Lexus, the Japanese luxury automaker long associated with refined performance and quiet innovation, introduced the thoroughly updated 2026 RZ battery-electric SUV to the North American market today. The latest iteration of its first globally available, purpose-built electric vehicle brings an array of meaningful enhancements: more power, longer range, faster charging, and a fresh addition to the lineup aimed squarely at performance enthusiasts.
The debut of the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, a new performance-oriented flagship of the RZ range, marks the next chapter in Lexus’s broader electrification strategy. The brand, which first made its name in hybrid technology with the RX 400h nearly two decades ago, has redoubled its commitment to alternative drivetrains through its “Lexus Electrified” initiative—a multi-pronged approach that promotes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles as part of a flexible path toward carbon neutrality.
From a Global Debut to a New Evolution
The RZ originally launched in 2023 as Lexus’s electric standard-bearer, offering an electric alternative that retained the brand’s hallmarks of smoothness, silence, and subtle luxury. A front-wheel-drive variant introduced in 2024 expanded its appeal to drivers prioritizing range and efficiency.
Now, the 2026 RZ builds upon that foundation with a redesigned electric powertrain. It introduces a more potent battery configuration, faster charging capabilities, and greater range—changes aimed at aligning Lexus’s electric offerings with the growing expectations of North American consumers.
Three powertrain options will now be available:
- RZ 350e FWD: 221 horsepower with an EPA-estimated range of approximately 300 miles.
- RZ 450e AWD: 308 horsepower and an estimated 260 miles of range.
- RZ 550e F SPORT AWD: A commanding 402 horsepower, with an estimated 225-mile range on 20-inch wheels.
Each model will feature an 11-kilowatt onboard AC charger—up from the previous model year’s 7-kW system—and will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS), also known as SAE J3400. With DC fast charging under ideal conditions, the battery can reach 80 percent capacity from a 10 percent state of charge in about 30 minutes.
Performance Meets Precision: The Arrival of the F SPORT
Perhaps the most striking development is the introduction of the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, which aims to recalibrate expectations for Lexus BEVs. It comes equipped with high-output front and rear motors that offer spirited acceleration—0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds—and a newly developed feature called M Mode, which mimics manual gear shifting through paddle shifters. It’s the first time such a system appears on a Lexus vehicle.
This electronic innovation allows drivers to simulate the feel of a manual transmission, providing more direct control over power delivery and enhancing engagement, particularly in spirited driving scenarios.
Visually, the F SPORT model reinforces its sporting credentials with distinctive design elements: a bold blacked-out grille, aggressive front and rear bumper moldings, 20-inch wheels with aerodynamic covers, and exclusive badging. A new exterior paint option—Wind, a light gray with a subtle metallic sheen—offers a modern contrast to the dark accents of the F SPORT trim. Seven monotone and four bi-tone paint options will be available across the full RZ lineup.
Inside the Cabin: Minimalist Luxury, Elevated Technology
The 2026 RZ maintains its minimalist interior design while introducing new luxury features and materials. A key highlight is the upgraded Dynamic Sky™ Panorama Glass Roof, which allows users to toggle between opaque and transparent settings for improved comfort and visibility.
The F SPORT trim brings exclusive design flourishes, including Ultrasuede® upholstery with blue contrast stitching, aluminum pedals, a micro-geometric patterned center console, and a sport-design steering wheel with the F SPORT emblem. The cabin’s ambient lighting system receives a Lexus-first enhancement: Animated Door Trim Shadow Illumination, a design detail that subtly shifts over time, evoking a meditative sense of movement and change—an expression of the brand’s “Time in Design” philosophy.
Another Lexus-first feature is laser-etched Ultrasuede® door trim, which reflects the brand’s continued attention to tactile and visual craftsmanship.
Driving Philosophy: Lexus Driving Signature
Central to Lexus’s development ethos is its Driving Signature—a concept that unifies vehicle dynamics, comfort, and responsiveness across the model range. With the RZ, that means calibrated handling, refined road isolation, and near-silent operation—a characteristic enhanced through sophisticated vibration suppression techniques unique to Lexus electric vehicles.
This unifying principle is meant to ensure that, regardless of powertrain or model, a Lexus feels like a Lexus.
Assembled in Japan, Ready for a North American Audience
The 2026 Lexus RZ will continue to be assembled at the brand’s Motomachi plant in Japan, a facility known for its focus on craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing practices. Full specifications and pricing are expected to be released closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date later this year.
With these updates, Lexus signals its intent to be more than a cautious observer in the electric vehicle space. The 2026 RZ, particularly in its high-performance F SPORT guise, is a clear step forward—one that blends technological ambition with the quiet confidence the brand is known for.
For readers interested in a complete breakdown of technical specifications, powertrain outputs, and estimated energy consumption figures, full data will be released ahead of the official market launch.