Overview
CHANGES to the Lexus RZ range were announced earlier this year that saw the model range re-badged, re-priced, and re-equipped.
Now offered from a far more competitive $84,500 plus on-road costs, the three-strong RZ line-up is better placed to entice a broader audience, potentially drawing customers from competitor vehicles that include the Cadillac Vistiq (from $116,000 + ORC), Mercedes-Benz EQE (from $134,900 + ORC), and Polestar 3 (from $116,700 + ORC).
The updated RZ range benefits from a redesigned lithium-ion battery pack, increasing capacity, driving range and charging performance while maintaining interior space.
For the 500e variants, battery capacity rises to 74.7kWh, delivering a WLTP driving range of up to 460km – an increase of 16 per cent – while AC charging capability has doubled to 22kW.
Power output for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system has also been lifted to 280kW, enhancing performance while augmenting Lexus’ Direct4 torque distribution system.
The new RZ 550e F Sport introduces appreciable performance gains with output rising to 300kW and a larger 77kWh battery, delivering a WLTP range of 437km.
It also debuts Lexus-first technologies including a steer-by-wire system paired with a yoke-style steering wheel, and Interactive Manual Drive – a simulated gear-shifting system Lexus says is designed to replicate traditional driving feel in an EV.
Chassis and refinement upgrades extend across the range, including additional body rigidity, revised suspension tuning and further noise reduction measures.
Specification remains strong, with all variants featuring a 14.0-inch infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration and a comprehensive suite of Lexus Safety Sense systems.
The Sports Luxury grade adds premium features such as Ultrasuede upholstery, a panoramic roof, Mark Levinson audio bundle, and additional driver assistance technologies.
The F Sport introduces more aggressive styling and performance-oriented upgrades, including aerodynamic enhancements, unique alloy wheels and sport-focused interior trim.
As is the case for all Lexus models locally, the RZ is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with up to 10 years’ coverage over the high-voltage battery. Roadside assistance is complimentary for three years.
Service intervals for the RZ are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) with capped-price servicing limiting service costs to a very competitive $395 per visit.
Driving Impressions
While Lexus has improved the battery capacity of the RZ, its real-world range still trails others in the segment – a point perhaps reflected by Lexus Australia’s decision to cap the Australian media drive to a short, peri-urban loop of Melbourne’s north-western suburbs.
Competitors including the Polestar 3 (around 580km), Mercedes-Benz EQE (around 590km) and even the Cadillac Vistiq (around 470km) have all delivered a better driving range in real-world testing, leaving the Lexus RZ and its indicated 380km range somewhat off the pace.
Still, with more power and torque, and a smoother Direct4 electronic all-wheel drive system working away beneath, the RZ is a better drive.
Power delivery is prompt, or progressive, depending on the drive mode selected, the RZ certainly offering ample acceleration to bring a smile to the face of even the most hardened EV critic.
But it is perhaps the steer-by-wire ‘yoke’ style steering wheel that is the RZ’s party trick. It may seem like a gimmick – and probably is – but is surprisingly intuitive to drive, changing ratios with road speed to ensure an authentic response to input.
Offered exclusively on the RZ 550e F Sport variant, familiarisation of the yoke arrangement takes mere minutes, the toughest ‘adjustment’ perhaps in slow-speed manoeuvring, where the yoke needs to move through less than 200 degrees to make a parallel park.
Perhaps the only downside to the yoke arrangement is that Lexus did not see fit to retain the standard wiper and indicator wands, instead using F1 style buttons on the ‘wheel face itself. For this scribe, the use of the ancillary controls took more time to adjust to than the action of the yoke itself.
We could take or leave the fake engine sounds and ‘manual’ gearshift simulator, finding the accompanying soundtrack too polyphonic for our tastes. Still, we know there are some who will enjoy the experience…
Speaking personally, I’d rather enjoy the RZ for its brisk acceleration, accurate handling, and confident braking, the chassis and suspension offering a sporty take on the EV genre that will give return buyers a reason to upgrade and new buyers a motive to buy.
Though we would hasten to add that the ride can feel a little firm in some scenarios, particular over broken or pockmarked surfaces, the tyre rumble irritating (perhaps exaggerated by the absence of mechanical and wind noise), and that the trim and plastic rattles in our test vehicles was very un-Lexus-like.
If you’re headed for a test drive, keep the stereo down and the salesperson quiet – it might just be a deal-breaker.
Still, as electric SUVs go the Lexus RZ is a very appealing offering. It’s an enjoyable drive with acceptable charging stats, a solid equipment list, and sound sales support.
With a far more reasonable price now thrown into the bargain, the RZ is a more convincing proposition than it ever has been, and a vehicle we’d seriously recommend placing on your EV shortlist.