Lexus unveils the refreshed RZ electric model, with significant updates in both design and technology

Almost a year ago, Lexus introduced updates to its electric RZ after two years on the market. Now, with one more year on the clock, the Japanese brand is set to present far more substantial and important updates for the RZ, affecting key areas such as its range, design and powertrains, the latter of which have been revised and adapted accordingly.

Let’s begin with its styling, and more specifically with the interior, where Lexus has developed laser-engraved graphics for the interior door panels, applied to highly sustainable materials such as UltraSuede, made with 30% sustainable plant-based materials, resulting in a new expression of luxury and simplicity. New ambient lighting has also been incorporated, featuring a dynamic shadow effect that creates shifting patterns for a relaxed and comfortable cabin atmosphere.

These are not the only styling updates, as the Lexus RZ range welcomes the new F Sport trim, already familiar from other models in the brand’s lineup, which, as you can imagine, gives it a sportier and more dynamic look. On the outside, it features a new lower section for the front bumper, which incorporates air intakes that help cool the brakes, while at the rear the new rear bumper with air outlets and the rear diffuser help rear stability, together with the double-wing rear spoiler. All of this is finished off with new 20-inch alloy wheels with an aerodynamic design and very lightweight construction that help reduce the overall weight, not forgetting the new Magnetic Grey metallic paint for the bodywork.

The F Sport trim for the Lexus RZ doesn’t stop there, as the interior also receives changes in the same direction. Choosing this trim, the upholstery combines black and dark grey colours with blue stitching as a contrast, all combined with interior inserts featuring a geometric micro-pattern. As a detail worth noting, the seats have been developed using an integrated foam method that improves support and comfort, while door sill trims bearing the F Sport name have also been fitted, along with the steering wheel Steer by Wire with the F Sport name on its lower part, and aluminium pedals.

Lexus has also taken the opportunity to carry out a complete review of the RZ’s electrical system, which has led to the introduction of a new, more powerful e-Axle that also contributes to a more direct response in the mid-range. This higher output has also meant that a water-cooling system has been implemented for both the BEV system and the battery, the latter being lithium-ion, and whose capacity is also increased to 77.0 kWh.

The use of this new e-Axle and a higher-capacity battery has resulted in the Lexus RZ range being scaled across three new power levels, so that we can now choose between the RZ 350e as the entry-level power option with its 224 CV, followed by the RZ 500e with 380 CV as an intermediate step and, finally, the RZ 550e with 408 CV, which can only be ordered together with the F Sport trim. In addition, for greater safety and comfort, Lexus has also revised the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, resulting in better cornering and more precise line-holding.

The consumption figures for the Lexus RZ with its new power outputs have yet to be confirmed and homologated, but the brand states that its range is improved by up to 100 km, depending on the version and trim chosen. Consequently, the Lexus RZ also benefits from reduced charging times, which, together with the adoption of a new 22 kW AC on-board charger, help bring them down. Lastly, Lexus has introduced a battery pre-conditioning function when charging at low temperatures, managing to shorten charging by around 30 minutes on AC.

For the time being, we will have to wait a few months before we can order the new Lexus RZ and learn its prices, as well as its key equipment, since the brand has confirmed that it will not go on sale until next autumn§h69§.