The enhanced 2026 Lexus RZ has made its North American debut, showcasing comprehensive revisions designed to deliver more power, greater range, and an entirely new level of driving engagement. Since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005, Lexus has consistently pioneered electrification within the luxury automotive market. Guided by its “Lexus Electrified” vision, the brand champions a multi-pathway approach to electric vehicle adoption, encompassing hybrid (HEVs), plug-in hybrid (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to meet diverse customer and market needs. This strategy also focuses on significantly enhancing fundamental vehicle performance through electrification technology, aiming to provide a unique driving experience and lifestyle inherent to Lexus BEVs. The RZ, initially launched in 2023 as Lexus’s first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, has continuously evolved based on customer feedback, including the introduction of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) option in 2024 to extend driving range.
Powertrain and Performance Details: The 2026 Lexus RZ features a redesigned battery electric system, delivering increased motor output across its expanded lineup. The RZ lineup now boasts three distinct power options to cater to various driving preferences. The RZ 350e FWD offers 221 total system horsepower and achieves acceleration from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The RZ 450e AWD delivers 308 total system horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 mph in a quicker 4.9 seconds. Topping the range is the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, equipped with higher-output front and rear motors, generating a maximum system output of 402 total system horsepower and achieving an exhilarating 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The total electrical power (battery capacity) is calculated at 74.69 kWh for the RZ 350e and RZ 450e AWD, while the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD has a larger 76.96 kWh battery. Furthermore, the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD introduces a Lexus-first M Mode, an electronic system providing virtual manual gear shifting via paddle shifters, designed to deliver a sportier, more responsive driving feel and allow drivers to control power output as if using a manual transmission.
Exterior Design and Aesthetics: The 2026 RZ lineup presents a refreshed exterior design, with the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD featuring distinctive black F SPORT elements. These include an F SPORT emblem, a rear spoiler, revised front and rear bumper moldings, and a unique front grille. The F SPORT model also incorporates 20-inch wheels with aero covers, which contribute to weight reduction and help improve energy efficiency by smoothing airflow. The F SPORT model will be available in an exclusive new color called “Wind”, a solid light gray with subtle metallic highlights that boldly contrasts with the black F SPORT features. Across the entire RZ lineup, a total of seven exterior monotone colors and four exterior bi-tone colors will be offered. Tire sizes are 18-inch or 20-inch for the RZ 350e and RZ 450e AWD models, and exclusively 20-inch for the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD.
Enhanced Driving Range and Charging: The 2026 RZ features a redesigned battery electric system that delivers an extended driving range and reduced charging times under ideal conditions. The vehicle now adopts the North American Charging System (NACS) charging port (SAE J3400) on the passenger’s side. It also boasts an improved Level One and Level Two AC charging capability with a higher capacity 11-kW on-board AC charger, an upgrade from the prior model year’s 7-kW capacity. When utilizing DC fast charging under ideal conditions, the RZ is capable of charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in approximately 30 minutes. The improved EPA-estimated driving range is approximately 300 miles for the RZ 350e FWD. The RZ 450e AWD, when equipped with 18-inch tires, sees an estimated range of approximately 260 miles, while the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, equipped with 20-inch tires, has an EPA-estimated driving range of approximately 225 miles. Estimated electrical consumption figures are 266 Wh/mile for the RZ 350e, 306 Wh/mile for the RZ 450e AWD, and 353 Wh/mile for the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD. It is important to note that ranges and charging times may vary depending on weather and other environmental factors.
Evolved RZ Interior and Opulence: The cabin of the 2026 RZ maintains its minimalist yet airy and maximally appointed luxury environment. An improved Dynamic Sky™ Panorama Glass Roof is now offered, allowing for greater shading when opaque and a clearer view when transparent. The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD interior features a sophisticated combination of Black Ultrasuede® interior trim with distinctive blue stitching accents, exclusively available on this grade. The design includes a center console with a micro-geometric pattern design, front F SPORT scuff plates, a steering wheel with the F SPORT emblem, and aluminum pedals and footrests, all meticulously designed to create a sporty driving experience. A Lexus-first, the available Ultrasuede® door trim features a laser-etched pattern design. Building on the 2023 introduction of Door Trim Shadow Illumination, Lexus has added another innovation: a subtle flickering movement on the door trim, resulting in the available Thematic Illumination with Animated Door Trim Shadow Illumination. This feature, based on Lexus’ “Time in Design” philosophy, uses faintly changing shadow patterns to evoke the passage of time, providing a comfortable and serene cabin experience.
Lexus Driving Signature (LDS): The Lexus Driving Signature (LDS) serves as a core guiding philosophy in the development of all Lexus vehicles, aiming to provide a unified and consistent driving experience across the entire lineup. LDS emphasizes a linear connection between the driver and the vehicle, promoting a smoother and more comfortable ride. A distinctive feature unique to Lexus BEVs is their exceptional quietness, which is achieved through meticulous source-level noise and vibration suppression. These fundamental elements are rigorously realized through extensive testing and evaluation conducted at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, ensuring that every Lexus BEV delivers on the brand’s promise of refined performance and engaging dynamics.
Dimensions and Vehicle Weight: The 2026 Lexus RZ models share common external dimensions, with an overall length of 189.2 inches, an overall width of 74.6 inches, and an overall of 64.4 inches. All variants feature a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. Vehicle weights vary by model: the RZ 350e weighs 4,500 lbs., the RZ 450e AWD comes in at 4,750 lbs., and the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD is 5,000 lbs..
Availability: The 2026 Lexus RZ lineup is assembled at the Motomachi plant in Japan. The vehicles are expected to go on sale later this year, with full vehicle specifications and pricing to be announced closer to the official on-sale date. This expanded lineup with diverse power options is meticulously designed to meet the needs of a broad range of drivers, from those prioritizing daily convenience to those seeking a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
Summary
- Enhanced 2026 Lexus RZ with more power, greater range, and new driving experience
- Expanded lineup includes RZ 350e (221 hp), RZ 450e AWD (308 hp), and RZ 550e F SPORT AWD (402 hp)
- RZ 550e F SPORT AWD features higher-output motors and Lexus-first M Mode for virtual manual shifting
- Accelerates 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec (350e), 4.9 sec (450e AWD), and 4.1 sec (550e F SPORT AWD)
- Total Electrical Power: 74.69 kWh (350e/450e AWD), 76.96 kWh (550e F SPORT AWD)
- Features North American Charging System (NACS) and 11-kW on-board AC charger
- Estimated range: Approx. 300 miles (350e FWD), 260 miles (450e AWD), 225 miles (550e F SPORT AWD)
- Exclusive F SPORT exterior color Wind, with distinctive black F SPORT features and 20-inch BBS® wheels with aero covers
- Interior features Black Ultrasuede® with blue stitching, micro-geometric console, F SPORT scuff plates, and aluminum pedals
- Improved Dynamic Sky™ Panorama Glass Roof and available Thematic Illumination with Animated Door Trim Shadow Illumination
- Employs Lexus Driving Signature philosophy for responsive control, handling, and quietness
- Assembled at Motomachi plant in Japan, on sale later this year
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary press release information and specifications. Final production details, features, and performance figures are subject to change by the manufacturer.
Source: Lexus
AI Assistance: Gemini
