Lexus RZ Hits SA: Toyota enters the EV market

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Feels like a Lexus first, and an EV second
• Beautifully built and well-appointed
• Range is surprisingly good

Cons

• The steer-by-wire with the Yoke steering wheel takes some getting used to in the F Sport
• It's a niche product from a brand already considered niche within the local market
  

What is the RZ?

Lexus is looking to attract new customers and also seeks the loyal Lexus owner ready to graduate from a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to a full Electric Vehicle (BEV).

• The Early Adopter: Someone who wants the futuristic Steer-by-Wire and yoke experience but isn't willing to compromise on the legendary Lexus build quality.

• The "L-SUV" Buyer: Families who typically buy the RX or NX but want the silent, vibration-free "Omotenashi" experience that only an EV can provide.

• Performance Enthusiasts: Specifically for the RZ 550e, targeting those who want 300kW of power and a 4.4-second sprint time while opting for something entirely different within the EV space.
  

The Rivals

In South Africa, the RZ lands amid a fierce luxury EV battle. It positions itself as a more driver-centric alternative to the more clinical German offerings. The upcoming BMW Neue Klasse will be a proper rival for the RZ when it arrives later this year.

Size & Dimensions

The RZ is built on the dedicated e-TNGA platform. Within the local Lexus family, it sits perfectly between the NX and the RX. It’s long enough for a family road trip but compact enough for easy urban parking.

• Length: 4 805 mm (approx. 85mm shorter than an RX).

• Width: 1 895 mm (excluding mirrors).

• Wheelbase: 2 850 mm (same as the RX, meaning identical legroom despite a shorter body).

• Boot Space: 522 litres (with seats up). Because there is no engine, the floor is lower, making it more practical for large suitcases.

• Curb Weight: Approx. 2 050 kg—significantly lighter than the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE, which contributes to its nimble handling.

The Lineup

The local range is spearheaded by the potent RZ 550e F SPORT, alongside the luxury-focused 500e variants. All models utilise a 77kWh battery and a dual-motor Direct4 AWD system.

Tech Highlight

The RZ 550e debuts a production-first: Steer-by-Wire. By ditching the mechanical steering column for digital actuators, Lexus has introduced a steering yoke that requires only a 200° turn from lock-to-lock. This means no need for hand-over-hand manoeuvres in tight U-turns.

Driving impression

At the launch event, we had a chance to drive both the F Sport and the SE derivatives, which offer rather different experiences. Starting with the F Sport, the first thing you'll notice is the Yoke steering wheel, making you feel like you've stepped into a racing simulator, complete with steering-mounted paddles to "shift" through simulated gears, torque-mapping, and sound emulation that mimics a high-revving petrol engine. This isn't something I really enjoy, personally, and the steer-by-wire system makes the response to inputs incredibly sharp, which takes quite a bit of getting used to. Combine this sharp steering with a low centre of gravity on account of the large battery pack beneath the floor, and you have a car that feels more dynamic than you'd expect, and something rather adept at tackling some flowing mountain pass roads.

The steering wheel adaptation learning curve aside, I was impressed by the brisk acceleration, how quiet and refined the product was, but ultimately how nicely finished it is, with fantastic material quality and a beautiful design inside that still has some buttons and relatively easy access to key vehicle functions. The infotainment system works very well and is a big upgrade for the Toyota/Lexus brand, which has traditionally struggled to keep up with connectivity. I'm an Apple user, and CarPlay connected incredibly quickly and offers wireless connectivity; however, my colleague's Android phone had to be tethered because wireless connectivity wasn't yet available.

I then stepped into the SE model, which has a traditional steering wheel and a more conventional set-up, and this is where I truly felt the "Lexus" coming through in the product. The brand has long prioritised refinement and NVH minimisation, so an electric drivetrain makes a lot of sense given its near-silent operation and reduced vibration. Sitting in Cape Town traffic and subsequently cruising its freeways in the RZ left an impression that I was in a Lexus, just quieter. It's the sort of car that will make the daily grind a bit more bearable, provided you aren't covering excessive distances. For example, the SE press unit covered around 190km during the launch event, and had a range of 200km left when we parked the car for the evening, meaning between 350-400km is realistically achievable on a single charge.

Charging 

Lexus has shared its ownership package as follows:

• Fast Charging: Supports 150 kW DC fast charging, reaching 80% in roughly 30 minutes.

• AC Charging: Standard 22 kW onboard charger (SE & F SPORT) for faster home charging.

• Lexus Wallbox: For roughly R13 000, the brand will sell you a wallbox that can be installed at your home.

• Warranty: A standard 7-year/105 000 km warranty and an 8-year/195 000 km battery warranty.

The Verdict

The RZ is a great debut for Toyota in the electric-car realm. For those seeking a more futuristic approach to their electric SUV, the F Sport is a great option, but for those who want the traditional virtues of the Lexus brand, including familiar ergonomics, the rest of the range will feel right at home. As a second vehicle or a primary driver for those who don't frequently cover long distances, this is a great product: it's relatively fun to drive, beautifully built, and looks fantastic. With around 50 units headed our way in 2026, this is most certainly a niche product, but it's worth a test drive if you're in the market for a mid-size electric luxury SUV.