2026MY Lexus RZ

First launched two years ago, the Lexus original EV, the RZ, has been updated for the 2026 model year. However, you won't find anything outside of it because most of the major changes come from within.

2026 Lexus RZ

Now starting at 7,900,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the Lexus RZ was made even better. No, you won't find any changes outside except for the fact that the range-topper model, the RZ550e F SPORT, features a two-tone exterior paint.

2026 Lexus RZ interior

The interior of the RZ models, including the front-wheel-drive RZ350e Version L and the 4WD RZ500e Version L, remains unchanged. It features a conventional steering wheel, rotary shift selector, compact air conditioning, digital rear-view mirror, a 14-inch touchscreen with voice activation, and USB-C connectivity. The RZ accommodates up to five passengers and is designed for VIP transport rather than as a people carrier. It offers 522 liters of boot space with the rear seats up and up to 1451 liters when they are folded down, along with features like a hands-free power back door and a hidden deck board for utility.

The RZ550e F SPORT introduces the One Motion Grip yoke steering wheel, which aims to reduce stress and enhance driver engagement, making it a noteworthy feature despite being controversial.

2026 Lexus RZ

2026 Lexus RZ

The EV powertrain and the dynamics are heavily revised in this latest Lexus RZ update. The lower front suspension was trimmed down for weight-saving measures while implementing new internal parts in the hub bearing and repositioning the steering gearbox. In the case of the RZ500e and the RZ550e F SPORT, the DIRECT4 has been revamped for better traction and stability performance.

Combined with the revamped suspension setup, the revised DIRECT4 system, and the RZ550e F SPORT-exclusive One Motion Grip steer-by-wire system, the dynamics have never been so alive.

The electric vehicle (EV) powertrains have been recalibrated thanks to a new 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The front-wheel-drive RZ350e produces 167KW of power and boasts a driving range of 733 km. In contrast, the all-wheel-drive RZ500e and RZ550e F SPORT models feature an additional 167KW electric motor at the rear. In terms of driving range, the RZ500e can travel up to 629 km, while the RZ550e F SPORT can cover 582 km.

Another exclusive to the RZ550e F SPORT is the controversial new Interactive Manual Drive, which allows the driver to engage its 8-speed Manual Mode, giving them a video game-like experience while going behind the wheel. Fake gearshifts are nothing new for an electric car like this, but this cheesy feature can surely come in handy.

2026 Lexus RZ600e F SPORT Performance

To enhance the RZ's electric performance, a limited edition RZ 600e F SPORT Performance was introduced in very limited quantities. Priced at 12,165,000 Yen, plus additional costs, it is based on the RZ550e F SPORT variant but features unique aerodynamic updates and an extra 13 kW of power, bringing its total to 313 kW.

Like before, the Lexus RZ features a wide array of advanced safety features such as a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Change Assist, Driver Monitor, Proactive Driving Assist, and more.

With major updates underneath and the addition of the RZ550e F SPORT with fake gearshifts, the Lexus RZ is becoming more razor-sharp than ever. With this one, Lexus's road to electrification definitely won't have its last word. This is what the Lexus RZ should have been from the start.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation