,400), F Sport ($77,700) and Sports Luxury ($87,900).

The cheapest version arrives with 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. The F Sport trim adds 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.

All RC models get a new 10.3-inch screen (but there's no Apple Car Play/Android Auto), which pairs with a mousepad-style controller (which takes some getting used to).

Pricing & Specs