Lexus has unveiled a significant mid-life refresh to its flagship RZ electric SUV, featuring more power, a simulated manual gearbox and the first ‘steer-by-wire’ system on a European car.
Unveiled at the joint Lexus/Toyota conference in Brussels and expected to be on sale in the first quarter of 2026, the new RZ is set to be the first passenger vehicle to take advantage of new European legislation allowing steer-by-wire technology – this sees the road wheels turned by electric commands from the steering wheel rather than by a physical connection.
According to its creators the system will offer smooth, easy and more intuitive operation, particularly on winding roads, and will be tuned for responsiveness and driver feedback that is free from unwelcome vibrations.
The Lexus RZ first appeared in 2023 in all-wheel-drive form, with a front-wheel-drive version joining the range in 2024. Like the Toyota bZ4X to which it is closely related, the Lexus has been previously marked down for an unimpressive range between charges, and the new model will get the same upgrades as the bZ4X addressing this issue.
Lexus states that the powertrain of the RZ has undergone wide-ranging updates, including the introduction of a new eAxle with improved motor output and inverter efficiency and a significant reduction in losses, plus the addition of the new 77kWh lithium-ion battery available on the new Toyota models announced at the same time.
While confirmed figures are yet to be released, Lexus is claiming an increase of around 60 miles in the range of the RZ, which should take it to around 360 miles. Charging times have also been reduced by up to 30 minutes by the adoption on a 22kW onboard charger and a battery pre-conditioning system.
The new line-up will also feature a new and more powerful range-topper, replacing the current RZ 450e. In future the vehicle will be available as a 224hp front-wheel-drive RZ 350e, the 380hp all-wheel-drive RZ 500e and the new top-level 550e F Sport with 408hp, the first time the Lexus performance sub-category has been applied to its EV.
The 550e F Sport also has a ‘simulated manual’ transmission – called Interactive Manual Drive, it offers an eight-speed virtual gear selection, controlled by paddles on the steering wheel, with real-time feedback through the throttle and even replicated engine sounds and a rev limiter to give the impression of full manual driving.
Further updates to the new RV include more extensive interior soundproofing and subtle changes to the interior styling.
