2025 Lexus RZ Debuts with Larger 76.96kWh Battery and Interactive Manual Drive System

Lexus has introduced the updated RZ electric SUV to the global market, with the most significant changes found beneath the surface. The new 350e and 500e variants have replaced the old 300e and 450e trims. Moreover, a new range-topping 550e F Sport model is now available for those seeking more power. The new Lexus RZ lineup gets a substantial performance boost thanks to a larger 76.96kWh battery. The RZ 350e produces 221bhp, an increase from the previous 201bhp. The RZ 500e, on the other hand, delivers 375bhp, a significant rise from 313bhp (in the previous 450e). 

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Meanwhile, the RZ 550e pushes performance further with 402bhp. The last two performance models feature standard all-wheel drive, and the RZ boasts a maximum range of up to 575 kilometres.

2025 Lexus RZ: More Highlights

The updated Lexus RZ not only benefits from a more powerful powertrain but also introduces a cutting-edge steer-by-wire system. The system is integrated with a yoke-style steering wheel and offers variable steering ratios, eliminating any physical link between the wheel and the front wheels. It is offered as either standard or optional based on the specific RZ variant. 

Another standout tech feature in the new RZ is the Interactive Manual Drive system, which simulates a manual gearbox and allows for manual shifting using paddle shifters. It mimics the manual gearbox experience in EVs, compensating for the absence of tactile and auditory feedback that drivers miss from traditional engines, helping to bridge the emotional gap that some may feel when driving electric.

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The Interactive Manual Drive system offers drivers a familiar manual gear-shifting experience through paddle shifters, accompanied by simulated engine sounds and vibrations. Even without a clutch or actual gear shifts, the system dynamically alters motor output to mimic the torque and response of a manual gearbox. This technology seeks to enhance driver engagement in EVs by delivering a customisable and immersive experience for manual transmission enthusiasts.