The new expansion lineup offers more power, greater efficiency, dynamic performance, and driver rewards that provide the first application of Lexus steering systems.
The new Lexus RZ is undergoing its world premiere in Brussels, Belgium today. The Battery Electric Luxury SUV benefits from a comprehensive revision that takes the driving experience to a higher level, introducing innovative technology that offers more power, enhanced control, and deeper driver engagement and rewards. These groundbreaking changes come with further improvements to the luxurious onboard experience.
Since the launch of the RX 400H in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer in electrification in the luxury market, constantly pursuing a balance between driving quality, engagement and eco-efficiency. With the Lexus Electric Vision announced in 2019, we aim to achieve a carbon-neutral society by providing a variety of vehicle technologies, such as battery electricity, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, to meet the diverse needs of our customers and the market.
The RZ was launched in 2023 as the first model of the Lexus built on a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) global architecture platform. It provided new driving experiences and designs made possible through electrification technology. In 2024, the range was expanded with the introduction of front-wheel drive models to meet customer demand.
The development of the new RZ focused on four key pillars: Operating range and battery charging. Performance; and design.
Technical innovation is led by the first application of Lexus’ Steer-by-Wire system. This provides a new driving experience with smooth, easy and more intuitive operation, especially when enjoying winding roads. It has also been tailored to responsiveness and driver feedback that are not welcomed. To ensure that the desired quality of Lexus driving signatures was achieved, the car undergoes extensive development at the Lexus Island Mountain Test Center in Japan.
The new model range also brings F-sport performance and style to the RZ for the first time. The all-wheel drive RZ 550E is the most powerful RZ and offers a new BEV driving experience with interactive manual drive from Lexus, an electronic system that offers virtual manual gear shifts (details of the RZ F Sport in the dedicated chapter below).
As always with Lexus, customers provide additional power and are a key consideration to ensure that RZ is more efficient and enhances the user experience. Comprehensive changes to the BEV system. The revision of high-power and capacity lithium-ion batteries, as well as the evolution of Lexus’ EAXLE, allow for expected increase in driving ranges of up to 100km (depending on the model and final homologue).
Additionally, battery charging times will be faster with the adoption of a new battery pre-regulation system and a 22 kW AC onboard charger.
Global Reveal paves the way for a new RZ European market introduction from fall 2025.
A fully revised BEV system
The RZ’s battery-electric system has undergone a complete modification with an emphasis on improving the quality of both practicality and driving pleasure. Important changes include the introduction of a new EAXLE with improved motor output and inverter efficiency, and a significant reduction in losses. There is also a new lithium-ion battery with an increased capacity to 77.0 kWh.
With higher power output and more model options, the new RZ expands market reach and offers a wide spectrum of customer needs and preferences.
The performance of high-power lithium-ion batteries is enhanced by improving and increasing the number of battery cells. Next, higher power output from the Eaxle electric motor is possible. For customers, this not only improves full throttle acceleration and top speed performance, but also contributes to a more refreshing and responsive drive in the midrange.
High power performance is further supported by the adoption of water cooling in the battery and BEV system.
Combining the high-power battery and Eaxle with different systems produced the RZ range with three different power options, 224 DIN HP/165 kW on the RZ 350E. 380 DIN HP/280 kW with RZ 500E; 408 DIN HP/300 kW with RZ 550E F Sport.
Additionally, the all-wheel drive RZ doubles towing capacity, allowing it to extract brake loads of up to 1,500 kg.
Increased operating range
The technical enhancements to the RZ’s powertrain provide a significant improvement in operating range, particularly the EAXLE power loss, increased battery capacity, and optimisation of the control system. Provisional data show that the range of new RZs increased by up to 100 km (depending on the model and final homologue).
Reduced charging time
Increased battery capacity, revised battery pack structure and adoption of a new 22 kW AC onboard charger also improves charging performance.
Low temperature charging has been improved with the new battery pre-regulation. This optimizes the battery temperature before charging begins and eliminates delays. As a result, charging time needs to be reduced by approximately 30 minutes.
Unique driving experience using Lexus’ Steer-by-Wire system
The new RZ is the first model to adopt Lexus’ new Steer-by-Wire system. This creates a new, intuitive and comfortable driving experience that seamlessly integrates drivers and vehicles. It also converts the cockpit of a traditional driver.
The steering wheel is designed without any top and bottom sections rather than completely rounded, so it has curved grips on the left and right sides, and is almost rectangular in shape. This design helps to focus the driver’s attention on the road ahead, and is compact, allowing the space around the knees and legs to be freed and allowed to enter and exit the car.
The system operates in a range of approximately 200 degrees from neutral to left or right lock. This gives the driver precise control and simple operation.
Additionally, steering gear ratios are dynamically adjusted according to the vehicle’s speed, making it easier to maneuver at low speeds. Agility for smooth driving on winding roads. High levels of stability in driving on highways.
There is no physical link between the steering wheel and the axle, but the driver receives proper feedback transmitted by electrical signals, minimizing unpleasant vibrations.
The evolution of Lexus Direct4 drive control
In addition to updating the RZ’s BEV system, Lexus has also revised its Lexus-specific system, Direct4 vehicle motion control technology, to improve the traction and stability performance of all-wheel drive models.
At start and linear acceleration, front/rear power distribution is controlled between 60:40 and 0:100 to suppress pitching and generate a direct sense of acceleration. During cornering, the distribution ratio is optimized between 80:20 and 0:100, depending on the vehicle’s speed and steering angle, depending on the driving conditions.
More power is directed towards the front axle for a smooth turn while turning in. As you exit the corners, the torque distribution follows the load on each wheel, maintaining the vehicle’s balance and allowing for smooth acceleration. The result is a rewarding touch with cornering and accurate line tracing.
The adoption of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) enhances driving stability and emergency hazard avoidance handling, while also providing a flatter and more comfortable ride.
Provides Lexus driving signatures
All models within the Lexus range provide a Lexus driving signature to ensure that drivers always offer a unified driving experience that enjoys comfort, confidence and control. Strategic measures applied to the new RZ enhance this quality.
Improved radiator support and the addition of rear braces provide improved structural stiffness. This reduces local torsional deformation and contributes to a clean, linear steering response.
The suspension system allows fine adjustments to the front and rear dampers and springs to promote dynamic performance, stability and ride comfort.
Pursuit of quietness and comfort
The extraordinary quiet inside the cabin is a key quality of the Lexus BEV, and the new RZ Lexus is taking further steps to install additional features, soundproofing and sound absorption measurements. These include new floor silencers under the rear seats and enhanced soundproofing in multiple locations. Soundproofing has been introduced for Tonno covers, back door trims and load compartments to deal with road and wind noise. In addition, actions are being taken to further suppress vibrations.
New interior design techniques
Lexus created the first cabin trim with laser-machined graphics applied to Ultrasuede. Made from sustainable 30% plant-based materials, the Ultrasuede Door Panel Trim creates a new, luxurious expression.
Another first, multi-color ambient lighting has a new dynamic shadow effect. This creates a change in patterns that evoke the passage of time, fostering an emotional and comfortable connection with car residents. The new dimming feature on the panoramic roof helps keep your cabin comfortable in bright sunlight. By reducing reflections, both a dimmable roof and an electronic rearview mirror were able to be used simultaneously.
New RZ 550E F Sport
・Sport performance and styling featured in the F RZ range
・Maximum output 408 DIN HP/300 kW
・Lexus-First Interactive Manual Drive Virtual Gear Shift
・Direct4 all-wheel drive
The new RZ is showing the introduction of the F-Sport model into the range for the first time, offering customers more exhilarating driving options with sportier styling and cabin atmosphere.
The 550E F Sport is the most powerful RZ model, offering up to 408 DIN HP/300 kW. To ensure that this higher output translates into rewarding and attractive performance, the suspension has returned again with a change in damper and spring settings.
Lexus First Interactive Manual Drive
The F Sport uses the Lexus-First Interactive Manual Drive, providing drivers with deeper interaction with the car, allowing paddle shift control to control the output, as if using a manual transmission. Operation involves real-time feedback via throttle, sound and visuals, creating a close connection between the man and the machine.
The system is programmed with an 8-speed virtual gear setup. Virtual power torque is calculated according to the accelerator position and vehicle speed and multiplies by the ratio of the selected virtual gear. To improve the experience, Lexus replicates engine sounds and the system runs on a Rev limiter. That’s why drivers have the feeling of timing gear shifts and timing of the condition of the vehicle being produced.
To help the driver complete the timing of the shift, the shift guide meter on the instrument display indicates the vehicle’s status.
fSports exterior styling
Powerful external styling contributes to the aerodynamic performance of the RZ 550E F Sport, making a bold visual statement. Functional drive features include front lower bumper moldings, brake ducts, front and rear spoilers, and rear bumpers. The 20-inch aero design wheels come with an alloy base and an aerodynamic resin cover. Not only does it improve energy efficiency by smoothing energy efficiency, but these also save weight.
The F-Sport model is available in neutrino grey, an exclusive new exterior color. This is a hard, solid finish with metallic highlights that get a strong contrast with the black styling elements of the car.
F Sports Interior Styling
The F Sport Dedicated Interior is a black x dark grey interior with blue stitching accents inspired by the powerful driving experience that is characteristic of the BEV. This design includes trim panels with micro-geometric patterns.
The front seats are created using integrated foaming methods to provide excellent body retention performance. Other details include F Sport scuff plates and steering wheel, as well as an aluminum pedal set.
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