Lexus updates RZ BEV

MANILA: Lexus has debuted the updated RZ battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Brussels, Belgium.

From the said update, the luxury all-electric nameplate received the sporty new RZ 550e F Sport trim, an enhanced powertrain, improved driving dynamics, and a new manual-like transmission control feature. 

“Lexus is committed to refining electrification technologies to enhance the fundamental joy of driving and deliver new driving experiences,” Lexus International Chief Engineer Shinya Ito said. 

Let’s go over its specifications and features to see what the new and improved BEV is offering to would-be adopters. 

Exterior

In general, the 2025 Lexus RZ doesn’t depart much from the sharp and angular styling of the outgoing model. It largely carried over the same angular crossover body style with a tapered front end. 

Most of its exterior features were carried over as well. The aforementioned includes full LED exterior lighting fixtures, automatic headlamp functionality, and acoustic glass windows - among others. 

Particular to the 550e F Sport trim, however, is an exclusive new look with enhanced aerodynamics. The aforementioned was accomplished with the addition of front and rear spoilers. Completing the look of the vehicle is a set of 18-20-inch wheels, depending on the trim.

Here is a table detailing the dimensions of the updated Lexus RZ, including the top-spec 550e F Sport, RZ 500e, and the entry-level RZ 350e: 

Model	2025 Lexus RZ
Length (in millimeters)	4,805
Width (in mm)	1,895
Height (in mm)	1,635
Wheelbase length (in mm)	2,850

 

Interior

Most of the interior enhancements for the 2025 model year Lexus RZ have to do with making it connect more to its driver. 

According to the Japanese luxury carmaker, it now boasts a new yoke-type steering wheel and additional sporty design elements. Otherwise, all variants of the updated Lexus RZ feature “an open cabin space designed to meet customer preferences.” 

Powertrain

In its most powerful as the 550e F Sport trim, the new Lexus RZ’s dual motor setup can produce up to 402 horsepower. The aforementioned allows the updated BEV crossover to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.4 seconds. 

Here are the estimated ranges of the updated European-spec Lexus RZ trims as indicated by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure:

• Lexus RZ 550e F Sport - 450 km
• Lexus RZ 500e -  500 km
• Lexus RZ 350e -  575 km

For reference, the current locally available version of the Lexus RZ (450e) can deliver up to 308 hp and has a range of 450 km. 

Another big improvement on the 2025 model is the application of a new steer-by-wire system. Together with the new yoke steering wheel, the said system promises more steering responsiveness. 

The aforementioned also goes together with an enhanced torque management system of the Lexus Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. According to Lexus, the said component delivers improved traction on most road surfaces, smoother acceleration, and better power responsiveness when tackling corners. 

As mentioned above, the updated RZ was also equipped with the new Interactive Manual Drive system. Per the Shimoyama-headquartered brand, the new component can give drivers more engagement via its simulated eight-speed gear shifts that can be manipulated by paddle shifters. 

“At the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, engineers and professional drivers work together on test courses designed to replicate demanding road conditions, rigorously refining the vehicle’s core performance,” Ito shared.  

“In the new RZ, we have extended electrification technology to the control system with the introduction of a steer-by-wire system, optimizing intuitive steering response on winding roads and enhancing maneuverability at low speeds. Additionally, the software-driven Interactive Manual Drive enables a dynamic and engaging driving experience, allowing for deeper dialogue between driver and vehicle,” Ito added. 

Availability

At the moment, Lexus has yet to publish the full feature list of the updated 2025 RZ BEV. More details, however, should come to light once the company begins the model’s selling period sometime in the third quarter of 2025. 

Per the Japanese car brand, the model’s release is “planned to gradually roll out across various regions.” Hopefully, one of the said markets will include the Philippines. 

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