Lexus refreshes RZ with more power, range, steer-by-wire and fake gear shifts

Lexus is refreshing its solo electric offering for the new model year. The 2025 RZ is bringing a blend of advanced technology and a touch of traditional driving feel. The updated RZ, while retaining its familiar look, introduces significant changes, most notably a steer-by-wire system and simulated gear shifts. The European market will see three trims: the RZ 350e, RZ 500e, and the new RZ 550e F Sport, each offering distinct performance levels.

The base model, the RZ 350e, features a single front-mounted electric motor producing 224 horsepower (167 kW) and 198 lb-ft of torque. All RZ models come with a 77 kWh battery, with the 350e promising an estimated range of 357 miles. The RZ 500e comes with dual motors, delivering a combined 375 horsepower (280 kW) and accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Its range is estimated at 311 miles.

At the top of the range sits the new RZ 550e F Sport. It pushes the performance further with 402 horsepower (300 kW) squeezed from the same powertrain found in the 500e. The extra power results in a 0 to 62 mph sprint time of just 4.4 seconds, though its range drops to 280 miles. That's usually the price to pay for extra performance.

The new RZ follows its twin Toyota bZ4X in upgrading its charging speeds. The 22 kW AC charging is now standard across the range, but just like the Toyota, Lexus kept the rather mediocre 150 kW DC charging. That means 30 minutes of charging time from 10% to 80% SoC, but only in perfect conditions.

A key highlight of the 2026 RZ is the all-new steer-by-wire system. This technology eliminates the physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, offering variable steering ratios for enhanced responsiveness. Paired with a yoke steering wheel, this system provides a more direct and precise driving experience, but it will require some getting used to it.

To improve the driving feel, Lexus has introduced the Interactive Manual Drive, a system that simulates gear shifts and produces synthetic engine sounds. This feature, reminiscent of similar systems from Hyundai and Kia, is designed to inject a sense of traditional driving engagement into the electric RZ. Lexus claims it "delivers a sportier, more responsive driving feel, offering greater engagement and driving pleasure." We respectfully disagree on that, but thankfully, the system can be switched off.

The interior got a bit of sprucing up as well. There's a new infotainment screen, new multi-color ambient lighting, and a new panoramic glass roof with a dimming function. Lexus fitted extra soundproofing to the whole car - under the rear seats, in the rear doors, and even the cargo cover has an added layer of soundproofing material.

Only the European specifications have been released so far; details for the North American model, including pricing, are still pending.

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