With the arrival of the upgraded RZ battery-electric SUV in May, Lexus has bolstered the refreshed model with enhanced range, increased power, new features and the first all-electric F Sport model, the RZ 550e.
An RZ 600e F Sport Performance limited edition grade will be offered in Australia in late 2026 as well. The local lineup opens with the 500e Luxury, which has seen a power increase of 50kW over the outgoing RZ 450e. It will be priced from $84,500 plus on-roads.
Likewise, the opulent RZ 500e Sports Luxury has been upgraded, with the same 280kW total system output, and will ask $91,000 plus on-roads. The 550e F Sport, brings increased output and battery size, and introduces innovative features.
That includes a steer-by-wire yoke steering wheel and interactive manual drive, with an asking price of $105,000 plus on-roads. The changes to the RZ’s powertrain start with a redesigned lithium-ion battery pack, which increases the total number of battery cells.
For RZ 500e, battery capacity has increased to 74.7kWh, helping to increase WLTP driving range to 460km. The upgraded battery has also doubled AC charging capacity to 22kW, allowing for a full charge at home in as little as 3.5 hours.
The front and rear eAxles have been refined to deliver more power with greater efficiency, creating a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. The DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system further improves traction and stability, allowing variable power distribution.
Other changes to the RZ include additional bracing and body rigidity measures, refinements of the front and rear dampers and springs, and even greater noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction measures.
The RZ 500e Luxury scores new 20-inch dark metallic alloy wheels, NuLux upholstery with Hazel and Greyscale colour choices, heated front seats with eight-way powered adjustment, powered steering wheel adjustment, and dual-zone climate control with NanoeX.
A powered tailgate and a 7.0-inch multi-information display are joined by a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system with embedded satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and 10-speaker Panasonic audio system.
A full suite of Lexus Safety Sense + active safety features are included. From there, the Sports Luxury grade gains 20-inch two-tone black/bright machined alloy wheels, and Ultrasuede upholstery in Hazel, Greyscale and Storm options.
Tsuyasumi ornamentation, dynamic multi-colour illumination, heated and ventilated front seats with three-position driver’s seat memory, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel and a black dimming panoramic roof also feature.
Technology is also increased with a head-up display, high-grade multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, dynamic auto-levelling headlights and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Additional active safety features include adaptive high-beam and intelligent parking assist. The RZ 550e F Sport, introduces the aforementioned new steering system, a simulated manual gear shifting (paddles), complete with motor sounds and a virtual tacho.
A larger 77kWh lithium-ion battery is fitted to the F Sport, with total system output from the two eAxles boosted to a potent 300kW. WLTP driving range for the RZ 550e F Sport is rated at 437km.
The F Sport adds extra visual flair over the rest of the RZ range, including super gloss black metallic alloy wheels, unique front lip spoiler, an exclusive front bumper with extra openings to assist brake cooling, painted brake calipers, and a stylish rear bumper and diffuser.
It also has F Sport badging, a functional rear spoiler and the option of two-tone paint scheme. Inside, it gains aluminium pedals, micro-geometric pattern film ornamentation and sports front seats upholstered in black and dark grey F Sport Ultrasuede trim.
The limited edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance extracts further power from the dual-motor powertrain with a peak combined output of 313kW, and provides a visually striking on-road presence with a range of unique weight-saving and aerodynamic enhancements.
A lower centre of gravity is achieved with a 20mm reduction in ride height, which combines with 21-inch ENKEI matte black alloy wheels and wide body wheel arch mouldings to give the RZ 600e a purposeful stance.
Multiple exclusive body parts help to increase downforce and handling, including a front lip spoiler, vented hood, rear lower bumper design, lower rocker panels and a two-tiered rear wing spoiler. A carbon roof further reduces the centre of gravity and vehicle weight.
Larger six-piston blue calipers and ventilated 400mm x 28mm disc brakes help improve stopping power. Inside, the F Sport Performance features a unique seat trim, ornamentation, instrument panel finish and shift-by-wire gear selector.
Pricing for the strictly limited RZ 600e F Sport Performance will be revealed closer to its arrival in Australia.
The new RZ range will be available with the choice of seven exterior paint colours, including the new Sonic Selente and Neutrino Grey, the latter of which is offered on F Sport in single or two tone finishes. You can find out more from your local Lexus dealership.
I used to be a hater but sit inside and the hate will soon enough disappear. It’s whisper quiet, ride is butter soft and assured, power on tap, range is still mid, but 450km is plenty for day to day. If you want a refined performance drive, this will not disappoint, drives like a Lexus.
As for Lexus losing its way…surprising it drives like a normal ICE car than any other EV I’ve driven, it kept true to its Lexus DNA. As for the price cut, even the haters gotta hate right? It’s acknowledgement of market conditions for something new in its 2nd generation, so a correction of sorts.remember Tesla and what they used to be, and where they’re priced now? Would i rather drive this than a C63S? Nope. Is it fun to drive? Im reminded of the Eastbound & Down clip…I can feel it…down in my plums.