At Auto Zurich, we got up close with the updated European-spec Lexus RZ, which was announced earlier this year, similar to the U.S. model. It’s gotten both sportier and more efficient with the first round of updates, and it gets two additional features discussed in this story.
In Europe, the refreshed range consists of the RZ 350e with front-wheel drive, the RZ 500e with all-wheel drive, and the first RZ 550e F Sport with all-wheel drive, which we discuss in this story.
Design & Interior
I don’t see changes to the exterior design of the regular variants with the new model since this isn’t a typical facelift. This is barring the F Sport variant, that’s shown in this article, that stands out with distinct styling updates, which we’ll cover later in the story. On the other hand, the company has introduced several updates to the interior and powertrain across the range.
Cabin updates focus on NVH and finish, as with the U.S.-spec 2026 RZ. Lexus has added a rear floor silencer, high-damping adhesive on the floor, and extra soundproofing in trims and the back door. Ultrasuede door cards feature laser-applied graphics, and the ambient lighting now projects a moving shadow pattern.
A new blue panoramic roof glass dims darker than before. European trims are Executive, Luxury, and F Sport, with new Hazel with Solis White and Orage with Black colorways.
Experience in the new RZ
Ingress in the Lexus RZ 550e F Sport is easy, and the first thing that stands out is the futuristic yoke-style steering wheel with dark blue stitching. The front seats feel very supportive and adjustable, with shoulder extensions that provide added comfort.
Under-thigh and back support are excellent, and headroom remains generous even with the glass roof. The aluminum-finished pedals and sporty design details add to the sense of performance. The knobs for volume and climate control feel tactile, but the gloss-black drive selector collects fingerprints. Outward visibility is good, and practicality hasn’t been sacrificed despite the cabin’s sporty theme.
In the second row, entry is straightforward, though the floor sits slightly higher because of the battery pack. My feet slide under the front seats easily, and the backrest offers solid support.
Knee height is a little elevated, but there’s still adequate space for comfort. Headroom is ample, and the seats recline slightly to enhance relaxation on longer drives. Two adults fit comfortably in the rear, but three would be tight due to the center console and raised floor.
The nearly flat floor helps, and there are thoughtful touches like two USB-C ports, AC vents, and a panoramic glass roof that keeps the cabin feeling open and bright.
Specifications
Output in Europe is quoted at 224 hp for the 350e, 381 hp for the 500e, and 408 hp for the 550e. Lexus claims 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds for the 350e, 4.6 seconds for the 500e, and 4.4 seconds for the 550e, with top speeds of 99 mph on the 350e and 112 mph on the AWD models.
Battery & Charging
The RZ is powered by an updated 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, which sits low in the floor, feeding revised eAxles with reduced internal losses and silicon carbide inverters. An upgraded 22 kW onboard AC charger is standard in Europe, and there’s battery pre-conditioning that can cut a 10 to 80 percent charge to about 30 minutes at -10°C (14°F) when activated.
Range & Chassis
WLTP range rises to 353 miles for the 350e on 18-inch wheels, or 316 miles on 20s. The 500e posts up to 311 miles on 18s or 283 miles on 20s. The 550e F Sport targets about 280 miles.
DIRECT4 remains the AWD brain, now widening its front to rear torque split from 60:40 to 0:100 in straight-line runs and from 80:20 to 0:100 in corners. Range mode fixes the balance at 50:50. Lexus also stiffened the body at the radiator support and added rear bracing, then retuned spring and damper settings. The steering gearbox mount is now more rigid.
Steer-by-wire
The steering tech is the headline here. Europe gets Lexus’ first steer-by-wire system with a new-shape steering wheel. Only about 200 degrees of travel is needed from center to full lock, so you avoid the hand-over-hand shuffle while taking U-turns. The setup is standard on the 550e F Sport and optional on the 500e Luxury. Drivers who want a conventional round wheel still get electric power steering.
F Sport
The 550e F Sport introduces Interactive Manual Drive. Tap M mode and use the paddles to select virtual gears. The cluster shows a tach-style readout, throttle mapping tightens, and the system synthesizes motor sounds to match the virtual rpm.
The F Sport chassis adds extra bracing, retuned dampers, 20-inch aero wheels with resin covers, and blue front calipers. Special exterior features include functional front air ducts, a rear diffuser, and an added lower rear spoiler.
Unique Features
For U.S. readers, note the European car you see here uses a quicker 22 kW AC charger, and offers steer-by-wire on select grades, both of which aren’t available in the U.S. market.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
