The Lexus RZ – the posh triplet to the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra – has acquired mid-life updates together with additional driving vary, extra energy and a novel aircraft-style steering ‘wheel’.
Unveiled this morning, Lexus has confirmed we will count on to see the refreshed RZ lineup in Australia in direction of the tip of 2025, with pricing to be locked in nearer to its arrival.
Gone is the only real RZ450e variant presently obtainable in Australia, with the RZ500e taking its place alongside the brand new RZ550e F Sport, a better efficiency variant.
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RZ550e F Sport -
The RZ500e is a direct alternative for the RZ450e however with 50kW extra energy, with its dual-motor all-wheel drive structure now producing 280kW and 537Nm of torque; the latter output is unchanged.
This has resulted within the RZ500e finishing the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6 seconds, a saving of seven-tenths in comparison with the RZ450e.
Lexus’ new RZ550e F Sport in the meantime develops 300kW whereas retaining the identical torque output determine, accelerating from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.4 seconds.
Each variants profit from optimised torque distribution management, which Lexus says “dynamically adjusts torque entrance to rear between 60:40 to 0:100” beneath onerous acceleration, and 80:20 to 0:100 whereas cornering.
The RZ550e F Sport additionally incorporates a simulated eight-speed transmission, which drivers can management to copy the sensation of a conventional engine-powered automobile.
The dimensions of the RZ’s lithium-ion battery pack has grown from 71.4kWh to 77kWh, now that includes extra cells with improved chemistry.
Lexus claims the motors are additionally extra environment friendly, resulting in a 14 per cent enhance in driving vary for the RZ500e when in comparison with the outgoing RZ450e – claiming it will probably run for roughly 500km on the WLTP take a look at cycle.
For context, the RZ450e had a 470km vary on the extra lenient NEDC take a look at cycle, which Australia nonetheless bases its ADR cycle on.
In the meantime, the RZ550e F Sport incorporates a claimed driving vary of roughly 450km, additionally in opposition to the WLTP cycle.
In line with Lexus, the RZ can be now fitted with an “optimised charging system”, leading to charging time reductions of as much as half-hour – presumably when AC charging, because it might beforehand be charged from 0-80 per cent in a claimed half-hour utilizing a DC fast-charger.
| Lexus RZ500e | Lexus RZ550e | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 280kW | 300kW |
| Torque | 537Nm | 537Nm |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h | 4.6 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Battery capability | 77kWh | 77kWh |
| Driving vary (claimed, WLTP take a look at cycle) | Approx. 500km | Approx. 450km |
| Charging port | CCS2 | CCS2 |
There’s no signal of the brand new Lexus RZ350e – changing the RZ300e – for Australia, with the extra inexpensive, much less highly effective front-wheel drive electrical SUV not talked about in native press materials.
The RZ300e was beforehand beneath evaluation for Australia, nonetheless it seems the RZ350e – which produces 167kW/269Nm and might run for as much as 575km – received’t be part of the late-2025 launch.
Whereas the RZ’s design is unchanged in RZ500e guise in comparison with its RZ450e predecessor, the RZ550e F Sport options distinctive styling parts and gear not obtainable within the wider Lexus vary.
Arguably the largest change has come contained in the cabin, the place Lexus has lastly rolled out its steer-by-wire system – with no bodily connections between the steering wheel and rack.
This method adjustments the gear ratio based mostly on the car’s velocity, which Lexus claims “[aids] low-speed maneuverability, agile dealing with on winding roads, and higher stability at freeway speeds”, with the wheel solely capable of transfer as much as 200 levels.
It’s not simply the steering feeling which is completely different, as the normal spherical steering wheel has been changed by a ‘yoke’, much like these you’d discover in an plane, that includes an open high and flat backside.
Whereas Tesla notoriously began to suit yokes to the Mannequin S, this was mated to a steering system which had the identical lock-to-lock inputs as these with spherical wheels, making it tough to drive persistently.
Different adjustments for the brand new flagship embody F Sport-specific decrease entrance and bumpers, brake ducts, rear spoiler and 20-inch aluminium wheels, the latter of which sit behind an aerodynamic cowl to additional enhance effectivity.
Its suspension has additionally been tuned for “sporting dynamic responses” with out sacrificing trip high quality, with revised dampers and is derived.
Patrons will be capable to order the brand new F Sport-exclusive Nuetrino Gray end alongside 4 monotone and 4 two-tone color choices.
Sure grades – to be confirmed for Australia – can be fitted with a dimmable panoramic roof, in addition to Ultrasuede door trim, that includes laser-etched graphics.
It’s anticipated the up to date RZ lineup will come to Australia with elevated costs. The outgoing RZ450e begins from $121,059 earlier than on-road prices in Luxurious guise, and $133,059 plus on-roads in Sports activities Luxurious.
MORE: All the things Lexus RZ
