2026 Lexus RZ EV debuts with fake gear shifts

The Lexus RZ has gone under the knife as part of a mid-life update with upgrades including more driving range, extra power, new simulated gear-shifts and an unusual-looking yoke-style steering wheel.

Set to land in Australia at the back end of 2025, pricing for the new 2026 Lexus RZ will be released closer to launch but the big news is that the RZ 450e is no more, replaced by a more-powerful RZ 500e and RZ 550e, with the latter available in sportier F Sport trim.

Boasting an extra 50kW of power, the RZ 500e gains a new dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that produces 280kW/537Nm, which sees the 0-100km/h sprint take just 4.6 seconds – 0.7s quicker than before.

Choose the RZ 550e F Sport and power is boosted to 300kW, slashing the 0-100km/h dash to 4.4 seconds.

Fresh tech introduced on the Lexus RZ 550e F Sport is headlined by a new simulated eight-speed transmission claimed to replicate the feeling for a traditional combustion-powered car’s transmission.

Expect the same tech to migrate to other sporty Lexus and Toyota models in the near future.

Other changes include a new larger 77kWh battery with improved chemistry and, combined with more efficient motors, sees a 14 per cent increase in driving range – the RZ 500e is claimed to cover up to 500km (+30km WLTP).

The most-powerful RZ 550e F Sport meantime will cover up to 450km between charges.

The flagship dons some sporty visual enhancements over the lesser versions like revised bumpers, a rear spoiler and new 20-inch alloy wheels, however inside the cabin you’ll find a steer-by-wire yoke that removes any mechanical connection between the driver and steering rack.

Lexus says this allows for more variable steering characteristics, though the yoke itself also only moves up to 200 degrees, meaning you’ll never need to indulge in any wheel twirling while parking in a tight spot.

The F Sport also gets a revised suspension set-up (springs and dampers) said to enhance agility without ruining the ride.

More details of the updated RZ, including local pricing, will be revealed later in the year along with which variants are headed to Australia.

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