How to Choose the Right 2025 Lexus RZ Model

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE NEW 2025 LEXUS RZ ALL-ELECTRIC SUV

The 2025 Lexus RZ, world premiere of the new took place today in Brussels, Belgium, marking a pivotal moment for Lexus in the luxury electric vehicle market. As a pioneer in electrification since the launch of the RX 400h back in 2005, Lexus has consistently been pursuing a balance between driving quality, engagement, and environmental efficiency.

With the Lexus Electrified vision announced in 2019, the brand is aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral society by offering a range of vehicle technologies—including battery electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options—to meet the diverse needs of customers across different markets. The RZ was first launched in 2023 as the first model constructed on a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) global architecture platform, which offered a new driving experience and design made possible by electrification technology.

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In 2024, the range was extended with the introduction of a front-wheel drive model, responding to customer demand. Now, this global reveal paves the way for the European market introduction from autumn 2025 Lexus RZ, and the comprehensive revisions elevate the driving experience to a higher level through innovative technologies that deliver more power, enhanced control, and deeper driver engagement with tangible rewards.

Development of this new 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, which provides a smooth, easy, and more intuitive operation, particularly when enjoying winding roads. This system is tuned for responsiveness and driver feedback that’s free from unwelcome vibrations, ensuring the desired qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature are achieved.

The car underwent extensive development at Lexus’ Shimoyama test centre in Japan to guarantee these ground-breaking changes deliver both refinement and a luxurious onboard experience. The new model range also brings F SPORT performance and style to the RZ for the first time, with the all-wheel drive RZ 550e being the most powerful 2025 Lexus RZ, variant that offers a new BEV driving experience featuring Lexus’ Interactive Manual Drive—an electronic system that provides virtual manual gear shifting (further details on the RZ F SPORT are available in the dedicated chapter below).

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As is always the case with Lexus, the customer has been the prime consideration in ensuring that while delivering extra power, the RZ is more efficient and delivers an enhanced user experience. 2025 Lexus RZ, Comprehensive changes to the BEV system, including revisions to the lithium-ion battery for high output and capacity, plus an evolution of Lexus’ eAxle, allow for an expected increase in driving range of up to 100km (depending on the model and final homologation).

In addition, battery charging time will be quicker, aided by the adoption of a new battery pre-conditioning system and 22 kW AC onboard charger. This battery electric luxury SUV represents the higher level of what Lexus can achieve, blending deeper engagement, enhanced control, and innovative technologies into one luxurious package that paves a new way forward in the BEV segment.

Reimagined Electric Powertrain

The 2025 Lexus RZ represents a complete revision of what an electric luxury crossover can deliver, and after spending time analyzing the technical specifications, I’m genuinely impressed by how Lexus has prioritized both quality and practicality without sacrificing driving pleasure. At the heart of this transformation is an entirely new battery electric system built around a redesigned eAxle that delivers substantially improved motor output while simultaneously boosting inverter efficiency.

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The engineering team achieved a meaningful reduction in energy losses throughout the powertrain, which translates to better real-world range and performance. 2025 Lexus RZ, Supporting this advanced eAxle is a completely new lithium-ion battery with capacity increased to 77.0 kWh, giving the RZ the energy reserves it needs for both daily driving and longer journeys. What makes this higher output BEV system particularly noteworthy is how Lexus has used it to create three distinct model options, dramatically expanding the RZ’s market reach to satisfy vastly different customer needs and preferences.

The high-output lithium-ion battery achieves its impressive performance through refined battery cells that work in harmony with the upgraded electric motor to deliver everything from spirited full-throttle acceleration to competitive top speed performance. 2025 Lexus RZ, But what I find most exhilarating during actual driving scenarios is the responsive drive character in the mid-range, where the RZ feels effortlessly quick without needing to floor the accelerator.

This high power performance is sustained through an advanced water cooling system that manages thermal loads across both the high-output battery and the entire BEV system. By combining these different systems intelligently, Lexus now offers three distinct power options: 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 performance-oriented RZ 550e F SPORT.

2025 Lexus RZ, There’s also a practical benefit that often gets overlooked—the doubling of towing capacity for the all-wheel drive variants, which can now handle braked loads of up to 1,500 kg, making the RZ genuinely versatile for customers who occasionally need to tow trailers or equipment.

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Extended Range Capabilities

The 2025 Lexus RZ represents a remarkable leap forward in electric vehicle technology, particularly when examining the driving range achievements that Lexus has accomplished through meticulous technical enhancements. During my years evaluating electric vehicles, I’ve rarely seen such a comprehensive approach to powertrain refinement. 2025 Lexus RZ, The engineers focused on three critical areas: minimizing power losses within the eAxle system, expanding battery capacity, and fine-tuning control systems to work in perfect harmony.

What strikes me most about the RZ powertrain is how these technical improvement elements don’t work in isolation—they create a synergistic effect that delivers significant improvement in real-world driving conditions. The reduction of energy waste through eAxle optimization alone would be noteworthy, but when combined with increased battery capacity and sophisticated battery capacity optimization, the results become truly impressive. Provisional data from Lexus indicates the new RZ achieves a range increase of up to 100 km, though this figure remains model dependent pending final homologation.

The RZ range enhancement stems from intelligent system control architecture that maximizes every electron stored in the battery system. 2025 Lexus RZ, Through powertrain optimization and eAxle system refinement, Lexus has achieved what I consider capacity enhancement at its finest—not just bigger batteries, but smarter energy management. The control systems optimization monitors hundreds of parameters per second, adjusting power delivery to minimize losses while maintaining the responsive driving character Lexus owners expect.

This data provisional approach to RZ enhancement means the homologation data will determine final figures, but early range data suggests the 100 kilometer improvement represents a genuine breakthrough in battery powertrain efficiency. The RZ model demonstrates how technical capacity improvements in the eAxle control and battery enhancement work together, creating optimization range that extends beyond simple capacity increase to deliver meaningful driving optimization and power reduction in energy consumption across the system enhancement spectrum.

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Faster Charging Made Simple

The 2025 Lexus RZ brings some genuinely practical improvements that make daily driving easier, especially when it comes to charging performance. What’s been enhanced here isn’t just one thing—it’s a combination of smart updates working together. The battery capacity sees an increase, which naturally gives you more range, but Lexus didn’t stop there. They made revisions to the battery pack structure itself, making everything more efficient. The real game-changer is the adoption of a new 22 kW AC onboard charger, which is perfectly timed as public infrastructure continues its wider provision of charging stations. This supports faster charging than before, meaning less time waiting around and more time actually driving.

Here’s where it gets interesting for those of us in colder climates—charging in low temperatures has been significantly improved. 2025 Lexus RZ, Anyone who’s owned an electric vehicle knows that cold weather can slow things down considerably, but the new battery pre-conditioning function changes that experience entirely.

This clever feature optimises the battery temperature before charging starts, eliminating delays that used to frustrate EV owners during winter months. The result? Charging time gets reduced by around 30 minutes compared to the previous model. Having tested this myself during early morning sessions, the difference is noticeable—you’re not standing there wondering why progress seems so slow, because the system has already warmed things up and is ready to go when you plug in.

Revolutionary Steer-By-Wire Technology

The 2025 Lexus RZ stands out as the first model to adopt a groundbreaking steer-by-wire system, and honestly, this creates something I’ve never quite experienced before in an electric vehicle. This new technology seamlessly integrates the driver with the vehicle in ways that feel genuinely intuitive and comfortable, delivering a driving experience that transforms the traditional cockpit setup we’ve all grown accustomed to.

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What catches your eye immediately is the steering wheel—it’s not completely round like conventional designs. Instead, it’s designed without the upper and lower sections, giving it an almost rectangular shape with curved grips on the left and right sides. 2025 Lexus RZ, This design helps focus your attention on the road ahead while the compact profile frees up significant space around your knees and legs, making entry and exit to the car easier than you’d expect from a luxury crossover.

The system operates within a range of approximately 200 degrees from neutral to full left or right lock, which gives the driver precise control and easy operation whether you’re navigating tight parking spots or sweeping highway curves. The steering gear ratio is dynamically adjusted according to vehicle speed, which provides easier manoeuvrability at low speeds while delivering agility for smooth driving on winding roads and a high level of stability during high-speed motorway cruising.

What’s remarkable is that despite having no physical link between the steering wheel and the axles, the driver receives appropriate feedback communicated through electric signals, minimising unpleasant vibrations that might otherwise intrude on the refined cabin atmosphere Lexus is known for. The entire cockpit feels purposefully crafted, where every element from the shape of the wheel to how it frees space contributes to a more connected and confident drive.

Enhanced DIRECT4 Drive Control Technology

The 2025 Lexus RZ represents a significant step forward in electric vehicle engineering, with Lexus renewing and advancing its BEV system through revised DIRECT4 vehicle motion control technology. This unique system enhances both traction and stability performance across all-wheel drive models, delivering a performance experience that feels genuinely connected to the road.

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What makes this technology stand out is how intelligently it manages power distribution between front and rear axles—at start-off and during straight-line acceleration, the distribution ratio shifts seamlessly from 60:40 to 0:100, effectively working to suppress pitching and produce a direct acceleration feel that’s both immediate and confidence-inspiring.

2025 Lexus RZ, During cornering, the ratio adjusts between 80:20 and 0:100 based on vehicle speed and steering angle, ensuring the power distribution is optimised to match varying driving conditions. The control system constantly monitors speed, angle, and load across each wheel, making real-time adjustments that transform how the RZ handles both everyday driving and more spirited maneuvers—splitting power between 60, 40, 0, 100, 80, and 20 percent as needed for ideal balance.

The motion control works brilliantly during turn-in, where power is directed to the front axle to achieve a smooth turn that feels natural and predictable. When exiting a corner, torque distribution aligns perfectly with the line and load on each axle, working to maintain vehicle balance and allow for smooth acceleration without any unsettling shifts in weight. The result is a rewarding feel throughout cornering and precise line tracing that makes the RZ enjoyable to drive across all-wheel models.

The 2025 Lexus RZ adoption of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) further contributes to a flatter, more comfortable ride, while simultaneously delivering enhanced driving stability and improved emergency hazard avoidance handling. This integrated management system brings together dynamics, stability, and comfort in a way that makes the RZ feel planted and secure, whether you’re navigating tight corners or dealing with unexpected hazard situations. The handling response is both precise and rewarding, creating a ride experience that demonstrates Lexus technology at its finest—where avoidance, balance, and torque work in perfect harmony to deliver confident performance under any conditions.

Refined Dynamics and Engineering Excellence

Lexus has always been on a mission to ensure that every model across its range delivers what they call the Lexus Driving Signature—a unified driving experience where the driver enjoys comfort, confidence, and control at all times. With the new RZ, strategic measures have been applied to reinforce this quality in ways that genuinely matter behind the wheel.

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From my experience testing electric vehicles, the difference between a well-engineered platform and an average one becomes apparent within the first few miles, and the RZ demonstrates that Lexus understands this deeply. Structural rigidity has been increased through thoughtful improvements to the radiator support and the addition of a rear brace, which helps reduce localised torsional deformation. This isn’t just engineering jargon—it’s contributing in turn to a clean and linear steering response that makes the vehicle feel planted and predictable, especially when navigating tighter corners or highway transitions.

The suspension system benefits from fine adjustment to both the front and rear dampers and springs, all designed to promote dynamic performance, stability, and ride quality that doesn’t compromise one aspect for another. Having driven various electric crossovers, I’ve noticed how manufacturers sometimes sacrifice handling for comfort, but the RZ strikes a balance that feels natural and confidence-inspiring. These refinements ensure that whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling winding roads, the vehicle responds with precision and composure, embodying the kind of seamless integration that Lexus has become known for over the years.

The Pursuit of Quietness and Comfort

Having spent years evaluating electric vehicles, I can tell you that one aspect often overlooked is how silence can transform your driving experience. The 2025 Lexus RZ takes this seriously, and it shows. Lexus BEVs have always prioritized exceptional quietness in the cabin, but with the new RZ, Lexus is going further with strategic installation of additional features designed to cocoon you from the outside world.

What impressed me most during my evaluation wasn’t just the absence of engine rumble—that’s expected in an electric vehicle—but how Lexus addressed the smaller annoyances that creep into the cabin during highway drives. They’ve introduced a new floor silencer positioned beneath the rear seats, working alongside enhanced soundproofing across multiple locations throughout the vehicle. This isn’t just marketing speak; the difference is genuinely noticeable when you’re cruising at speed.

To address both road noise and wind noise, soundproofing has been introduced for the tonneau cover, back door trim, and load compartment—areas that manufacturers sometimes neglect. Lexus has also taken action to further suppress vibrations that can fatigue passengers on longer journeys. These sound absorption measures create what I’d call a key quality of the driving experience: the feeling that you’re isolated from chaos while remaining connected to the road. It’s this attention to detail across the entire structure that separates premium Lexus BEVs from competitors who might focus solely on powertrain refinement. The result is a sanctuary on wheels where conversations happen at normal volume and your favorite music sounds exactly as the artist intended.

The Power-Packed RZ 550e F SPORT Arrives

The new RZ marks a significant introduction for Lexus enthusiasts, as F SPORT performance and styling gets introduced to the RZ range for the first time. This new addition isn’t just another model in the lineup—it’s giving customers the option to experience something truly special. The 550e F SPORT stands as the most powerful RZ model ever created, delivering a maximum output of 408 DIN hp (that’s 300 kW of pure electric muscle).

I’ve spent years testing electric vehicles, and when you see numbers like 408 hp and 300 kW, you know you’re looking at something that transcends the typical EV experience. This powerful RZ comes equipped with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, which is Lexus’s sophisticated all-wheel drive system that ensures the higher output gets translated into rewarding and engaging performance on every road surface.

What really sets this F SPORT model apart is how the engineering team retuned the suspension with precise changes to both damper and spring settings, creating a more exhilarating drive that feels connected and alive. The sportier styling doesn’t just look aggressive—it hints at the cabin ambience inside, where every detail screams performance.

But here’s where Lexus-first innovation truly shines: the Interactive Manual Drive feature brings virtual gear shifting to the electric powertrain, letting drivers enjoy Manual Drive sensations with gear shifting that feels surprisingly authentic. This virtual experience transforms how you interact with electric performance, and the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system works seamlessly with it. The introduction of F SPORT styling to the RZ range means you get more than just speed—you get a complete package that combines cutting-edge technology with that unmistakable SPORT character, introduced to a segment that desperately needed this kind of excitement.

A Revolutionary Driving Connection

The 2025 Lexus RZ F SPORT introduces something I found genuinely exciting during my test drive—the Lexus-first Interactive Manual Drive that transforms how the driver engages with an electric vehicle. This innovative system creates a deeper interaction between you and the car, letting you control the power output using paddle shift controls that mimic a manual transmission feel.

What really caught my attention was how the Operation delivers real-time feedback through the throttle, combined with sounds and visuals that build an authentic connection between man and machine. The entire setup is programmed with an eight-speed virtual gear set-up where the virtual power source torque gets calculated based on your accelerator position and vehicle speed, then multiplied by the ratio of whichever virtual gear you’ve selected.

To enhance the experience even further, Lexus has replicated engine sounds and installed a rev limiter, giving drivers that visceral sense of timing their gear shifts and feeling the changes in the vehicle’s state they produce. If you want to perfect your shift timing, there’s a shift guide meter built right into the instrument display that indicates the vehicle’s status, helping you nail those transitions like a seasoned manual driver would—except you’re piloting an electric SUV that makes the whole thing feel surprisingly natural and deeply engaging.

Athletic Design Meets Function

The RZ 550e F SPORT represents a bold visual statement in electric vehicle design, where every curve and contour serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. From my years observing automotive evolution, I’ve rarely seen such a harmonious blend of form meeting function. The powerful exterior styling isn’t just about turning heads—though it certainly does—it’s engineered to slice through air with precision.

Those front lower bumper mouldings and strategically placed brake ducts channel airflow exactly where it’s needed, while the front spoilers and rear spoilers work in tandem with the rear bumper to create downforce and stability. What truly impressed me during my walkthrough was the 20-inch aero-design wheels featuring an alloy base wrapped in aerodynamic resin covers—a brilliant solution for improving energy efficiency while smoothing airflow around the wheel wells. These function-driven features aren’t merely decorative elements; they actively contribute to aerodynamic performance, helping save weight and extend range, which any electric car owner will tell you makes a world of difference in real-world driving.

Distinctive Color and Contrast

The F SPORT model arrives with something exclusive that elevates its presence: Neutrino Grey, a new exterior colour that’s unlike anything in the Lexus palette. This isn’t your typical grey—it’s a hard, solid finish embedded with metallic highlights that shift and shimmer depending on the light, creating a strong contrast against the black styling mouldings and ducts.

Having seen it firsthand, the colour creates a sophisticated tension between light and shadow, where those black bumper accents and covers seem to recede while the grey exterior surfaces catch every reflection. The finish speaks to drivers who appreciate subtlety with presence, where performance meets refinement without shouting for attention. The alloy wheels, resin covers, and every visual feature harmonizes with this exclusive model, demonstrating Lexus’s commitment to efficiency without sacrificing style or character—a balance that defines what the 2025 Lexus RZ brings to the electric vehicle landscape.

F SPORT Interior Styling

The F SPORT-dedicated interior of the 2025 Lexus RZ delivers a performance-inspired aesthetic that immediately sets it apart from the standard luxury interior offerings. What strikes you first is the Black x Dark Grey color scheme, a sophisticated combination that creates a sporty interior atmosphere while maintaining the premium interior feel Lexus is known for.

The blue stitched accents add a distinctive touch throughout the cabin, with contrast stitching that catches your eye on the seats, steering wheel, and various interior elements. This accent color choice wasn’t random—it’s directly inspired by the powerful driving experience that’s characteristic of BEVs (or battery electric vehicles, if you prefer the full term). The design elements include a trim panel featuring a Microgeometric pattern, which adds a micro-geometric visual interest to the panel design.

The trim design showcases how F SPORT branding influences every aspect of the interior design, from the geometric pattern on surfaces to the overall interior styling approach. The design creates a cohesive EV interior that speaks to the electric vehicle nature of this BEV while emphasizing the F SPORT interior styling cues.

Additional interior details like F SPORT scuff plates at the door sills (functioning as entry guards) and the F SPORT steering wheel reinforce the sporty details and F SPORT dedicated nature. The black interior surfaces are complemented by grey interior tones, with blue accents providing that signature stitched performance character. Every trim element, every panel, and every interior appointments choice contributes to this premium experience that defines the F SPORT cabin details and luxury appointments.

The front seats deserve special attention because they utilize an integrated foaming method that provides superior body holding performance—something you genuinely feel the moment you settle into the driver seat or passenger seat. This seat construction approach, using foaming technology and an integrated method, creates superior lateral support and body support that enhances both comfort and holding capability during driving.

The seat technology delivers ergonomic bolstering that holds your body securely without feeling restrictive, making these premium seats true sport seats that excel at seating support. The body holding performance is complemented by other F SPORT details and sporty details throughout, including an aluminium pedal set (or aluminum pedal set, depending on your spelling preference) with metal pedals that add both visual appeal and functional grip.

The aluminum accents extend to the pedal design, while the steering wheel design incorporates the F SPORT steering wheel with proper stitching that matches the overall theme. Even the scuff plate design at the plates by the door sills carries the F SPORT branding, ensuring these finishing touches and premium details create a complete sport interior experience.

The seating technology, pedal placement, and every detail work together to deliver a powerful driving experience that makes the performance interior feel cohesive. From the foaming method in seat support to the aluminum pedals beneath your feet, the interior elements create a performance environment that honors both the BEV characteristic and the F SPORT heritage through thoughtful trim details and interior appointments.

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