After its Irish preview at the Nevo EV Show in Dublin’s RDS last year, the updated Lexus RZ has now made its full market debut, and we were on hand at this week’s Irish launch to experience it firsthand. The new RZ line-up consists of two distinct models, the RZ 350e with front wheel drive and the RZ 500e with all wheel drive. Experiencing both versions on the roads around Ardmore at the Cliff House Hotel gave us an early opportunity to see how seriously Lexus has evolved its first dedicated battery electric SUV. At a glance, the changes might appear subtle but in reality, this is a comprehensive technical overhaul. Both now use a revised 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, increased in capacity without altering the vehicle's physical footprint beneath the floor. The result is more power, improved efficiency and faster charging, all central to Lexus’ growing electric ambitions.

Steer by Wire - A Segment First

Before diving too far into the engineering, it is worth addressing the headline feature of the range, the steer-by-wire system available on the RZ 500e in One Motion specification. This is not simply a styling exercise. Unlike the 350e with a mechanical round steering wheel, the 500e gets a ‘Knight Rider’ style steering wheel operating with approximately 200 degrees lock to lock, fundamentally changing the interaction between you and the vehicle. Your hands never cross, tight turns require minimal movement and visibility of the instrument display is improved. On first touch, it feels unfamiliar, but within minutes, it becomes intuitive and surprisingly natural. It is a genuinely different experience and one that sets the 500e apart in this segment. Lexus is clearly confident in the system, offering 24-hour test drives through its six dealer outlets to allow customers to properly experience it.

Battery, Range and Charging Upgrades

Underneath, both models benefit from substantial revisions to the battery electric system. Product specialist Aidan Timmons explained how the battery cells have been redesigned and increased in number, allowing greater output from updated eAxles. Inverter efficiency has been improved and internal losses reduced. A new water cooling system helps maintain consistent performance during repeated acceleration, motorway cruising or rapid charging. Charging capability is enhanced further with a new 22 kW onboard charger. The gains are impressive! Lexus is targeting up to 560 kilometres of range from the RZ 350e, compared with 456 kilometres for the more powerful RZ 500e. Early projections suggest improvements of up to 93 kilometres over the outgoing model in certain specifications. For many buyers, that makes the 350e the rational choice, especially with its starting price of €64,780 versus €79,990 for the 500e. Yet the 500e counters with stronger performance, all wheel drive traction and more distinctive specification options.

Driving Signature and Road Manners

Lexus has also reinforced what it calls its Driving Signature. Structural rigidity has been increased with additional bracing and strengthened joints, while suspension revisions to the MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear set up improve balance between ride comfort and control. On the varied and sometimes broken coastal roads of the southeast, the RZ remained composed and impressively quiet. Road imperfections were absorbed without harshness and cabin refinement remains excellent as expected!

Interior Craftsmanship and Specification

Inside, the RZ continues to embody Lexus craftsmanship and its Omotenashi approach to hospitality! The Executive grade on the 350e includes 18-inch alloys, ‘synthetic’ leather upholstery (felt real to me), heated power adjustable front seats, a 14 inch LexusLink multimedia system, Panoramic View Monitor and Lexus Safety System+. The 500e in One Motion trim adds 20-inch alloys, gloss black exterior detailing, a digital rear view mirror, head up display, memory seating and Ultrasuede upholstery with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The step up in ambience is noticeable, particularly when paired with new interior colour schemes such as Hazel with Solis White or the darker Orange and Black combination which our test vehicle had.

Technology and Battery Assurance

Technology extends beyond how good the car drives and looks, also. The navigation now integrates battery state of charge monitoring, automatically planning charging stops and rerouting on the fly if required. Additional sound insulation, including new damping materials and a floor silencer, further enhances the serene cabin environment. One important point worth highlighting is Lexus’ Extended Battery Care programme. Subject to annual health checks, coverage for battery degradation and components extends for up to 10 years or one million kilometres. In a country where long-term battery confidence remains a talking point, that reassurance is significant to Irish buyers.

A Broader Electric Strategy

The updated RZ sits alongside the forthcoming all-new ES saloon (coming June 2026) as part of Lexus’ broader electric strategy. Together, they reflect a new approach to electrification, but the RZ feels like a statement of intent from the brand. With meaningful technical upgrades, improved range, faster charging and the super cool steer-by-wire technology, it is far more than a mid-cycle refresh. Our initial drive offered only a brief taste. A longer test will reveal how the real-world range stacks up and whether the One Motion steering continues to impress over time! For now, however, the revised RZ makes a compelling case that Lexus is not merely participating in the electric transition but actively shaping its own distinctive path within it.