LEXUS RZ ELECTRIC ESTATE 450e 230kW Direct4 Takumi 71 kWh 5dr Auto

With this fundamentally improved RZ, Lexus at last gets serious about EVs. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

The RZ wasn't the first all-electric Lexus, but it was the first one that really mattered, new from the ground up. Now though in this usefully updated form, it's properly ready to take on its upper mid-sized SUV segment premium brand EV rivals, with fresh technology, longer range, quicker charging and a wider model line-up. All embellished with the usual Lexus sheen and a new-found spirit of driver involvement. It remains an interesting confection.

Background

If you've heard of the Lexus RZ, the Japanese brand will be pleased because most people haven't. Which is surprising given this upper mid-sized luxury premium SUVs significance. It wasn't the brand's first EV - that was the slightly underwhelming UX 300e of 2020. But it was the first proper one - the first to be constructed on a dedicated Battery Electric Vehicle platform (shared with the mechanically-similar Toyota bZ4X). The RZ arrived in 2023, initially just in a single 450e form, but in 2024 a cheaper front-driven version was added to the range. A year later in 2025, major updates were made and the line-up was broadened, creating the car we're going to look at here. The look of this revised RZ isn't much different, nor is its cabin. But otherwise, Lexus hasn't left much alone here. Unlike some rivals, there is still no sophisticated 800V ultra-fast-charging architecture, but as long as the car goes further on a charge and replenishes its battery quicker (which it now does), most customers probably won't care. There's also now now a much wider range of models, including a 550e F SPORT flagship version that showcases the clever steer-by-wire system we were promised at the original RZ launch (but never got with earlier versions of this model). Lots is different then. Time to take a fresh look at this car.

Driving Experience

Even before we get to discussion of the new steer-by-wire system that Lexus seems so proud of, an awful lot is different about the engineering of this updated RZ. Almost nothing about the BEV powertrain has been left as it was, a key change being the introduction of a new eAxle with improved motor output. This has also enhanced inverter efficiency and reduced energy losses which, together with an increase in battery size from 71.4kWh to 77kWh, has increased drive range by up to 60 miles - think around 312 miles for mainstream models. That battery now has more cells and, like the BEV powertrain, is now water-cooled. This re-engineered package can now be had in a much wider variety of flavours. As with the old model, there's an entry-level 2WD model - now badged 'RZ 350e' and offering 221bhp. But most customers will want an RZ featuring the newly revised version of the brand's 4WD DIRECT4 vehicle motion control technology, which can now more flexibly shift torque between front and rear axles to suppress pitching, sharpen cornering and produce a more direct acceleration feel. This set-up features on the core model, now badged 'RZ 500e', which puts out 376bhp (67bhp more than the 450e model it replaces). The towing capacity of this variant's been doubled too - to 1,500kg. All of which leaves only the new flagship variant Lexus really wants to talk about, the RZ 550e F SPORT. Few examples of this 402bhp derivative will be sold, but its significance is huge given that it's the first car sold in Europe with the Toyota conglomerate's 'One Grip' steer-by-wire system. With this, there's no mechanical link between the wheels and a steering wheel that is no longer a steering wheel, replaced instead by a squared yoke. That has a lock-to-lock rotation of 200-degrees, so the full turning circle can be activated with one movement (instead of two twirls with a conventional wheel). The immediacy of response is something you'd definitely have to adapt to: try before you buy. The system is optional with the RZ 500e. Unique to the 550e F SPORT is a set-up you'll take to more easily - the kind of simulated manual gearbox we first saw on the Hyundai IONIQ 5N. Here, it's operated by two finger-sized paddles behind the steering yoke and simulates an eight-speed manual gearbox, complete with 'engine noise' and a fake rev limiter. Change 'gear' and there's a brief cutting of power to simulate a gearshift and a bespoke engine note fills the cabin.

Design and Build

Unless you opt for the top 550e model (which has a bespoke F SPORT body kit), there are no visual changes for this updated RZ. So the original's angular look remains with its unusual two-tone paint options. As before, there's a design language christened 'Spindle Body', which highlights the lower bonnet and delivers muscular-looking front wings as part of a flush front end supposed to express 'powerful character and seamless acceleration'. Size-wise, the RZ sits somewhere between an NX and an RX, though thanks to the long wheelbase of this full-electric design, if you were to take a seat in the rear, you'd swear that it was a bigger car than either. It's not just legroom that's impressive either. Headroom at the back is improved by the way that the peak point of the roof has been moved rearwards. Up-front, assuming you haven't got the 550e model's bespoke F SPORT interior, cabin changes are of the detail kind. Like ultra-suede door panel trim created using laser-processed graphics; multi-coloured ambient lighting with a new 'dynamic shadow' effect; and a panoramic roof with an added dimming function. As previously, there's a 14.0-inch central infotainment screen, a head-up display and an instrument binnacle designed to maximise forward vision. As is currently the trend, most functions are controlled by a touch interface rather than by physical buttons and there's a rotary drive selector instead of a conventional gear shifter. Out back, there's a 522-litre boot. Flatten the 60:40-folding rear seat (which does go nearly flat) and you can increase luggage volume to 1,451-litres, loaded to the ceiling.

Market and Model

Think in terms of prices starting from just under £55,000 for the 2WD 350e RZ model. For the RZ 500e mainstream DIRECT4 variant, you're more likely to be paying close to £60,000 upwards by the time you've properly specified your car. You'd expect a cutting edge level of infotainment and media connectivity for that and to meet that need, Lexus has slotted in the same system as you find in the second generation NX, with its clever "Hey Lexus" 'personal assistant' voice control system. The set-up works via a wide 14.0-inch central screen and, of course, incorporates 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' smartphone-mirroring. On all RZ models, standard features include LED headlamps, a panoramic roof, LED front fog lights, LED cornering lights and power-folding heated auto-dimming mirrors. You can also tick off auto headlamps and wipers, keyless entry and all-round parking sensors - Lexus calls them 'Intelligent Clearance Sonars'. Along with metallic paint, an alarm, four selectable driving modes, rear privacy glass, a powered tailgate and an extremely high level of camera safety equipment. Inside with all RZ models, you'll find synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats with 8-way power adjustment and 2-way lumbar support. And there's also dual zone climate control with a humidity sensor, a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera, a wireless smartphone charger and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Nice optional touches include a dimmable panoramic roof which reflects infrared radiation to better insulate the interior against the outside temperature and can be switched to opaque at the touch of a switch. One in four 500e customers are expected to opt for the unusual butterfly-shaped 'One Motion Grip' steering yoke with its clever steer-by-wire tech. As before, we particularly like the knee height heaters ahead of the front seats which provide front seat occupants with what Lexus describes as 'the feeling of a warm blanket around the legs'.

Cost of Ownership

It's strange that Lexus (and Toyota) waited so long to launch a bespoke platform electric car, then introduced one without the 800V platform that would allow it to charge from the new generation of ultra-rapid DC chargers. That oversight is becoming more of an issue the older this RZ gets, but at least charging enhancements have been made as part of this update. Despite the increase in battery size to 77kWh, Lexus claims AC charging times should be around half an hour quicker, thanks to the adoption of a new battery pre-conditioning system and a new 22kW AC on-board charger. The pre-conditioning function optimises the battery temperature before charging starts, eliminating delays. All this should mean that a full AC charge could be completed in around nine and a half hours. As before, a 10-80% DC charge can be completed in around 25 minutes from a standard rapid charger. The brand says that the battery will hold 90% of its range for the first ten years of its life, aided by water cooling for the cells, with active thermal management of the battery further aiding durability and range. That range is optimised courtesy of an on-board solar charging system that aims to minimise the effect of cold weather on usability. By using the provided LexusLink app, RZ users can not only check battery charge and driving range but set charging schedules according to when the vehicle is next expected to be driven or to when energy prices are low, The app also allows the owner to remotely control the climate of the car.

Summary

Lexus sees itself as a 'design innovator' and it was certainly that when two decades ago, its luxury saloons introduced wealthy executives to the concept of Hybrid power. That advance owed almost everything to borrowed Toyota technology, as does the engineering behind this RZ. There's fundamentally nothing here we haven't seen before, but with this updated RZ the combination of improved elements like the e-Axle set-up and its associated DIRECT4 all-wheel drive torque control system now really work very effectively indeed, creating what in many ways is the most engaging mainstream driving experience the brand has yet brought us. There's also plenty else to like; the even more smartly-trimmed cabin, the exemplary refinement and the long battery warranty. And if you were prepared to splash out on an RZ with the 'One Motion Grip' steer-by-wire system, you'd really feel this electric SUV was properly cutting-edge. Unfortunately, you couldn't say the same about the still slightly restricted driving range figure or the 400V electrical architecture, but Lexus and Toyota engineers are no doubt working feverishly in both these areas to improve things. In summary, the Lexus brand is certainly moving forward. Whether it's doing so quickly enough is another question.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Front wiper de-icer

Rain sensing wipers

Windshield Deicer

Front and rear one touch power windows with voice command

Ultra Violet (UV) and heat insulating tinted glass

Acoustic glass (front side and windshield glass)

Brakes

Traction control

Electronic parking brake

Hill assist control

ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS)

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

Front and rear disc brakes

Rear cross traffic braking

Brake mode selector-4 modes

Carpets/Rugs

Textile carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Front and rear performance dampers to enhance dynamics

Communication

E-call

Lexus link connected services

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto

Bluetooth mobile connectivity

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Blind spot monitoring

Rear cross traffic alert

Panoramic view monitor

Road sign assist - RSA

Lane trace assist

Dynamic radar cruise control

Front and rear parking sensors with intelligent clearance sonar

Emergency driving stop system

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Extended Lexus safety systems + 3 includes Front cross traffic alert, Lane change assist and Drive monitor

Advanced precollision system including intersection assitance and emergency steering assist

Front motorcycle rider detection daytime

Front pedestrian detection

Front bicyclist detection

Pre-crash system

Reversing camera with camera washer

Advanced park assist with remote control

Rear pedestrian detection

Road sign linked speed limiter

Drive mode Select (ECO/Normal/Custom)

4 driving modes (Normal/EV/Eco/Sport)

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Electric tailgate

Wireless charger for compatible phones

Active and Acceleration Sound Control

Tailgate height memory function

Driver Information

Head up Display

Trip meter

Lexus link pro with 14" touchscreen multimedia/cloud-based nav/Hey Lexus smart assistant/remote services

Digital speedometer with high-definition

Embedded Hybrid Navigation

7" colour multi information display

Driving Mirrors

Black door mirrors

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Door mirror integrated indicators

Reverse tilting door mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Auto folding door mirrors

Electrochromatic driver's door mirror

Optical rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Black resin dashboard

Wood grain finish front centre console

Entertainment

AM/FM and DAB radio

2 front and 2 rear USB type C chargers

Mark Levinson audio system with 13 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Tailgate scuff plate in stainless steel

Roof spoiler

Car jack

Shark fin antenna

Power back door with kick sensor

Black window frame moulding

Rear side wing doors

Fixed, dimmable panoramic roof

Rear performance rod

Front L emblem

Body colour lower front bumper

Astral black rear bumper

Rear DIRECT4 badge

Body protection flim

Astral black rocker panel

Astral black wheel arches moulding

Black door belt moulding

Ultrasuede door panel finish

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp activation

Puddle lights

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED rear fog light

3 flash lane change indicators

LED front indicators

LED brake lights and rear lights with emergency brake signal

Headlight cleaners

LED cornering lights

Automatic rear flashing hazard lights

LED headlights with AHS

L-shaped rear light bar

Glove and towel set

Auto levelling headlights

Multi weather lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone air conditioning with minus ion generator

Lexus climate concierge

Automatic air recirculation control

S-Flow technology for climate control

Remote climate control

Humidity sensor for climate control

Electronic climate control with nanoeTM

Interior Features

Rear centre armrest

Heated steering wheel

2 cupholders in front centre console

Charge cable bag

Power adjustable steering wheel

12V accessory port centre console and luggage compartment

Paddle shifts

Rear cup holders

220V power socket in rear

Ultra suede upholstery

Dial type shift control

Door trim ornament - ultra suede

4 x lashing hooks in the boot

2 x fixed shopping bag hooks in the boot

Two way opening centre armrest with storage

Under console storage bag

Front tray in front of centre console

Steering wheel switches with soft touch operation

Stainless steel scuff plates with LEXUS

3 spoke Tahara trimmed steering wheel

Driver seat easy entry and exit function

Steering wheel mounted customizable touch control

Additional project for ambient illumination

12V socket in front and boot

Overhead front console sunglasses holder

Manually folding luggage cover board

Interior roof in white

Wood film effect inlay

Interior Lights

LED boot light

64 colour ambient lighting

LED IN - EI Illumination

LED Door courtesy lights

Packs

Cold area package - RZ

Safety

3 point rear seatbelts

Tyre pressure warning

Front passenger seat cushion airbag

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Front passenger airbag cut off switch

Driver and front passenger side airbags

2 x Isofix child rear seat restraints

Front SRS airbags

Driver knee airbag

Driver and front passenger airbags

Front centre airbag

E-Latch with safe exit assist

Manual child lock in rear doors

Curtain shield airbags (front and rear)

Front and outer rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners,force limiter, tension reduction and reminder

Front passenger knee airbag

Seats

Heated and ventilated front seats

Driver seat memory function

3 seat bench in 2nd row

2 way manually adjustable rear headrests

2 way manually adjustable front headrests

Single front passenger seat

60/40 split rear seat

Front seat radiant heater for knees

8-way electrically adjustable seats for driver and passenger

2-way lumbar support for driver

Adjustable back rest tilt on rear seats

Security

Thatcham category 1 alarm + immobiliser

Intrusion sensor

2 x remote key fobs

Tilt sensors

Thatcham approved locking wheel nuts

Glass breaking alarm sensors

Customisable auto door lock

VIN etching

Motion sensor key

Smart entry and start system

Wireless door lock

Double door lock

Towing

Trailer sway control

Vanity Mirrors

2 x sun visors with vanity mirror and lamp

Vehicle Charging

11kW AC on board charger

3 pin to Type 2 10A charging cable

Type 2 mode 3 32A charging cable

150KW DC rapid charger with CCS2 inlet

Wheels - Alloy

20" Dark finish alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 615

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 25

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 71.4

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 404

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 251

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Takumi

Coin Description: e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: N

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 45E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 84

NCAP Safety Assist %: 81

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 313

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.3

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - BHP: 313

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 230

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 321

Engine Torque - NM: 435

Engine Torque - MKG: 44.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4805

Width: 1895

Wheelbase: 2850

Width (including mirrors): 2157

Height: 1635

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2110

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2640

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Loading Weight: 530

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 522

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1451

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 5.6

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Interior Features

Illuminated scuff plates

Packs

Essential protection pack - RZ

Protention film pack - RZ

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite black

Metallic - Aether blue

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sonic white

Special metallic - Sonic grey

Special metallic - Sonic platinum

Special metallic - Sonic copper

Trim - Part Leather

Ultra suede - Grey

Ultra suede - Hazel

Ultra suede - Orage