Electric SUVs are having their moment, and the premium segment is heating up fast. Lexus has now thrown its hat in the ring with the RZ, entering a competitive space alongside the Mercedes EQC, BMW iX3, and Audi Q4 e-tron. To get a proper feel for what Lexus is offering, we headed to Portugal for the international media drive and tested the refreshed RZ lineup.

Performance

The RZ now comes with a revamped model range. While the powerful 408hp RZ 550e is reserved for the UK and beyond, we’ll be seeing two updated variants here: the RZ 350e with 224hp and the all-wheel-drive 500e boasting 381hp.

Lexus has made notable changes under the surface, adjusting the structure, suspension, and steering. The result? A smoother, more planted drive with noticeably better handling than before. While it’s not aiming to be a sports SUV, the improved body control gives it a more confident presence in corners.

Where the RZ really shines is in its comfort. It glides along with minimal fuss, even at higher speeds. There’s still some feedback on rougher surfaces, especially with the larger 20-inch wheels, but it remains impressively quiet and composed overall. It's exactly what you’d expect from a luxury electric SUV, and then some.

Range and Charging

All versions of the RZ now use a larger 77kWh battery pack, which pushes the range past 500km for the front-wheel-drive model with smaller wheels. The dual-motor 500e offers up to 500km with 18-inch wheels and around 456km on the optional 20s, both a solid step up from its predecessor.

Lexus has also refined the battery tech. Notably, battery pre-conditioning now allows for optimal fast charging, even in colder climates. You can expect a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes on a 150kW DC charger, even at -10°C.

AC charging has also had an upgrade, with speeds doubling from 11kW to 22kW. That means you can fully charge in as little as 3.5 hours with the right setup. On a standard 7.4kW home charger, you’re still looking at a full charge overnight.

Design and Interior

Visually, the RZ remains largely unchanged, but that’s no complaint. The sleek, coupe-inspired shape with sharp Lexus styling holds up well, looking modern without being over-designed.

Step inside and things get even more impressive. The cabin layout feels focused and high-end with Luxe materials like Ultrasuede and synthetic leather elevate the atmosphere, and the 14-inch touchscreen is bright and generally easy to use.

Rear passengers aren’t short-changed either. Despite the sloping roofline and panoramic sunroof, there’s loads of head- and legroom, and the boot remains a practical 522 to 1,451 litres, depending on seat configuration.

Cost Considerations

Irish pricing for the updated RZ range hasn’t landed yet, but with the current 300e starting at €65,150, we can expect a modest bump for the newer models given the added features and power. Lexus Ireland plans to offer the 350e in Executive trim and the 500e in a higher-spec One Motion trim (yes, that’s the one with the yoke steering).

As always, Lexus tends to pack in plenty of standard kit, so even entry-level models should feel well-equipped straight out of the box.

Verdict

The refreshed Lexus RZ feels more refined, more powerful, and better aligned with what EV drivers expect from a premium electric SUV. With its mix of comfort, tech, and improved range, it’s now a far more convincing contender in an increasingly busy segment.