Renewed Lexus RZ family to arrive late 2025

Lexus unveiled its renewed RZ luxury battery electric vehicle in Belgium with the promise of a more elevated driving experience and greater range.  

A new flagship, the 300kW all-wheel-drive RZ 550e F Sport will join the 280kW RZ 500e and 165kW RZ 350e in New Zealand showrooms later in 2025.

The RZ was launched in 2023 as Lexus’ first model constructed on a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) global architecture platform. 

Development of the renewed RZ focused on four key pillars: driving pleasure; driving range and battery charging; performance; and design.

The technical innovations are led by the first application of Lexus’ steer-by-wire system. 

This provides a new driving experience with smooth, easy and more intuitive operation, particularly when enjoying winding roads. It is also tuned for responsiveness and driver feedback that is free from unwelcome vibrations. 

To ensure the desired qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature were achieved, the car underwent extensive development at Lexus’ Shimoyama test centre in Japan.

The all-wheel drive RZ 550e F Sport offers a new BEV driving experience with Lexus’ Interactive Manual Drive, an electronic system that provides virtual manual gear shifting.

Revised BEV system

The RZ’s battery electric system has undergone a complete revision. Key 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 a capacity increase to 77.0 kWh.

The performance of the high-output lithium-ion battery has been enhanced by improving and increasing the number of battery cells. In turn, this enables higher output from the eAxle’s electric motor. 

For the customer, this brings not only improved full-throttle acceleration and top speed performance, but it also contributes to a more exhilarating and responsive drive in the mid-range according to Lexus.

High power performance is further supported by the adoption of water cooling for the battery and BEV system. 

In addition, there is a doubling in the towing capacity of the all-wheel drive RZ, which can now pull braked loads of up to 1,500 kg.

Provisional data show the new RZ’s range has been increased by up to 100 km.

Charging performance has also been enhanced, thanks to the increase in battery capacity, revisions to the battery pack structure and the adoption of a new 22 kW AC onboard charger. 

Charging in low temperatures has been improved with a new battery pre-conditioning function. This optimises the battery temperature before charging starts, eliminating delays. As a result, charging time should be reduced by around 30 minutes.

More information and spec details will be released closer to the local launch in New Zealand.