The Lexus RZ is the brand’s first dedicated all-electric mid-size SUV built on Toyota’s e-TNGA EV architecture. Making its global debut in 2022, the model marked Lexus’s official foray into the all-electric era. The Chinese-market version is imported fully built-up (CBU) by Lexus China, with the 2024 model priced from RM355,900.
Positioned as an all-electric mid-size luxury SUV, the RZ serves as a cornerstone of the Lexus brand's electrification strategy. Key highlights include Lexus’s hallmark craftsmanship, the distinctive handling delivered by the DIRECT4 dynamic all-wheel drive system, and the marque’s renowned reputation for NVH suppression and ride comfort. As of June 2026, the RZ line-up has expanded to include several powertrain variants: the single-motor RWD RZ 300e/350e, the dual-motor AWD RZ 450e/500e, alongside the performance-focused RZ 550e F Sport and RZ 600e F Sport Performance. The updated US-spec RZ unveiled in May 2025 starts at USD 45,000 (approx. RM324,400).
The RZ's exterior styling stays true to the Lexus design DNA while capitalising on the packaging benefits of a dedicated EV platform. Up front, it features a closed-off Spindle Body profile and retains the brand’s sharp signature headlamps, with black garnishes below the clusters seamlessly merging into concealed air intakes. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,805 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. The side profile is sleek and dynamic, with large alloy wheels pushed to the far corners to achieve well-balanced proportions. At the rear, full-width LED tail lights are complemented by a distinctive split roof spoiler and an integrated ducktail boot lip. The RZ 550e F Sport variant adds a twin-element rear wing and an aggressive rear diffuser; the range-topping RZ 600e F Sport Performance turns up the aggression with a carbon-fibre bonnet, carbon-fibre front splitter, flared wheel arches, and 21-inch matte black Enkei alloy wheels.
Inside, the cockpit adopts a driver-centric centre console layout with a clean, uncluttered design. Buyers can choose between a conventional circular steering wheel and an aircraft-style steering yoke. The cabin is trimmed in a combination of monochrome leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, accentuated by subtle shadow-projection ambient lighting. Higher-spec grades also feature an electrochromic panoramic glass roof with split dimming controls.
The RZ range offers various powertrain setups. Among the single-motor variants, the RZ 300e is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 150 kW (204 PS) and 266.3 Nm of torque; the RZ 350e is rated at 165 kW. As for the dual-motor AWD variants, the RZ 450e AWD puts out a combined 230 kW and completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds; the RZ 550e F Sport AWD delivers a combined 300 kW, dispatching the century run in 4.1 seconds. Debuting in late 2025, the flagship RZ 600e F Sport Performance employs a retuned dual-motor setup delivering a maximum combined output of 313 kW (approx. 426 PS), completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.4 seconds.
In terms of driving range, the RZ 300e packs a 67.5 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery delivering up to 614 km of range (CLTC); the RZ 350e is rated at 482 km; the RZ 450e AWD at 418 km; the RZ 550e F Sport AWD at 362 km; the RZ 600e F Sport Performance features a larger 77 kWh battery pack, increasing range to 525 km. For charging, DC fast charging comes standard across the range, allowing a 10% to 80% state of charge in 30 minutes.
Built on the e-TNGA dedicated EV platform, the RZ features an underfloor battery setup that ensures a low centre of gravity. Suspension is handled by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup, complemented by front and rear performance dampers. The chassis delivers a well-damped, composed ride that effectively filters out road imperfections.
The DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system comes standard on all variants except the single-motor models. Utilising inputs from wheel speed, throttle position, and steering angle sensors, the system precisely modulates front-to-rear torque split in real time, varying seamlessly between 0:100 and 100:0. Under hard acceleration and launch, the torque split is biased between 60:40 and 40:60 to minimise pitch; during corner turn-in, it adjusts from 50:50 to 20:80, sending more torque to the rear wheels for superior traction and agility. The RZ 600e F Sport Performance sits 20 mm lower than the 550e F Sport, further lowering its centre of gravity and sharpening cornering dynamics.
The cabin is fitted with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with an integrated 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The infotainment unit supports Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife connectivity. Physical controls are retained below the display for quick and tactile adjustment of climate control and audio functions on the move. Gear selection is handled via an electronic rotary dial shifter. Higher-spec grades also receive advanced features such as facial recognition and shadow-projection ambient lighting.
On the comfort front, standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a nanoe X air purification system, and power-adjustable heated front seats. Higher trim levels gain front-seat ventilation, rear-seat heating, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display (HUD), and a hands-free powered tailgate. Audio options include a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound system and a range-topping 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.
All RZ variants come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) advanced driver assistance suite. This includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Front Cross Traffic Alert, all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop-and-go, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). The Safe Exit Assist (SEA) function prevents doors from unlatching if approaching traffic or cyclists are detected from the rear. Passive safety is covered by a comprehensive nine-airbag setup. The RZ also offers parking assistance features, including a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, Intelligent Parking Assist, and smartphone-enabled remote parking.
As Lexus’s sole EV offering in China at present, the RZ has experienced mixed market reception. Domestically, it has faced fierce competition regarding electric range and infotainment tech, with monthly deliveries briefly dropping to around 100 units; before closing 2025 with approximately 12,000 units sold. Resale values in the pre-owned market have also seen notable fluctuation. In contrast, the North American market saw robust momentum—moving 4,456 units in Q1 2026, a remarkable 206.7% year-on-year surge that set a new quarterly record for the nameplate. Globally, electrified vehicles (HEV, PHEV, and BEV) made up over 50% of Lexus’s total sales for the first time in 2025, with all-electric sales from the RZ and UX 300e surging 119% year-on-year. In terms of driving dynamics, media reviews have praised the RZ for its chassis refinement and composed handling, highlighting the exceptional cornering traction and stability provided by the DIRECT4 system. Serving as the spearhead of Lexus’s electrification drive, the RZ carries the brand’s ambitions to redefine luxury motoring in the EV era.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
