Lexus makes a statement with new RZ battery electric vehicle

With the drive to electrification as strong as ever, and with Lexus well-positioned as the seller of more electrified vehicles than all other luxury car brands combined, it was down to the Western Cape to experience their 2026 RZ Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

Being the first model developed from the ground up as a dedicated BEV, the RZ was expected to impress. And in typical laid-back Lexus fashion, it did.

Three grades on offer

The RZ 500e EX establishes the foundation with generous specification levels and decent performance credentials. The RZ 500e SE elevates material execution, advanced technology integration and comfort, and is the most Lexus-like of the trio.

Whereas the RZ 550e F Sport introduces somewhat polarising styling and a way sharper driving experience.

ALSO READ: Upmarket all-electric Lexus RZ coming to South Africa in 2024

Talking of which, the RZ 500e EX and SE deliver a combined output of 280kW and 493Nm. This translates into a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.6-seconds. The RZ 550e F Sport adds a further 20kW to the mix, with the torque figure being quoted as the same as the RZ 500e.

The claimed 0-100km time drops down to a mere 4.4-seconds to 100 km. You are never going to be left wanting when it comes to getting off the line or when overtaking in any of the derivatives.

Fast charging as standard

The Lexus RZ BEV system is built around a 74.6 kWh (in EX and SE grades) and 76.9 kWh (in F Sport) lithium-ion battery. This battery is paired with re-engineered eAxles designed to reduce internal losses while delivering stronger, more immediate torque response.

The Lexus RZ comes equipped with a 22-kW onboard AC charger as standard. This allows for quicker home charging if you have three-phase power. For those who don’t and only have normal single-phase power, then 7kWh is all you are going to get.

Impressive EV range

Lexus also doesn’t offer up any WLTP EV range figure for the RZ, but a Google search returned a number of between 430 and 470km. Obviously, when we get the cars on test, we will be able to report back on how this translates into real-world mileage.

But it should be more than enough if you plug your car in each night when it is not being used. And if it is not, then using a fast DC public charger is claimed to get the battery from 10-80% in around 30 minutes for those on the move who want to cover large distances in one trip.

Interior packages

Moving to the interior. On the 500e it is traditional Lexus comfort, while on the 550e F Sport, it is somewhat of a futuristic tech fest that may not appeal to traditionalists.

Entry Level – RZ 500e EX

18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/60R18 tyres
Synthetic leather interior trim
Heated front seats,
Single LED headlamps with Auto High Beam functionality
Lexus Premium Audio system with 10 speakers
Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist

Mid Spec – RZ 500e SE

20-inch staggered alloy wheels measuring 235/50R20 at the front and 255/45R20 at the rear
Ultrasuede interior trim and a panoramic dimming roof
Adaptive High Beam System
Head-Up Display
13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
Intelligent Parking Assist
Heated front and rear seats.