Lexus Launches Refreshed RZ Electric SUV for 2025
Lexus is revealing a significantly updated version of its all-electric RZ SUV, with the global premiere taking place in Brussels, Belgium. The 2025 model year brings a host of revisions designed to elevate the driving experience through innovative technologies.
Lexus, a pioneer in the luxury electric vehicle market since the 2005 launch of the RX 400h, continues to emphasize a balance between driving quality and environmental sustainability. The brand’s ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision, announced in 2019, highlights its commitment to carbon neutrality through a range of technologies, including battery electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, designed to meet diverse consumer needs.
The RZ, introduced in 2023 as Lexus’s first model on a dedicated battery electric vehicle platform, represented a new approach to driving and design. Building on consumer demand, the lineup was expanded in 2024 with a front-wheel-drive model.
The development of the updated RZ focused on four key areas: driving pleasure, driving range and battery charging, performance, and design.
Steer-by-Wire System
One of the most significant technological advancements is the first application of Lexus’ steer-by-wire system. This feature provides an intuitive driving experience with smooth, effortless operation, particularly on winding roads. The system is engineered for rapid response and driver feedback, free from unwanted vibrations. Extensive testing and refinement at Lexus’ Shimoyama test center in Japan ensured the desired qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature.
F SPORT Model Introduction
The new RZ range introduces an F SPORT performance and styling variant for the first time. The all-wheel-drive RZ 550e, the most powerful model, offers a unique BEV driving experience, incorporating Lexus’ Interactive Manual Drive, an electronic system that provides virtual manual gear shifting.
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
Customer feedback played a crucial role in the RZ’s evolution, resulting in increased power, improved efficiency, and an enhanced user experience. Comprehensive changes to the BEV system, including revisions to the lithium-ion battery, and enhancements to the eAxle, are expected to increase driving range by up to 100km, depending on the model and final homologation.
Additionally, battery charging times will be reduced, thanks to a new battery pre-conditioning system and a 22 kW AC onboard charger.
The 2025 RZ is scheduled to begin its European market introduction in autumn of 2025.
Key Highlights of the Redesign
- Revised BEV System: The RZ’s battery electric system has undergone a complete overhaul, prioritizing practicality and driving enjoyment. Key changes include a new eAxle with improved motor output and inverter efficiency, and a significant capacity of 77.0 kWh.
- Enhanced Power and Range: The new RZ will offer a broader range to meet a wider spectrum of customer needs. The enhanced lithium-ion battery boosts the eAxle’s electric motor output. The design includes water cooling for the battery and BEV system, contributing to better performance.
- Multiple Power Options: The RZ range will offer three different power outputs: 224 DIN hp/165 kW in the RZ 350e; 380 DIN hp/280 kW in the RZ 500e; and 408 DIN hp/300 kW in the RZ 550e F SPORT.
- Increased Towing Capacity: The all-wheel drive RZ now has a doubled towing capacity, capable of pulling braked loads up to 1,500 kg.
- Extended Driving Range: Technical advancements contribute to a notable increase in the driving range, with estimates showing an increase of up to 100 km, depending on model and final homologation.
- Faster Charging: Faster charging results from the increased battery capacity, changes in the battery pack’s structure, and the adoption of a new 22 kW AC onboard charger.
- Battery Pre-conditioning: A new function for optimizing the battery temperature before charging offers improved charging in low temperatures, reducing charging time by approximately 30 minutes.
Steer-by-Wire System: A New Driving Experience
The new RZ introduces Lexus’ innovative steer-by-wire system, creating a new, intuitive driving experience that integrates driver and vehicle seamlessly. This system also redefines the traditional driver’s cockpit. The steering wheel shape, instead of being fully round, has been designed without an upper and lower section, offering a more rectangular form with curved grips. This design improves visibility and frees up space around the driver’s knees.
With a range of approximately 200 degrees from neutral to full lock, the system delivers precise control and intuitive operation. Plus, steering gear ratio dynamically adjusts with vehicle speed, facilitating easy maneuvering at low speeds, smooth driving on winding roads, and a high level of stability on the highway. Even without a physical connection between the steering wheel and axles, the driver receives appropriate feedback through electric signals, minimizing unwanted vibrations.
Enhanced Drive Control
In addition to the revised BEV system, Lexus has updated the DIRECT4 vehicle motion control technology, unique to Lexus, which improves traction and stability in the all-wheel drive models. Throughout the process of acceleration and in straight-line starts, power distribution is controlled between 60:40 and 0:100 to suppress pitching. During cornering, the distribution ratio is optimized between 80:20 and 0:100, based on steering angle and vehicle speed, to match current driving conditions. When starting the turn, a greater amount of power is routed to the front axle, delivering a smooth turn. When exiting a corner, torque is distributed according to the load on each wheel, to preserve vehicle balance, and to permit consistent acceleration. The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system fosters a flatter, more comfortable ride, enhancing driving stability and optimizing emergency hazard avoidance handling.
Lexus Driving Signature
The new RZ reflects Lexus’ commitment to delivering the Lexus Driving Signature, which offers the driver confidence, control, and comfort. Structural rigidity has increased due to improvements to the radiator support and the addition of a rear brace, reducing torsional deformation, and promoting clean steering response. Additionally, the suspension system sees fine alterations to both front and rear dampers and springs, promoting dynamic performance as well as stability and ride comfort.
Interior Design and Quietness
Exceptional cabin quietness is central to the Lexus BEV experience, and the new RZ incorporates additional soundproofing and sound absorption measures to further enhance this quality. These include soundproofing for the tonneau cover as well as the back door trim. Regarding road and wind noise, action has been taken to suppress vibrations.
Lexus introduces new interior design elements, including laser-processed graphics applied to Ultrasuede trim, made of 30% sustainable plant-based materials. Furthermore, multi-color ambient lighting has a novel, dynamic shadow effect, generating changing patterns to enhance the cabin’s feeling of comfort.
The New RZ 550e F SPORT
The F SPORT variant introduces a sporty design and cabin ambience with performance modifications. The model includes:
- Maximum output 408 DIN hp/300 kW
- Features the Lexus-first Interactive Manual Drive with virtual gear shifting.
- Features DIRECT4 all-wheel drive.
The 550e F SPORT, the most powerful RZ model, provides dynamic performance thanks to suspension that has been fine-tuned.
Lexus-first Interactive Manual Drive
The F SPORT utilizes the Lexus-first Interactive Manual Drive, which allows the drivers to interact with the car through the paddle shift controls, functioning like a manual transmission. Operation is supported by real-time feedback through sounds and visuals that link the driver with the machine. The system utilizes an eight-speed virtual gear setup.
F SPORT exterior styling
The F SPORT exterior styling boosts aerodynamic performance. The features include front lower bumper mouldings, brake ducts, front and rear spoilers, and rear bumper. The 20-inch aero-design wheels come with aerodynamic resin covers.
F SPORT interior styling
The F SPORT-dedicated interior comes in Black x Dark Grey with blue accents and has a Microgeometric pattern. It also has front seats, scuff plates, a steering wheel, and an aluminium pedal set.
