Lexus RZ – Electric, Smart, and Packed with Tech… But Is It Exciting?
Lexus wants the new RZ to be more than just another electric vehicle. It aims to be smoother, quieter, and smarter than ever before, promising more power, more range, and less charging time—all great selling points.
Gone is the traditional steering column. Instead, Lexus has replaced it with Steer-by-Wire, meaning every input from your hands is translated into electronic signals rather than mechanical movement. The idea? Lighter steering at low speeds and razor-sharp precision at high speeds. Lexus swears this system will make the RZ feel more natural, but some drivers might wonder if they really want software mediating between them and the front wheels.
And if you enjoy the click-clack of shifting gears, Lexus has introduced Interactive Manual Drive, a system designed to mimic the experience of a manual gearbox—even though there isn’t one. It synchronizes acceleration, deceleration, and even artificial sound effects to create the illusion of "shifting engagement". Whether this will make an electric SUV more exciting remains to be seen.
The RZ 550e F SPORT packs two electric motors, delivering a combined 300 kW (407 hp) and 0–100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Lexus has also refined its DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, which continuously adjusts power distribution for better grip and sharper response.
If you’re more into range than outright speed, the RZ can go up to 575 km on a single charge, depending on the model and tire selection. And while Lexus says charging times are improved, they conveniently leave out the actual numbers—which likely means it’s still slower than the competition.
Lexus has done everything possible to make the RZ look sleek and aerodynamic, but at the end of the day, it still looks like a Lexus. The F SPORT variant adds exclusive spoilers, custom wheels, and sportier seats, but from a distance, it doesn’t scream "performance beast"—it’s more "well-equipped electric car".
The new Lexus RZ is set to hit the market in fall 2025.
