The rise of electrical autos (EVs) means lots of good issues to automotive lovers — engineers can wring way more acceleration out of an EV than a gas-powered automotive, and even ship out downloads to replace efficiency over time. However it means one actual loss those that like to drive will mourn: EVs don’t have transmissions. In the event you love the sensation of shifting your individual gears, you’re out of luck in a automotive with out gears.
Lexus, nonetheless, has been making an attempt to unravel that downside for years. The corporate first revealed its analysis on shiftable EVs in 2022. It now seems prone to attain showrooms in late 2025.
The 2026 Lexus RZ will virtually definitely be an electrical automotive you may shift. The shifts can be synthetic — a matter of programing, not bodily gears — however designed to really feel actual, which can be sufficient to please many. And it received’t fairly be the primary. Hyundai’s low-volume, high-performance Ioniq 5 N is on sale now with the same setting.
Ready on a Few Particulars
We put “virtually definitely” in that assertion as a result of Lexus hasn’t formally revealed the 2026 RZ that may come to the U.S. but. This week, the corporate unveiled the European model of the automotive. In communications with journalists, although, the corporate’s American communications staff has linked to the European announcement. The automotive is prone to be the identical on each continents.
We received’t know pricing till nearer to launch, however the present RZ begins at $43,975 after a compulsory $1,175 vacation spot charge.
Longer Vary, Quicker Charging
The RZ is the corporate’s first all-electric car within the U.S., although Lexus has lengthy bought a full lineup of electrified hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Our editors like its construct high quality and clean, serene experience, however discover the vary limiting and charging speeds sluggish.
Lexus will deal with each of these issues for 2026. The corporate says the following model of the SUV will provide “a 20% enhance in driving vary and shorter charging occasions,” although it hasn’t revealed particular estimates for the U.S.
Because the present mannequin will get as much as 266 miles between expenses in its longest-range model, that increase might imply as a lot as 319 miles.
New F Sport Mannequin, Simulated Shifts
Different adjustments embody a brand new RZ 550 e F Sport trim degree with 402 horsepower, added aerodynamic components exterior, and an “unique steering wheel and sporty design components” inside, based on Lexus.
However the signature function can be Interactive Handbook Drive, which Lexus says “enhances the thrill of shifting by synchronizing acceleration and deceleration with immersive sound.”
We’ll want a while behind the wheel to let you know whether or not the simulated shifts are convincing. However we now have a sense there’s a subset of consumers who will all the time flip it on when the street will get fascinating.
