2025 Lexus RZ debuts – new 550e F Sport, steer-by-wire, simulated manual shifts; up to 575 km EV range

In addition to the new Toyota C-HR+ and bZ4X, the updated Lexus RZ has also made its debut in Europe ahead of a market launch in the autumn. First revealed back in 2022, the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) gains revised powertrains as well as two innovative technologies.

Starting with powertrains, the previous RZ 300e and RZ 450e variants are no more. In their place are the RZ 350e, RZ 500e and a new RZ 550e F Sport, the last of which is the first F Sport Performance variant in the RZ line-up. Thanks to the use of additional battery cells, all variants benefit from an increased energy capacity of 77 kWh (up from 71.4 kWh previously). This also brings with it increased outputs, with the specifications of each variant as follows:

RZ 350e

• Electric motor output: 227 PS (224 hp or 165 kW) and 269 Nm
• System max output: 224 PS (221 hp or 165 kW); FWD
• 0-100 km/h time: 7.5 seconds
• Range (WLTP): 575 km

RZ 500e

• Front electric motor output: 227 PS (224 hp or 165 kW) and 269 Nm
• Rear electric motor output: 227 PS (224 hp or 165 kW) and 269 Nm
• System max output: 381 PS (375 hp or 280 kW); AWD
• 0-100 km/h time: 4.6 seconds
• Range: 500 km

RZ 550e F Sport

• Front electric motor output: 227 PS (224 hp or 165 kW) and 269 Nm
• Rear electric motor output: 227 PS (224 hp or 165 kW) and 269 Nm
• System max output: 408 PS (402 hp or 300 kW); AWD
• 0-100 km/h time: 4.4 seconds
• Range: 450 km

For the sake of comparison, the previous RZ line-up had these figures:

RZ 300e

• Electric motor output: 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 266 Nm
• System max output: 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW); FWD
• 0-100 km/h time: 8 seconds
• Range (WLTP): 480 km

RZ 450e

• Front electric motor output: 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 266 Nm
• Rear electric motor output: 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) and 169 Nm
• System max output: 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW); AWD
• 0-100 km/h time: 5.3 seconds
• Range: 440 km

In its release, Lexus also says the onboard AC charger can now support up to 22 kW (previously 11 kW). Along with a new battery pre-conditioning function, the company says that charging time is reduced by 30 minutes. This should also help with DC fast charging, although we are not getting any charging times for now.

As for new technologies making their debut in the RZ, the first (and most exciting) is Interactive Manual Drive. Available exclusively with the top-spec RZ 550e F Sport, the system mimics a traditional eight-speed transmission and comes with paddle shifters as well as simulated engine sounds.

Seemingly taking a page from Hyundai’s playbook, Interactive Manual Drive serves to enhance the driving experience by synchronising acceleration and deceleration with immersive sound. The virtual power source torque is calculated according to the accelerator position and vehicle speed, then multiplied by the ratio of the virtual gear selected. For extra “authenticity,” there’s even a rev limiter and a shift guide meter in the instrument display.

The RZ is also the first Lexus model to adopt a new steer-by-wire system, which the company has been testing for some time. Finally making its debut in a production car, the system features variable steering ratios, with no physical connection between what’s in your hands and the front wheels.

Lexus says the system operates in a range of approximately 200 degrees from neutral to full left or right lock, with a yoke steering wheel being used instead of a completely round one. The company claims the best of all worlds, with easier manoeuvrability at low speeds, agility for smooth driving on winding roads, and a high level of stability in high-speed motorway driving. While there is no physical connection between the axle and steering wheel, you still get some feedback via a special motor that filters out “unpleasant vibrations.”

Other changes Lexus are keen to point out include a revised Direct4 all-wheel drive system, with front/rear power distribution controlled between 60:40 to 0:100 at start-off and straight-line acceleration to suppress pitching. During cornering, the distribution ratio is between 80:20 and 0:100 based on vehicle speed and steering angle to match the driving conditions.

The RZ has gets increased structural rigidity with improvements to the radiator support and the addition of a rear brace, while the suspension benefits from adjustments to the dampers and springs for better dynamic performance, stability and ride comfort.

Moving inside, the RZ’s cabin looks pretty much the same as before, save for the new yoke steering wheel. Additional soundproofing which you can’t see helps improve NVH, including a new floor silencer beneath the rear seats, along with soundproofing for the tonneau cover, back door trim and load compartment.

For nicer aesthetics, the Ultrasuede upholstery now features laser-processed graphics, the ambient lighting gains a new dynamic shadow effect, and a new dimming function for the panoramic roof reduces reflections.

On the outside, the RZ looks pretty much the same as before, although the RZ 550e F Sport stands out with its front lower bumper mouldings, brake ducts, front and rear spoilers, rear bumper and 20-inch aero-design wheels. You can get this with an exclusive Neutrino Grey finish that is complemented by black accents.

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