Lexus RZ BEV – With the arrival of the upgraded RZ battery-electric SUV in May, Lexus Australia will offer its customers an exciting, enhanced take on the all-electric Lexus Driving Signature (LDS) of precise, linear vehicle response that faithfully follows the driver’s intentions.
Reflecting on Lexus dedication to continuous improvement, the company has bolstered the RZ range with enhanced driving range, increased power output, innovative new features, and the first all-electric F Sport model, the RZ 550e.
Additionally, Lexus will offer the RZ 600e F Sport Performance limited edition grade in Australia in late 2026, with strictly limited local availability reflecting the exclusivity of the flagship variant.
The Australian RZ lineup will open with the RZ 500e Luxury, which has seen a power increase of 50kW over the outgoing RZ 450e while retaining its generous level of standard specification, and will be priced from $84,500 plus on-road costs.
Likewise, Lexus has upgraded the opulent RZ 500e Sports Luxury with the same 280kW total system output of the Luxury grade, and will ask $91,000 plus on-roads with the addition of further luxurious features.
The newest member of the RZ range, the 550e F Sport, brings increased output and battery size, and introduces innovative features including the steer-by-wire yoke steering wheel and Interactive Manual Drive, with an asking price of $105,000 plus on-road costs1.
RZ range would enrich both the driving and ownership experience
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Jack Hobbs said the new RZ range would enrich both the driving and ownership experience for Australian customers.
“Innovative features like steer-by-wire, improved output and driving range, and an exciting driving character makes the Lexus RZ a fantastic option for customers wanting to make the switch to battery-electric motoring,” Mr Hobbs said.
“The Lexus RZ also reflects our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, combining advanced technology with carefully considered design and material quality. With additional variants joining the line‑up and a more accessible entry point, Lexus continues to offer customers the luxury of choice, particularly those experiencing battery‑electric vehicles for the first time.”
Changes to the RZ’s powertrain
The changes to the RZ’s powertrain start with the redesigned lithium-ion battery pack, which increases the total number of battery cells, overall capacity, driving range and charging performance while keeping the same amount of cabin space as the outgoing RZ.
For RZ 500e, battery capacity has increased to 74.7kWh, helping to increase WLTP driving range to 460km2 – an increase of 16 per cent. The upgraded battery has also doubled AC charging capacity to 22kW, allowing for a full charge in as little as 3.5 hours3.
The front and rear eAxles have been refined to deliver more power with greater efficiency, creating a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
Total system output for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain has also increased by more than 20 per cent to 280kW, helping to maximise the performance of the RZ’s DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system.
The DIRECT4 system further improves the traction and stability of the RZ, variably controlling the front/rear power distribution between 60:40 and 0:100, and between 80:20 and 0:100 when cornering.
Other considered changes to the RZ range include additional bracing and body rigidity measures, refinements of the front and rear dampers and springs, and even greater noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction measures that make the whisper-quiet RZ even more serene to drive.
Lexus RZ BEV Model range
RZ Luxury
The RZ 500e Luxury has undergone a visual upgrade with the inclusion of new 20-inch dark metallic alloy wheels, replacing the 18-inch rims in the RZ 450e Luxury.
Generous standard equipment is available on the RZ 500e Luxury, including NuLux®4 upholstery with Hazel and Greyscale colour choices, heated front seats with eight-way powered adjustment, powered steering wheel adjustment, dual-zone climate control with NanoeX®4, powered tailgate and a 7.0-inch multi-information display.
All variants offer a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system with embedded satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, paired on Luxury with a wireless smartphone charger and a 10-speaker Panasonic audio system.
Lexus includes a full suite of Safety Sense + active safety features as standard across the RZ range, ensuring excellent protection for occupants and other road users.
RZ Sports Luxury
Sports Luxury grades gain even more premium features including 20-inch two-tone black/bright machined alloy wheels, Ultrasuede®4 upholstery in Hazel, Greyscale and Storm colour options, Tsuyasumi ornamentation, dynamic multi-colour illumination, heated and ventilated front seats with three-position driver’s seat memory, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel and a black dimming panoramic roof.
Technology is also increased with a head-up display, high-grade multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, dynamic auto-levelling headlights and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson®4 premium audio system.
Additional active safety features include the sophisticated Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) and Intelligent Parking Assist, designed to help drivers automatically park their vehicle in a safe manner.9
RZ F Sport
The new addition to the RZ range, the RZ 550e F Sport. Introduces multiple innovative Lexus-first features. Including the new Steer-by-wire system with yoke steering wheel. A standard feature on RZ F Sport for Australia.
Steer-by-wire delivers effortless control, making low speed manoeuvring easy. While providing confident stability and precise response at higher speeds.
It also enables the fitment of the new yoke steering wheel. Which can turn from centre to full left or right lock in about 200 degrees. Eliminating the need for hand-over-hand movement.
Interactive Manual Drive is also a Lexus-first. Which simulates the feeling and experience of shifting gears, reimagined for a battery-electric vehicle.
Using the paddle shifters on the yoke steering wheel. Drivers can shift through eight simulated gears which are simulated through the throttle. G forces, reproduced motor sounds and a virtual tachometer to provide a traditional driving experience.
A larger 77kWh lithium-ion battery is fitted to the F Sport. With total system output from the two eAxles boosted to a potent 300kW. WLTP driving range for the RZ 550e F Sport is rated at 437km10.
The F Sport adds extra visual flair over the rest of the RZ range. Including super gloss black metallic alloy wheels, unique front lip spoiler. An exclusive front bumper with extra openings to assist brake cooling. Painted brake calipers, stylish rear bumper and diffuser. F Sport badging, a functional rear spoiler and the option of two-tone paint scheme.
Inside, the F Sport gains aluminium pedals, micro-geometric pattern film ornamentation. And sports front seats upholstered in black and dark grey F Sport Ultrasuede®4 trim.
RZ F Sport Performance
The limited edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance extracts further power from the dual-motor powertrain. With a peak combined output of 313kW. And provides a visually striking on-road presence. With a range of unique weight-saving and aerodynamic enhancements.
A lower centre of gravity is achieved with a 20mm reduction in ride height. Which combines with 21-inch ENKEI matte black alloy wheels. And wide body wheel arch mouldings to give the RZ 600e a purposeful stance.
Multiple exclusive body parts help to increase downforce and handling. Including a front lip spoiler, vented hood, rear lower bumper design, lower rocker panels and a two-tiered rear wing spoiler.
A carbon roof further reduces the centre of gravity and vehicle weight. While larger six-piston blue calipers and ventilated 400mm x 28mm disc brakes help improve stopping power.
Inside, the F Sport Performance features a unique seat trim, ornamentation, instrument panel finish and shift-by-wire gear selector.
Pricing for the strictly limited RZ 600e F Sport Performance will be revealed closer to its arrival in Australia.
The new RZ range will be available with the choice of seven exterior paint colours. Including the new Sonic Selente and Neutrino Grey. The latter of which is offered on F Sport in single or two tone finishes.11
Lexus RZ pricing1
| RZ 500e Luxury | $84,500 |
| RZ 500e Sports Luxury | $91,000 |
| RZ 550e F Sport | $105,000 |
All the boring footnotes
1.Manufacturer’s list price provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included. On-road costs vary from State to State and can be found by contacting the relevant government authority. Optional colours or features at additional cost.
2.Results were achieved under test conditions and do not reflect the driving range in real world driving. Results achieved for battery electric RZ 500e automatic SUV. Is based on consumption rate of 180wh/km using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Accepted by the ADR 81/02 (displayed on the Energy Consumption label affixed to the car). The electric range and the energy consumption values were determined. Using a fully charged battery in a laboratory test and are not reflective of real world driving. Actual driving range may vary. Depending on accessories fitted, battery age and condition, climate. As well as driving style, use of heating/cooling, traffic conditions, and vehicle load. For more information, please visit lexus.com.au/lexus-electrified/batteryelectric#faqs
3.Charging times are indicative and may vary. Depending on environmental and charging conditions, type of charger and method used. Actual charging times may differ. Frequent use of DC Fast Charging can impact battery performance & durability. Lexus recommends minimising DC Fast Charging usage. DC fast charging speed will reduce after the battery is charged to 80%. Refer to Owner’s manual and lexus.com.au/charging for guidance.
4.Product & company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
