Overview

Premium electric SUVs are fast becoming the latest buzzwords in the world of automotive, with every upmarket manufacturer offering one. The Lexus RZ might be based on the strangely-named Toyota bZ4x, but it couldn’t be mistaken for it as this new premium car is sized between the NX and RX and shares their dramatic looks both inside and out.

It continues the use of the company’s ‘spindle’ grille, despite not having a radiator behind it, and is distinguished by complex surfacing and slashes along the flanks. It’s up against conservative-looking cars, such as the Audi Q4 E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge, as well as un-conservative ones, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.

We’ve driven several Lexus RZ models now, both in the UK and at international events, so many of the team have thoroughly tested it in a variety of situations. To understand more about how we’ve reached our conclusions, check out how we test cars here at Parkers.

All Lexus RZs come with four-wheel drive and in 2025 will be offered with an optional Yoke steering system, more of which can be read about in later on in this review. The interior is dominated by an imposing 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, while power to the wheels comes from a twin-motor 313hp setup with a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds.

The RZ’s WLTP maximum range is 270 miles, with most RZ variants running 20-inch wheels scoring more like 245 miles. Consumption is rated between 3.3 and 3.7 miles per kWh officially, but in our experience it’s less than that, despite recent efficiency improvements.

Base spec is called Premium. These models get 18-inch wheels, leather seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a reversing camera. Premium Plus is predicted to be the bestseller. This adds radiant heating (which uses infrared radiation to warm your legs), auto parking, a 360 degree camera and 20-inch wheels. Top spec Takumi ditches leather in favour of Alcantara and adds a Mark Levinson sound system and a dimmable panoramic roof.

Does the Lexus warrant the extra money over the mechanically similar and cheaper Toyota? And would we choose one over its other electric competition? Keep reading to find out.