Lexus has just unveiled some exciting changes to their luxury electric SUV, and honestly, the updates are pretty impressive. If you’ve been watching the RZ from the sidelines, wondering if it’s worth your attention, these new features might just change your mind.
What’s New for 2026
The biggest headline grabber? That wild aircraft-style steering yoke. Yes, you read that right – Lexus has ditched the traditional round steering wheel for something that looks like it belongs in a cockpit. But before you roll your eyes thinking it’s just a gimmick, there’s actually some clever technology behind it.
Two New Variants Replace the Old One
Gone is the single RZ450e we’ve known. In its place, Lexus is bringing us two new options: the RZ500e and the range-topping RZ550e F Sport. Think of the RZ500e as the natural evolution of what we had before, while the F Sport is the exciting new kid on the block.
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Power Gets a Serious Boost
Here’s where things get interesting for anyone who felt the original RZ was a bit lacking in the excitement department. The RZ500e now pumps out 280kW – that’s 50kW more than before. The F Sport takes it even further with 300kW. Both keep the same 537Nm of torque, but the extra power makes a real difference.
What does this mean in real-world terms? The RZ500e can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the F Sport does it in just 4.4 seconds. That’s genuinely quick for a luxury SUV.
The Steering Revolution
How the Yoke Actually Works
This isn’t like Tesla’s controversial approach where they just swapped the wheel shape but kept everything else the same. Lexus has gone full steer-by-wire, meaning there’s no physical connection between what you’re holding and the wheels.
The system adjusts how much you need to turn based on your speed. At low speeds, tiny movements give you sharp turns for parking. On the highway, it becomes more stable and predictable. The yoke only needs to move 200 degrees maximum – no more hand-over-hand turning.
Why a Yoke Makes Sense Here
With steer-by-wire technology, a yoke actually starts to make sense. You’re not wrestling with a traditional steering system anymore, so you don’t need the full grip of a round wheel. Plus, it gives you a clearer view of the instrument cluster.
Better Battery, Better Range
Bigger Capacity, Smarter Chemistry
The battery pack grows from 71.4kWh to 77kWh, but it’s not just about size. Lexus has improved the chemistry and efficiency of the whole system. The result? The RZ500e can now travel approximately 500km on a single charge using the WLTP testing cycle.
The F Sport variant, with its extra power and sportier setup, manages around 450km. That’s still a solid improvement over what we had before.
Faster Charging Too
Charging times have been cut by up to 30 minutes thanks to an optimized charging system. While Lexus hasn’t detailed exactly what this means for DC fast charging, any improvement in charging convenience is welcome news for electric vehicle owners.
F Sport Gets the Full Treatment
| Feature | RZ500e | RZ550e F Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 280kW | 300kW |
| 0-100km/h Time | 4.6 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Driving Range | ~500km | ~450km |
| Battery Capacity | 77kWh | 77kWh |
| Steering System | Traditional Round Wheel | Aircraft-Style Yoke |
| Suspension Tuning | Comfort-Focused | Sport-Tuned |
Unique Styling Elements
The F Sport isn’t just about extra power. It gets its own visual identity with special front and rear bumpers, brake ducts for better cooling, a rear spoiler, and unique 20-inch wheels with aerodynamic covers.
Interior Upgrades
Inside, F Sport buyers can enjoy Ultrasuede door trim with laser-etched graphics. There’s also an option for a dimmable panoramic roof, depending on which grade you choose. The new Neutron Grey paint finish is exclusive to the F Sport model.
What This Means for Australian Buyers
Arrival Timeline
Lexus Australia expects the updated RZ lineup to arrive by the end of 2025. Pricing details are still being worked out, but expect some increases over the current model, which starts at around $121,000.
Missing the Budget Option
Interestingly, Lexus isn’t bringing the more affordable RZ350e to Australia. This front-wheel-drive variant with 167kW would have been a nice entry point, but it seems Australian buyers will need to stick with the all-wheel-drive options.
Is the Yoke Worth It?
The big question everyone’s asking: is this yoke steering actually usable? Based on how Lexus has implemented it with proper steer-by-wire technology, it should be far more practical than Tesla’s attempt. The key difference is that the system is designed around the yoke, not just adapted to it.
These updates address many of the original RZ’s shortcomings. More power, better range, faster charging, and genuinely innovative steering technology. Whether the yoke becomes a selling point or a curiosity remains to be seen, but it’s certainly bold.
For luxury EV buyers who want something different from the usual German offerings, the 2026 RZ is shaping up to be a genuinely compelling choice. The F Sport variant, in particular, offers a unique combination of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the aircraft-style yoke difficult to use?
A: With Lexus’s steer-by-wire system, the yoke requires minimal movement (maximum 200 degrees) and adjusts responsiveness based on speed, making it more practical than traditional yoke implementations.
Q: When will the 2026 Lexus RZ be available in Australia?
A: Lexus Australia expects the updated RZ lineup to arrive by the end of 2025, with final pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Q: How much faster is the new RZ compared to the old model?
A: The RZ500e completes 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds (0.7 seconds faster), while the F Sport does it in 4.4 seconds thanks to increased power output.
