2026 Lexus RZ

The introduction of the new Lexus RZ demonstrates Lexus' commitment to maximising the benefits of battery electric vehicle technologies, not just in terms of power and energy efficiency, but importantly in delivering a more rewarding experience for the driver and an enriched journey for every occupant.

The changes introduced in the RZ's significant update programme include improvements in battery and motor output and the detailed construction of components and vehicle structure. Charging performance has been enhanced, benefiting from Lexus' long-established expertise in electrified technologies.

The RZ also reinforces Lexus' status as a technology pioneer, being the first model to offer the combination of a full steer-by-wire system with a radical new-design steering wheel. This provides intuitive operation, good visibility, and ease of handling with responsive performance and reassuring feedback to the driver.

Furthermore, the new RZ F SPORT marks the debut of Lexus' Interactive Manual Drive, a virtual gear shift system that replicates the performance, sound and feel of a manual transmission in a fully electric vehicle.

As well as delivering more power across all models in the new range, the RZ also achieves higher efficiency, reflected in increased driving ranges and reduced charging times.

At heart, the RZ remains a vehicle that is rich in Lexus craftsmanship with details that reflect the brand's Omotenashi approach to on-board hospitality, making life as comfortable, safe, and convenient for driver and passengers alike. Dynamically, the latest enhancements reinforce the Lexus Driving Signature, giving the driver confidence, control and comfort at all times.

The new RZ range will be introduced in dealerships across Europe from late 2025.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

Lexus engineers every model in its range to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature, a unified driving experience in which the driver enjoys comfort, confidence and control at all times. Strategic measures applied to the new RZ reinforce this quality, with the exhilarating performance characteristics that can be achieved with battery electric vehicle technology and engineering.

Structural rigidity has been increased with improvements around the front radiator support: increased plate thickness and strengthened joints. Meanwhile, the addition of a rear brace helps reduce localised torsional deformation. These measures support a clean and linear response to steering inputs.

Suspension

The suspension system - front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones - benefits from fine adjustment to the front and rear dampers and springs to promote dynamic performance and achieve a good balance between handling stability and ride comfort. The front bushing has been optimised to obtain more direct steering response.

Other new details include a weight-saving reshaping of the lower front suspension arm and new internal parts in the hub bearing, measures which help optimise the driving range. The steering gearbox mount has also been adjusted to render the system more rigid and responsive.

Evolution of Lexus DIRECT4

The performance of Lexus' DIRECT4 vehicle motion control technology has been revised, further enhancing the traction and stability performance of the new RZ all-wheel drive models.

The intelligent system automatically controls the distribution of power delivery to the front and rear eAxles, according to the driving conditions and driver inputs.

The range of torque distribution has been extended by increasing the output of the BEV system, so that at start-off and in straight-line acceleration, front/rear power distribution is controlled between 60:40 to 0:100, suppressing pitching and producing a direct acceleration feel. During cornering, the distribution ratio is optimised between 80:20 and 0:100, according to vehicle speed and steering angle, to match the driving conditions.

During turn-in, more power is directed to the front axle to achieve a smooth turn. When exiting a corner, torque distribution is in line with the load on each wheel, to maintain vehicle balance and allow for smooth acceleration. The result is a rewarding feel when cornering and precise line tracing.

When the driver selects Range mode to maximise efficiency, the front/rear balance is maintained at 50:50.

The adoption of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM, an option on Luxury AWD model and standard on F SPORT) contributes to a flatter, more comfortable ride, together with enhanced driving stability and emergency hazard avoidance handling.

Body rigidity

A high level of body rigidity and connection throughout the entire body is key to achieving responsive performance, faithful to the driver's inputs. Original development of the RZ ensured a very rigid structure, helped by the placement of the battery low down, within the wheelbase, and making the battery unit itself part of the vehicle's frame.

Advanced construction techniques, including laser peening and laser welding technology, contributed to the rigidity, together with extensive use of high-strength adhesive and high-rigidity foam. Tower bracing and performance dampers further contribute to the car's impressively tight and stable feel.

Lexus has taken the opportunity to refine the degree of rigidity with additional bracing between the lower rear body and the rear wheel houses. The strength and rigidity of the radiator support at the side has also been increased, benefiting handling stability.