Lexus Rz News

Lexus has given its performance electric SUV a serious boost. The brand has unveiled a special edition RZ600e F Sport Performance variant, with a series of changes to increase the car's sport and race potential.Lexus has not revealed local pricing for the RZ600e F Sport Performance yet, but if it does end up coming to Australia it's expected to sit far above the $121,059 (before on-road costs) price tag on the pre-update RZ450e.It has a dual-electric motor set-up, which has received some tweaking to improve performance. Its front and rear motors produce 167kW and 268Nm each to offer a total system output of 313kW.This means the car can shift from 0-100km/h in a sharp 4.4 seconds.It has a 77kWh battery, with a driving range of 525km, according to WLTC testing.The car has undergone some performance-based changes elsewhere, such as its overall height being 20mm lower than the RZ550e F Sport. It has also been fitted with bigger 20-inch brake discs, along with blue aluminium six-piston callipers. To accommodate these brakes, the car rides on 21-inch matte black Enkei aluminium wheels, which is among one of many special edition features on the 600e.There is a suite of new carbon gear, such as front lower, side and rear lower spoilers, a hood bulge, headlamp bezels, roof and rear wings and turning vanes. Additionally, it gets special edition lower door mouldings and large arch mouldings. The exclusives continue on the interior with special edition branding for the shift selector, instrument panel, front cup holders and driver’s seat, among other things.The updated RZ line-up is set to come Down Under in the first half of 2026.The entry-level RZ500e replaces the current RZ450e and will be offered in Luxury and Sports Luxury trim levels. There's also the RZ550e F Sport.All 2026 Lexus RZ trims come with all-wheel drive and offer bigger batteries, more range and faster charging.Other new features include simulated gear shifts, steer-by-wire technology with a yoke steering wheel, as well as more sound-deadening materials and trims, among others.

The electric car onslaught will continue in 2026 with the announcement of more than 20 new models in Australia.

Lexus has announced some big upgrades for its flagship EV.The formerly entry-grade RZ 450e has been replaced by the 500e, which now offers a benchmark 280kW of power – an increase of 50kW on its predecessor thanks to retuned front- and rear-axle electric motors.A pacier headliner in the RZ 550e F Sport replaces the previously top-spec 450e Sports Luxury, delivering an additional 70kW for a new total output 300kW. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the 500e.To simulate the experience of a petrol engine, Lexus has installed a virtual eight-speed manual transmission that incorporates artificial gear shifts and engine noises for the driver, similar to what is offered on a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Kia EV6 GT.The updated all-wheel drive platform now welcomes a bigger 76.7kWh lithium-ion battery too, up from 71.4kWh on its predecessor. As a result, Lexus said the driving range has improved by 14 per cent to 500km under the WLTP cycle on the 500e. The 550e F Sport, meanwhile, tops out at 450km.Charging time is also down by up to 30 minutes, Lexus claims. The brand hasn’t outlined exact specifications yet, but the updated model is presumed to improve on the 150kW DC fast charging rate of its predecessor.On the 550e F Sport, Lexus has introduced steer-by-wire technology, which replaces the traditional mechanical steering unit for an electronic system.Lexus said it delivers 200 degrees of rotation on the new RZ, eliminating the need for a conventional steering wheel. The 550e F Sport adopts a yoke-style design instead.Additionally, the 550e F Sport adds sports suspension, a unique lower bumper, brake ducts, rear spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels with aero covers.Inside, a dimmable, UV-resistant panoramic sunroof is now available. Lexus has improved cabin acoustics through additional sound-deadening materials and trims, which includes Lexus’ new synthetic suede fabric.Lexus Australia will confirm the local line-up, specifications and pricing for the updated RZ closer to its launch in its home market of Japan later this year.Pricing is expected to exceed the current RZ 450e Luxury’s entry price of $121,059, before on-road costs, which is $4,059 more than the incoming Cadillac Lyriq but $15,841 less than the larger BMW iX

Increasing supply and continued strong demand have combined to create a market environment in which Lexus’ NX mid-size SUV is overtaking its European rivals after a record month for the brand.

Why Lexus will stand by these two models which have had single-digit sales in 2023.

Lexus is more than happy to take things slow to cater to a wider audience as its rivals race to fully electrify their model line-ups.

Lexus says supply issues are clearing up, as it knows Australians are hungry for more hybrid and electric vehicles.

If the incoming Toyota bZ4X electric car doesn’t quite seem plush enough, and you’ve got a fair bit more coin to drop, then perhaps the Lexus RZ is for you.

Lexus is stepping up its electrification plans with more and varied electrified cars and SUVs for Australia in the wake of the last year’s election victory for the Albanese Labor government.

Lexus’ updated UX 300e electric vehicle (EV) will arrive by the middle of this year, bringing substantially greater range and a more engaging driving experience, as well as the inevitable higher prices to match.