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The one totally electrical Lexus simply obtained an enormous makeover. Modifications to the skin are minimal, however beneath, the 2026 Lexus RZ crossover has been completely overhauled with new battery and motor tech, together with an ordinary NACS charging port and a simulated paddle-shifted transmission.
Lexus says adjustments to the battery, charging system, and motors have led to extra energy, extra vary, and lowered charging occasions. There at the moment are three trims obtainable: The bottom RZ 350e, the mid-tier RZ 450e, and a brand new range-topping RZ 550e F Sport. The bottom automotive sends energy to the entrance wheels through a single electrical motor, whereas the 2 costlier trims get all-wheel drive due to an extra motor on the rear.
Picture by: Lexus
Picture by: Lexus
The 550e F Sport is the large information right here. Lexus claims a complete output of 402 horsepower, with a 0-60 mph time of simply 4.1 seconds. Vary is the worst of the bunch, at an estimated 225 miles. That is nonetheless higher than the outgoing 450e, although a brand new 76.96-kWh battery pack positively helps.Â
The sporty RZ comes customary with a brand new system Lexus calls M Mode. It acts as a simulated paddle-shifted computerized gearbox “to ship a sportier, extra responsive driving really feel.” It is unclear if the system acts equally to these present in sure Hyundais or Kias, the place the motors are tuned to chop off as soon as every gear reaches “redline,” or if it acts in a different way. Lexus says the system “permits drivers to regulate energy output with paddle shifters, as if utilizing a handbook transmission.”
Both method, we’re glad extra automakers are starting to see the advantages of a simulated transmission for electrical automobiles. Up to now, solely Hyundai and Kia have put such programs into manufacturing. However they’ve obtained near-universal reward—a lot in order that different corporations like Ford and BMW are considering on their own versions. Toyota was one of many pioneers of the tech, with plans to develop a clutch-operated handbook EV as far back as 2022.
The 2 lesser 2026 RZ trims do not get M Mode, however they do get a brand new 74.69-kWh battery pack. The front-wheel drive 350e is the vary king, delivering an estimated 300 miles between fees when geared up with smaller, extra environment friendly 18-inch wheels. It makes 221 hp, sufficient for a zero to 60 dash of seven.1 seconds. Go for the 450e AWD, and most vary drops to 260 miles. You get 308 hp in your troubles, sufficient to dash to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Regardless of the trim, Lexus guarantees the RZ can cost from 10 to 80 % in simply half-hour through DC quick charging “below best situations.”
Picture by: Lexus
Weirdly, not one of the three trims are getting the steering yoke or steer-by-wire system promised to abroad variants. Whether or not that is on account of disinterest amongst American consumers or a regulatory roadblock is unclear. Both method, pricing must be obtainable a bit earlier than deliveries start later this 12 months.
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Supply: Lexus