Updated Lexus RZ 500e details revealed

LEXUS has released further details of its updated all-electric Lexus RZ 500e ahead of the model’s arrival in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2026.

Offering revised powertrain technology and a higher-capacity battery, the model is further enhanced with a steer-by-wire system, a “radical” new steering wheel design similar to a yoke, and on F Sport variants, Interactive Manual Drive technology that simulates gear shifts to offer the “sound and feel of a manual transmission”.

While delivering more power than before, the new RZ is said to offer higher efficiency levels, promising greater driving range and reduced charging times.

Improved driving dynamics are said to build on the Lexus Driving Signature, the updated RZ offering retuned suspension and enhanced body rigidity to offer increased levels of responsiveness, stability, and comfort, says Lexus.

That offer is to be further enhanced by an upgrade to Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive system the Japanese luxury manufacturer says will further enhance traction and stability performance by automatically distributing power between the front and rear axles according to driving conditions and driver input.

In driving the new RZ, Lexus owners will encounter a newly shaped steering wheel which “dispenses with the upper and lower sections of the traditional ‘ring’ and has a flat bottom, with curved finger grips to the left and right”.

The design is said to offer the driver a more open field of view while simultaneously “strengthening their dialogue with the car”. The new ‘wheel’ is just 360mm in width and 197mm high, allowing increased knee room for easier entry and exit. It is also heated, and features controls for “less frequently used light and wiper functions”.

Importantly, the battery electric powertrain of the RZ 500e is now fed by a high-capacity, water-cooled 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack (up from 71.4kWh) Lexus says is better suited to the higher draw requirements of its dual eAxles.

The pack also allows improved charging performance thanks to the adoption of a more powerful 22kW AC onboard charger (previously 11kW) for a three-hour and thirty-minute charging time, or may be charged from 10-80 per cent in around 30 minutes, a reduction of 22 minutes against the outgoing model, when connected to a 150kW DC Fast charger.

While full mechanical specifications for the Australian market are yet to be detailed, it is expected the RZ 500e will offer a maximum system output of 300kW enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds. Top speed is listed at 180km/h and braked towing capacity 1500kg. Driving range is listed at up to 456km on the WLTP combined cycle.

Moving inside, the updated Lexus RZ 500e is said to be even quieter than before, thanks to additional sound insulation and soundproofing measures. The cabin is now dressed in laser-cut Ultrasuede graphics and features a 14-colour Dynamic Shadow moving ambient lighting pattern alongside bright blue contrast quilt stitching on F Sport variants.

Outside, the F Sport variant is designed to stand even further apart from other models in the RZ range with enhanced aerodynamic elements, additional front cooling ducts, a lower front bumper, rear spoiler and diffuser, and bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels.

All RZ grades will come standard with the full suite of advanced Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance systems.

Further details including local pricing will be announced closet to the model’s local launch.