Carbon-coated layered oxide Li1.048Mn0.381Ni0.286Co0.286O2 is prepared by combining a co-precipitation and a direct current magnetron sputtering. TEM images show that the carbon layer is relatively well coated on the surface of oxide particles. The Li1.048Mn0.381Ni0.286Co0.286O2/C composite delivers an initial discharge capacity of 203.2mAhg−1 between 2.5 and 4.5V at 0.1C, and 94% of the initial discharge capacity can be retained after 100 cycles. Moreover, the carbon-coated oxide exhibits noticeable high-rate capacity of 145mAhg−1 at 5C, much higher than the pristine one (103mAhg−1 at 5C). The improved discharge capacity and cycle performance are attributed to the carbon coating, which protects the Li-rich cathode material from reacting with the electrolyte and retarding the incrassation of SEI film on the surface of oxide particles.