Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Lexus RC F review – design

Irksome to some, distinctive to others, the update has sharpened what needed sharpening without losing any of the model’s distinctiveness

Evo rating
RRP
from £63,240
  • A masterpiece of internal combustion under the bonnet
  • Can feel cumbersome and a little unsophisticated. Infuriating infotainment

The RC F’s 2019 facelift may not have considerably changed the divisive looks from a distance, but it usefully sharpened certain somewhat clumsy details of the previous model. The one-piece headlights aren’t quite as contrived as the previous units, which from some angles seemed to melt into the sometimes flabby bodywork surrounding them.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The rear lights also switched to all-LED units that sit more proud of the car’s outer corners. The ‘L’ graphic in the rear lights is more defined, while the smoked elements add more aggression to the rear end. The distinctive diagonally stacked exhausts also remain, and although a little overwhelmed in size by the sheer visual mass of the car, they certainly help make the RC F look more exotic and exciting than its sometimes sterile German rivals. 

The Carbon and Track Edition cars add a tuner-like aspect to the styling, which depending on your aesthetic leanings is either crude or a brilliantly contrast to the RC-F’s ornate detailing. Regardless of trim, the aesthetics are certainly helped by the Track Edition’s forged BBS wheels, which finally have enough visual heft to carry the chunky body.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3
Polestar 3
In-depth reviews

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3

Polestar’s stylish electric SUV has big competition now from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so an update was in order
18 Sep 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC
News

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5

Rocketeer’s turned its genius to the maligned NC MX-5 and created what’s sure to be a sweetheart of a V6 sports car
17 Sep 2026
Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026