- Lexus RZ employs a steer-by-wire system with yoke for European markets
- Revised lithium-ion battery and stronger motors present extra energy and vary
- Efficiency-leaning F Sport mannequin includes a digital handbook transmission
The Lexus RZ electrical crossover casts a wider internet with extra vary, extra energy, faster charging, a brand new steer-by-wire system, and a brand new F Sport grade for the European market, Toyota introduced Tuesday.
The primary important replace for the reason that midsize crossover launched in 2022 additionally showcases the luxurious potential of an EV onslaught in Europe for each Toyota and its luxurious model. Along with the new Toyota C-HR+ and Toyota City Cruiser, the world’s largest automaker will launch three extra EVs in Europe by the tip of 2026, together with a pickup truck and a big luxurious crossover that could possibly be the Land Cruiser Se EV.
At a product showcase in Brussels, Belgium, final week, Toyota highlighted its pronged method to electrification to realize carbon neutrality in Europe by 2035. The brand new RZ F Sport demonstrates a deepening dedication to Lexus’s premium bona fides.
2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
Lexus RZ 550e F Sport prioritizes efficiency
The range-topping 550e earns the F Sport badge with dual-motor all-wheel drive rated at 402 hp from two 165-kw motors. Larger effectivity within the entrance inverter and fewer parasitic losses, in addition to a bigger rear motor than within the current RZ, contribute to the improved acceleration. Lexus stopped in need of full specs, however reps stated torque will get distributed extra successfully between the axles to return out of turns with extra gusto. The rear motor can ship all of the torque at launch or in sure conditions primarily based on velocity and steering angle, and as much as 80% can go to the entrance, usually at turn-in.
Lexus retuned the damper and spring settings to account for the elevated energy, and it rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic resin covers that trim weight in addition to clean airflow. A extra aerodynamic decrease entrance bumper in addition to extra pronounced brake ducts and a racier break up rear spoiler spotlight the practical design tweaks.
The inside belies extra important enhancements. The steer-by-wire system we examined within the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e has been tweaked and now rolls out to the complete European market; non F Sports activities get the prevailing rack and pinion steering with electrical help and a conventional steering wheel, although mid-level fashions can get it optionally. There’s no mechanical connection to the entrance wheels, as Lexus engineers use two motors, one off the steering wheel and one other on the axle, with sensors relaying info backwards and forwards. A street bump sends suggestions from the axle motor to the steering motor, and the motive force turning the wheel does the alternative. The benefit of a steer-by-wire system is faster communication with the street to maintain up with the instantaneous torque distribution and faster motor braking, in addition to much less vibrations by the steering yoke than a mechanically related system.
Surprisingly, we most well-liked its directness and simultaneous ease. Since our testing early in 2023, Lexus has elevated the vary lock-to-lock from 150 to 200 levels. It’s straightforward to show the yoke at low speeds, and it corporations up at increased speeds. Three ranges of redundancy defend the motive force in case of a failure.
Unique to the F Sport, a “Interactive Handbook Drive” employs steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to pretend shifts as in an 8-speed automated. Engine sounds with a rev limiter and visible cues point out when a driver ought to “shift,” and there’s a meter within the recessed instrument cluster.
2026 Lexus RZ
Each Lexus RZ advantages from a bigger battery pack
Each RZ now comes with a 77-kwh lithium-ion battery pack as an alternative of the 71.4-kwh pack on the present 2025 Lexus RZ. Extra cells end in increased output with the revised entrance motor all through the lineup, and water cooling for the battery and motor system additionally allows extra sustained efficiency.
The RZ 350e comes with a 221-hp (165-kw) single motor and entrance wheel drive; the RZ 500e has twin motors and all-wheel drive with an output of 375 hp (280 kw); then there’s the 402-hp RZ 550e F Sport.
All-wheel-drive variations can now tow twice as a lot as earlier than at 3,300 kilos.
Lexus says the enhancements to the battery and motor techniques enhance vary by as much as 60 miles, presumably for the 350e. The 300e had a spread of 266 miles on the EPA cycle, which is extra rigorous and conservative than the European WLTP commonplace.
A brand new 22-kw AC onboard charger guarantees to quicken Stage 2 charging on the street or at dwelling, particularly in opposition to the present 6.6-kw charger. Battery pre-conditioning also needs to enhance DC fast-charging in chilly climate.
Lexus added that each RZ advantages from extra rigidity as a result of addition of a rear brace, and the suspension has changes to the entrance and rear dampers in addition to the spring charges for higher stability and trip consolation. Further soundproofing all through the crossover ought to restrict noise and vibrations.
The up to date Lexus RZ launches in Europe this fall, and a North America rollout is predicted to comply with. It stays to be seen if the U.S. will get such options as steer-by-wire or the F Sport grade.
Toyota paid for airfare and lodging for Inexperienced Automobile Studies to attend its product showcase.
