The Japanese Lexus brand has been a pioneer in electrification in the prestige automotive market since the launch of the RX400h in 2005, consistently pursuing a balance between driving quality and engagement and environmental efficiency. Due for release early in 2026 the new Lexus RZ sport utility vehicle (SUV), featured here, is heralding the very latest in electric vehicle (EV) design and some surprising new technology. This car will be available to order later in the year.
The battery electric luxury RZ SUV benefits from comprehensive revisions over the previous version that take the driving experience to a higher level, introducing innovative technologies that deliver more power, enhanced control and deeper driver engagement and rewards. These ground-breaking changes are accompanied by further refinement of the luxurious onboard experience. The technical innovations are led by the first application of Lexus’s steer-by-wire system. This provides a new driving experience with smooth, easy and more intuitive operation, particularly when enjoying winding roads. It is also tuned for responsiveness and driver feedback that is free from unwelcome vibrations.
The Exterior
As you can see from our launch images, this is a striking-looking car, evidencing this brand’s usual commitment to quality. The exterior styling contributes to the featured range-topping RZ 550e F Sport’s aerodynamic performance as well as making a bold visual statement. The function-driven features include front lower bumper mouldings, brake ducts, front and rear spoilers and rear bumper.
The twenty inch aero-design wheels have an alloy base and aerodynamic resin covers. As well as improving energy efficiency by smoothing airflow, these crucially also save weight. The F Sport model will be available in an exclusive new exterior colour, Neutrino Grey, a hard, solid finish with metallic highlights that will strike a strong contrast with the car’s black styling elements. There will of course be model and power options to suit customer choices. More on that nearer the time.
The Interior
The F Sport-dedicated interior is in black and dark grey, with blue stitched accents, inspired by the powerful driving experience that is characteristic of EV’s. The front seats are made using an integrated foaming method to provide superior body holding performance. Other details include F Sport scuff plates and steering wheel and an aluminium pedal set.
Exceptional quietness in the cabin is a key quality of Lexus cars and with the new RZ Lexus is going further with the installation of additional features, soundproofing and sound absorption measures. These include a new floor silencer beneath the rear seats and enhanced soundproofing in multiple locations. To address road and wind noise, soundproofing has been introduced for the boot (trunk) ‘tonneau’ cover, back door trim and load compartment. Action has also been taken to further suppress vibrations.
The long march towards sustainable materials continues: Lexus has created the first cabin trim to feature laser-processed graphics applied to ‘Ultrasuede’. Made from sustainable, thirty per cent plant-based materials, the ‘Ultrasuede’ door panel trim creates a new luxury aspect to the interior. In another first, the multi-colour ambient lighting has a dynamic shadow effect, fostering a comfortable connection with the car’s occupants; a relaxing and premium environment in other words.
A new dimming function for the standard-fit panoramic roof helps keep the cabin comfortable in bright sunshine. By reducing reflections, it has made it possible to use both the dimmable roof and an electronic rear-view mirror simultaneously.
The Technology
The Lexus RZ’s battery electric system has undergone complete revision, we learn, with a focus on raising both practicality and driving pleasure. Key changes include the introduction of a new ‘eAxle’ with improved motor output and inverter efficiency and a significant reduction in power losses. There is also a new lithium-ion battery with capacity increased to 77kWh.
The performance of the high-output lithium-ion battery has been enhanced by improving and increasing the number of battery cells. In turn, this enables higher output from the ‘eAxle’s’ electric motor. For the customer, this brings not only improved full-throttle acceleration and top speed performance, but it also contributes to a more exhilarating and responsive drive in the mid-range. High power performance is further supported by the adoption of water cooling for the battery and BEV system. In addition, there is a doubling of the towing capacity of the new all-wheel drive RZ variant, which can now pull braked loads of up to 1,500kg.
As well as renewing the RZ’s electric-drive system, Lexus has revised the ‘DIRECT4’ vehicle motion control technology, a system unique to Lexus which enhances traction and stability performance on the all-wheel drive models.
At start-off and in straight-line acceleration, front/rear power distribution is controlled between 60:40 to 0:100 to suppress pitching and produce a direct acceleration feel. During cornering, the distribution ratio is optimised between 80:20 and 0:100, according to vehicle speed and steering angle, to match the driving conditions.
During turn-in, more power is directed to the front axle to achieve a smooth turn. When exiting a corner, torque distribution is in line with the load on each wheel, to maintain vehicle balance and allow for smooth acceleration. The result is a rewarding feel when cornering and precise line tracing. The adoption of Lexus’s ‘Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management’ (VDIM) contributes to a flatter, more comfortable ride comfort, together with enhanced driving stability and emergency hazard avoidance handling.
A Manual Drive?
A manual drive? On an EV? Don’t you just push the pedal and go? Well, yes, but the F Sport model adopts the Lexus-first ‘Interactive Manual Drive’, giving the driver deeper interaction with the car, allowing them to control power output with paddle shift controls, as if using a manual gear selection system. Amazing. Operation is accompanied by real-time feedback through the throttle and sounds and visuals that create a closer connection between man and machine.
The system is programmed with an eight-speed virtual gear set-up. Virtual power source torque is calculated according to the accelerator position and vehicle speed, then multiplied by the ratio of the virtual gear selected. To enhance the experience, Lexus has replicated engine sounds and the system operates with a rev limiter, so drivers have a sense of timing their gear shifts and the changes in the vehicle’s state they produce. To help the driver perfect their shift timing, a shift guide meter in the instrument display indicates the vehicle’s status. Isn’t that astonishing? Car makers are waking up to the fact that drivers like to drive. As stated, there’s more to come on this interesting car in due course, nearer the global launch time.
Feel free to reach out to our team to learn more about this stunning Lexus and how we can seamlessly export it from the UK to destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Kenya, Mauritius, Ireland and Cyprus. Our expert team will guide you through VAT-free purchasing and introduce you to our extensive range of prestige vehicles for sale in the UK today which qualify for VAT free export. We can’t wait to help you get behind the wheel of your next car.
