2018 Lexus RC on sale in Australia

Lexus Australia has detailed the 2018 Lexus RC range, which arrives in Lexus dealers this month. Now sporting new standard equipment and revised pricing, the 2018 RC range is now more appealing to buyers, according to Lexus.

Chief among the 2018 update is an upgrade to the latest Lexus infotainment system with a larger 10.3-inch screen, as well as other detail changes such as pedestrian detection for the autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam headlights and a new Drive Start Control system for the V8-powered RC F, as well as the RC300 name replacing RC200t.

Best described as a model year update, the 2018 Lexus RC range is now better equipped throughout the whole range, with a number of detail changes aimed at making the car more appealing to buyers. As in the LC coupe and NX SUV, Lexus’ former 7.0-inch infotainment screen is now a much larger 10.3-inch, and now offers upgraded graphics for the navigation system. The trackpad has also been updated to include swipe-to-zoom functionality and shortcut buttons around the touchpad to aid ease-of-use. The car’s autonomous emergency braking system has been updated to include pedestrian detection, whilst automatic high beam is now included on all models.

The RC Fis now equipped with a new system called Drive Start Control, which monitors the car’s power and torque delivery when left in Drive for a cleaner and quicker start, whilst a new driving mode allows drivers to configure their own chassis, air conditioning and powertrain settings. The former RC200t has been renamed RC300 – it still uses the same 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol powertrain – whilst the RC350’s 3.5-litre V6 now includes Toyota’s D-4S dual-injection technology, which has reduced fuel consumption to a combined 9.1L/100km – a 3.2 percent saving. The engine itself now produces 232kW and 380Nm – down 1kW but up 2Nm. RC F Carbon variants have lost the carbon fibre bonnet of the previous model (and $6,249 in asking price) though the roof, interior trim and rear spoiler are still finished in the material.

As before, the Lexus RC range is available in three different specification levels – Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury with the RC F sitting on top. Entry level Luxury models (from $65,400 plus on-road costs) are equipped with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, automatic high beam headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and front foglamps, leather upholstery, powered heated and ventilated front seats, a power adjustable steering column, keyless entry and start, inbuilt satellite navigation, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Mid-spec F Sport (from $74,400) models add 19-inch alloy wheels, a Mark Levinson stereo system, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, a smart key card and rain-sensing wipers. Top spec Sports Luxury models (from $84,900) then add unique 19-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather seating, Shimamoku ornamentation and an electric moonroof.

2018 Lexus RC pricing (plus on-road costs):
RC300 Luxury – $65,400 (+$531)
RC300 F Sport – $74,700 (+$809)
RC300 Sports Luxury – $84,900 (+$299)
RC350 Luxury – $68,400 (+$299)
RC350 F Sport – $77,700 (+$749)
RC350 Sports Luxury – $87,900 (-$91)
RC F – $138,100 (+$149)
RC F Carbon – $$152,300 (-$6,248)

Options
Premium paint – $1,500 (RC300, RC350)
Enhancement Pack – $2,500 (Luxury, F Sport)
Forged high wheel – $2,500 (RC F, RC F Carbon)
Forged high plus wheel – $2,500 (RC F, RC F Carbon)

The 2018 Lexus RC range is now on sale in Australia.