The electric 402bhp Lexus RZ is here with steer-by-wire and fake manual gearshifts

Prepare to be thoroughly whelmed. This is the new Lexus RZ electric SUV, and yes, you read right, it comes with paddle shifts to mimic a traditional eight-speed transmission. It deploys stuff like real-time feedback through throttle responses and artificial engine sounds, with a rev limiter in place to try and up the authenticity value. Reckon this is a guinea pig project for a forthcoming, manually-driven LFA successor? One can only hope.

The Manual Drive is one of two key tech breakthroughs for Lexus in one volt-driven swing, with the other being steer-by-wire, um, steering. Toyota’s luxury arm has been teasing it for a while now, so it’ll be interesting to see just how a lack of physical connection between the driver and the axle could pay off. 

If you want the gearshifts, you’ll need to opt for the range-topping ‘550e F Sport’ with 402bhp - almost 100 more than its predecessor. The alternatives are the 375bhp ‘500e’ or the 221bhp ‘350e’. Regardless of which you go for, there’s a bigger 77kWh battery replacing the old 71.4kWh unit. By cramming in more cells, Lexus has managed to find an extra 60 miles of range, which should pin the new boy’s return at between 310 and 330 miles depending on the spec. 

A new pre-conditioning system also means around 30 minutes is cut from the home charge time if using the provided 22kW onboard plug. The previous 30-minute 10-80 per cent top-up at a public DC fast charger is said to be shorter now too, but Lexus hasn't said by how much.

The interior details are being kept under wraps for now, but there have been a few updates confirmed. There’s extra soundproofing in sections like the boot to reduce road noise, and the cabin now features laser-processed graphics on the suede upholstery. The ambient lighting also gains a new dynamic shadow effect, which introduces a new pattern for that ‘oh, this is nice’ comment from your in-laws.

Otherwise, most of what we can suss out seems to be similar to the old car, which had a huge 14in infotainment screen, wireless phone charging plus knee heaters that use infrared radiation to… heat your knees. We’re still not sure about that. The old timer also provided 522 litres of load space - or 1,451 with the rear seats folded - and given this car has similar dimensions, we’re expecting it to play in the same ballpark.

The design is identical for the most part, albeit with mildly different bumpers and a few new ducts. There’s a more pronounced rear wing, and a few more creases in the bodywork for a hunkier appearance. Those 20in resin alloys should be quite aero-friendly too.

Lexus has confirmed the new RZ will launch in the UK during the first few months of 2026, and it will be the first of three new BEVs introduced over the next year. More details when we get them…