LEXUS has launched additional particulars of its up to date all-electric Lexus RZ 500e forward of the mannequin’s arrival in Australian showrooms within the first half of 2026.
Providing revised powertrain expertise and a higher-capacity battery, the mannequin is additional enhanced with a steer-by-wire system, a “radical” new steering wheel design much like a yoke, and on F Sport variants, Interactive Guide Drive expertise that simulates gear shifts to supply the “sound and really feel of a handbook transmission”.
Whereas delivering extra energy than earlier than, the brand new RZ is claimed to supply increased effectivity ranges, promising larger driving vary and diminished charging instances.
Improved driving dynamics are mentioned to construct on the Lexus Driving Signature, the up to date RZ providing retuned suspension and enhanced physique rigidity to supply elevated ranges of responsiveness, stability, and luxury, says Lexus.
That provide is to be additional enhanced by an improve to Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive system the Japanese luxurious producer says will additional improve traction and stability efficiency by routinely distributing energy between the entrance and rear axles in response to driving circumstances and driver enter.
In driving the brand new RZ, Lexus homeowners will encounter a newly formed steering wheel which “dispenses with the higher and decrease sections of the standard ‘ring’ and has a flat backside, with curved finger grips to the left and proper”.
The design is claimed to supply the driving force a extra open discipline of view whereas concurrently “strengthening their dialogue with the automotive”. The brand new ‘wheel’ is simply 360mm in width and 197mm excessive, permitting elevated knee room for simpler entry and exit. Additionally it is heated, and options controls for “much less steadily used mild and wiper capabilities”.
Importantly, the battery electrical powertrain of the RZ 500e is now fed by a high-capacity, water-cooled 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack (up from 71.4kWh) Lexus says is healthier suited to the upper draw necessities of its twin eAxles.
The pack additionally permits improved charging efficiency due to the adoption of a extra highly effective 22kW AC onboard charger (beforehand 11kW) for a three-hour and thirty-minute charging time, or could also be charged from 10-80 per cent in round half-hour, a discount of twenty-two minutes in opposition to the outgoing mannequin, when related to a 150kW DC Quick charger.
Whereas full mechanical specs for the Australian market are but to be detailed, it’s anticipated the RZ 500e will provide a most system output of 300kW enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of simply 4.4 seconds. Prime velocity is listed at 180km/h and braked towing capability 1500kg. Driving vary is listed at as much as 456km on the WLTP mixed cycle.
Shifting inside, the up to date Lexus RZ 500e is claimed to be even quieter than earlier than, due to extra sound insulation and soundproofing measures. The cabin is now wearing laser-cut Ultrasuede graphics and encompasses a 14-colour Dynamic Shadow shifting ambient lighting sample alongside shiny blue distinction quilt stitching on F Sport variants.
Exterior, the F Sport variant is designed to face even additional other than different fashions within the RZ vary with enhanced aerodynamic components, extra entrance cooling ducts, a decrease entrance bumper, rear spoiler and diffuser, and bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels.
All RZ grades will come customary with the total suite of superior Lexus Security System+ energetic security and driver help techniques.
Additional particulars together with native pricing shall be introduced closet to the mannequin’s native launch.
