Quick Read
- The 2026 Lexus RZ SUV features significant upgrades, including an extended WLTP range of nearly 280 miles.
- It is the first Lexus to incorporate new e-Axles and Direct4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control for enhanced handling.
- The RZ 450e delivers a combined 310bhp from twin electric motors, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
- The cabin includes a 14-inch touchscreen with Mark Levinson audio and Lexus Link Pro connected services.
- The Premium Plus Pack of the 2026 Lexus RZ 450e is priced around £61,095.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Lexus is intensifying its focus on the premium electric vehicle market with significant upgrades to its RZ SUV for the 2026 model year, directly addressing key buyer concerns around range and performance. The enhancements, which include a larger battery and advanced drive technologies, are positioning the RZ as a formidable contender amid growing market interest in its specifications and availability, particularly within the competitive Asian premium EV landscape.
The RZ, Lexus’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle, initially made a strong statement with its design and performance. However, earlier iterations faced scrutiny regarding range. For 2026, Lexus has directly tackled this, promising a substantial increase in its claimed WLTP range, moving it closer to 280 miles. This strategic improvement aims to alleviate range anxiety, a critical factor for many electric vehicle consumers, and puts the RZ on a more level playing field with its rivals.
Lexus RZ Performance and Advanced Drive Systems
Beyond range, the 2026 Lexus RZ 450e introduces pioneering technological advancements designed to elevate its driving dynamics. It is the first Lexus model to incorporate new e-Axles and the sophisticated Direct4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control system. These innovations work in concert to enhance handling precision and responsiveness, providing drivers with a more engaging and controlled experience. The 74kW lithium-ion battery unit is seamlessly integrated into the chassis beneath the cabin floor, contributing to exceptional stability and a low center of gravity. This combination of power delivery and chassis integration underscores Lexus’s commitment to high-performance electric mobility.
The powertrain delivers a combined 310bhp from twin electric motors, one on each axle, enabling the RZ to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.3 seconds. Power is managed via a seamless single-speed transmission. Under varying driving conditions, the Direct4 AWD system intelligently distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles, utilizing data from a suite of sensors to ensure optimal grip and stability. Adaptive suspension further refines the ride, offering independent damping control at each wheel for enhanced comfort, even on challenging road surfaces.
Lexus RZ Design and Cabin Experience
The exterior of the 2026 Lexus RZ maintains a striking presence, borrowing design cues from the NX and RX models while asserting its unique identity. It features a distinctive, more prominent spindle grille, trapezoidal headlamps, and the signature Lexus LED light bar spanning the width of the car. Standard exterior features include a powered boot lid, rear privacy glass, and 20-inch alloy wheels, all contributing to its luxury high-performance aesthetic.
Inside, the RZ offers a light and airy cabin meticulously crafted with plush upholstery, thick carpets, and premium soft-touch materials throughout the dash and doors. The central 14-inch touchscreen serves as the hub for navigation and infotainment, featuring a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system. The latest Lexus Link Pro multimedia system provides ‘always connected’ services, allowing for remote vehicle control and climate pre-conditioning. A customizable multi-information display and a head-up display keep crucial data within the driver’s line of sight, ensuring an intuitive and connected driving environment. While rear headroom is slightly constrained by its coupé-like profile, overall legroom and seating comfort remain exemplary, consistent with Lexus’s reputation for refined interiors.
Safety and Market Positioning
Safety remains paramount for the Lexus RZ, which is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. These include multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and lane change assist. These technologies collectively aim to provide a secure and confident driving experience.
The 2026 Lexus RZ 450e, particularly the Premium Plus Pack, is priced competitively within the luxury EV segment, retailing at approximately £61,095. With its enhanced range, advanced drive control systems, and luxury appointments, the RZ is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of the premium electric vehicle market. The focus on tangible product differentiation through improved range and innovative control technologies like Direct4 signals Lexus’s adaptive strategy to meet evolving consumer expectations and solidify its brand transition in the rapidly advancing global EV landscape.