Overview
The Lexus RZ serves as the Japanese luxury brand's first bespoke all-electric SUV, built from the ground up on the dedicated e-TNGA platform shared with Toyota and Subaru. The RZ aims to bring traditional Lexus refinement, whisper-quiet cabin acoustics, and high build quality to the executive EV segment. Competing against strong rivals such as the Genesis GV60, Nissan Ariya, MG IM6, and Tesla Model Y, the RZ positions itself as a comfort-focused cruiser.
Design
Visually, the Lexus RZ translates the brand's distinct design language into the electric age. Up front, the signature spindle grille has evolved into a solid, body-coloured spindle body, flanked by sharp, L-shaped LED daytime running lights and air curtains designed to optimize aerodynamics. The side profile features strong character lines, blacked-out C-pillars that create a floating roof illusion, and contrasting black wheel arches. At the rear, the roofline tapers downward into dual roof horns that channel airflow towards a full-width LED light bar and clean Lexus lettering across the tailgate. Wheel options range from standard aerodynamic 18-inch alloys up to bold 20-inch items on higher trims, while striking bi-tone paint choices cover the bonnet, roof, and front fascia in black.
Interior
Stepping inside the RZ reveals a driver-centric dashboard built around Lexus's Tazuna cockpit concept, designed to minimize eye movement during driving. Cabin material quality is excellent, featuring soft-touch Ultrasuede upholstery, synthetic leather, and tactile rotary gear selectors. A massive 14-inch touchscreen sits prominently in the centre, housing the Lexus Link Pro infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Physical dials are retained for climate control and volume. Upper-tier specifications benefit from a dimmable panoramic glass roof that switches from transparent to opaque at the press of a button, alongside radiant knee heaters to keep front occupants warm efficiently. Sound isolation is impressive across the board, backed by active noise cancellation and double-glazed acoustic glass.
Performance & Powertrains
The Lexus RZ range begins with the FWD RZ 300e, powered by a single electric motor producing 224 hp and 266 Nm of torque, which completes the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.0 seconds. Stepping up to the dual-motor DIRECT4 AWD RZ 500e, it bumps output significantly up to 380 hp, dropping the 0-62 mph time to under 5.6 seconds. The powertrains top out at the F Sport 550e with 408hp and a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds. Equipped with a 77 kWh battery, the single-motor RZ 300e delivers a range of up to 347 miles, whereas the more powerful dual-motor variants deliver between 283 and 306 miles. DC rapid charging tops out at 150 kW, enabling a 10% to 80% recharge in 28 minutes under ideal conditions. On the road, the suspension prioritizes ride comfort over outright cornering agility, soaking up road imperfections with ease.
Practicality
Measuring 4,805 mm in length with a 2,850 mm wheelbase, the RZ provides generous passenger space for 5 adults. Legroom in the second row is particularly impressive, allowing six-foot passengers to sit comfortably behind taller front passengers. Boot space stands at 522 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,451 litres when folding down the 60/40 split rear bench. While the boot floor is flat and features sub-floor storage for charging cables, the RZ lacks a frunk under the bonnet. Cabin storage is adequate with large door bins and a deep centre console, though the car does omit a traditional glovebox in order to accommodate the passenger-side radiant heating.
Buying
Pricing for the Lexus RZ starts from £48,365 for entry-level models and stretches up to £71,095 for top-tier performance trims. The core trim hierarchy includes Premium, Premium Plus, and Takumi, alongside sportier F Sport editions for the 550e powertrain. Every model comes generously equipped as standard with safety kit from Lexus Safety System+ 3. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the RZ 350e in Premium trim, priced at £48,365. This variant unlocks the longest range, comfortable ride characteristics on smaller wheels, and the best value proposition, while retaining the essential luxury amenities and high-end infotainment setup expected of the Lexus badge.