2022 Lexus RZ (EV)

Lexus RZ with 'manual' gearbox, steer-by-wire goes on sale at £68k

Update for SUV brings steering yoke and simulated gearchanges alongside boosts in range and power

The Lexus RZ flagship EV has gone on sale from £53,995 – and a new range topping model has become one of the first cars in the UK to be offered with steer-by-wire technology.

Priced at £67,795 in that top-rung 550e F Sport guise, the model has no mechanical link between the wheels and the RZ's squared yoke, which is fitted instead of a traditional steering wheel.

This yoke, Lexus says, is configured with a lock-to-lock rotation of around 200deg, enabling a full turning circle to be achieved with one movement. A typical set-up with a round wheel requires 720deg of turn, or two full spins.

Lexus says this “groundbreaking” addition automatically adjusts to give a lighter weight in town, a heavier feel on motorways and an “enjoyable” set-up on winding roads.

It is the first car in Europe to be sold with by-wire steering. Developed by Lexus parent Toyota, the One Grip system is promised to be offered on other models, such as the RZ’s bZ4X twin.

www.autocar.co.uk

The new Lexus RZ is now on sale with a steering yoke, steer-by-wire and... a manual gearbox! | Autocar

Update for SUV brings steering yoke and simulated gearchanges alongside boosts in range and power
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk
 
Lexus RZ: SA lineup confirmed

Positioned as Lexus’ first full-EV model on our market, the RZ will be offered with a choice of four trims and could be the curtain raiser to a high-performance spinoff.

Toyota Motors South Africa used this year’s SOMI (Sate of motor Industry) event to outline its upcoming all-electric Lexus RZ lineup. The range will encompass four trim lines and two powertrains, including a sportier F-Sport model, and is set to be launched later this month. Toyota also used the occasion to showcase a more performance-oriented spinoff in the guise of the 313 kW RZ 600e.

The Lexus RZ is underpinned by Toyota’s eTNGA platform, which it shares with the likes of the CH-R+ and bZ4X EV crossovers, and will sit between the firm’s NX and RX models in terms of overall size. All of the SA-bound models will feature an AWD powertrain comprising a dual-motor setup with total system outputs of 280 kW/537 N.m in the RZ 500e, and 300 kW/538 N.m for the RZ 550e F-Sport. These units are fed by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an 11 kW onboard charger and support DC fast charging, with an 80% charge taking around 30 minutes. Lexus claims a WLTP operating range of around 500 km on a full charge.

The entry-level EX trim will incorporate such features as an electric tailgate with handsfree operation, LED headlamps with auto high beams, roof rails, adaptive cruise control, a 14.0-inch infotainment screen, a 10-speaker audio system, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and will roll on a set of 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/60 R18 tyres fore and 255/55 R18 rubber aft. The SE trim adds an “Ultrasuede” interior finish over the standard synthetic leather found in the EX, as well as adaptive high beam functionality for the headlamps, LED foglamps, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, head-up display, dimmable panoramic sunroof, intelligent park assist systems and high-performance lateral dampers developed by Yamaha.

 
Why Lexus EVs in SA might work

The idea of a Lexus EV might be niche. But for the brand, it’s a simple fulfilment of destiny that started in South Africa with hybrids a long time ago.

EVs are not having their moment in South Africa. Beyond all the marketing hype and slick recharging campaigns, Cars.co.za’s statisticians have done the numbers and EV sales are down.

Only wealthy South African new-car buyers can afford EVs. BYD’s Dolphin Surf is an outlier, priced below R400k, but it’s not really representative of real EV demand or supply curves in South Africa. The truth is that most EVs are wildly expensive, and South Africans are choosing turbodiesel double cabs and SUVs instead – as they have for most of the last 2 decades.

The market for PHEVs was phenomenal last year but there aren’t many legacy OEMs marketing PHEVs. It’s a market segment almost completely dominated – predictably – by the Chinese.

If the EV market is weakening and South African buyers with the budgets to buy those R1m+ EVs are choosing turbodiesel luxury double cabs and SUVs, this would be a terrible time to introduce your first EV model, right? Yes. But Toyota, and by implication Lexus, doesn’t follow conventional automotive market trends. Or rules.

The original ZA “new energy” brand

While many legacy car companies desperately tried to reposition their brands and marketing strategies a few years ago to appear like hybrid and EV powertrain innovators, Lexus didn’t. It didn’t have to.

Mute all the noise from industry consultants and policy advisors who have called the local EV demand market completely wrong since 2023 and you’ll sense the clarity from Lexus. It’s the only brand that has been marketing, selling, and servicing luxury hybrids in South Africa since the late 2000s. Don’t believe us? Here is a mint South African Lexus RX400h from 2009…

Toyota is an enormously powerful company. South Africans know that the Hilux dominates the new model market and that the Quantum moves more South Africans than any other mode of transport. There’s a broad misunderstanding of how deeply Toyota is invested in several powertrain technologies. Like a typical Japanese corporate entity, Toyota is more of a “show, don’t tell” kind of company.

You could argue that Lexus knows more about luxury hybrid and battery-powered vehicles than all the other premium brands combined. Lexus dealers are renowned for their excellent after-sales and service. And because Lexus has always been a relatively small brand in South Africa, but links into the enormous Toyota technical and resource network, Lexus has better data awareness and clarity around customer needs than most.

 
Striking Lexus RZ in SA: price & specs

Lexus South Africa has released local pricing for the striking RZ, the firm’s first fully-electric model in SA.

Following the local unveiling of the Lexus RZ – which was showcased alongside the new Toyota RAV4 and new Land Cruiser FJ and Toyota bZ4X – at Toyota South Africa’s 2026 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, the Japanese automaker’s luxury arm has announced local pricing for this striking all-electric model. At launch, the RZ will be available in three flavours: RZ 500e EX, RZ 500e SE and RZ 550e F Sport.

The Lexus RZ, built on Toyota’s eTNGA platform, employs an AWD dual electric-motor setup, fed by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, in two states of tune – 280 kW and 537 N.m in the RZ 500e EX and RZ 500e SE, and 300 kW and 537 N.m in the RZ 550e F Sport. The former two models have a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds, while the latter completes the 0-100 km/h dash in just 4.4 seconds. Each model tops out at 180 km/h. The firm claims the RZ 500e EX, RZ 500e SE and RZ 550e F Sport offer operating ranges of 500, 456 and 450 km on a full charge, respectively.

Lexus RZ price in SA

The RZ model range starts from R1 649 400 for the RZ 500e EX variant, R1 823 800 for the RZ 500e SE, and R1 938 600 for the RZ 550e F Sport derivative. Included in the price are a seven-year/105 000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160 000 km battery warranty, and a seven-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.

Lexus RZ 500e EX — R1 649 400
Lexus RZ 500e SE — R1 823 800
Lexus RZ 550e F Sport — R1 938 600

 
First drive: exploring the Lexus RZ, Toyota's first fully electric vehicle in South Africa

Verdict

As it is, Lexus is a niche product so the Lexus RZ is an even smaller niche which is why initially they will only be bringing in 50 units.

It’s aimed at a very specific driver who values quality, refinement and appreciates what an electric vehicle brings to car ownership.

There’s a reason why Toyota hasn’t thrown all their eggs into one basket and the RZ proves that patience does pay off.

All models include a seven-year or 105,000km maintenance plan and vehicle warranty. The battery is covered by an eight-year or 160,000km warranty.

Pricing

RZ 500e EX: R1,649,400

RZ 500e SE: R1,823,800

RZ 550e F Sport: R1,938,600

 
Lexus RZ (2026) Launch Review

Lexus RZ Price & After-sales support

Lexus SA is offering an impressive ownership package to help ease any range anxiety or reliability concerns. All models come with a 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan and warranty. The battery gets even more protection with an 8-year/160 000 km warranty.

On the charging front, Toyota has started installing stations at dealerships that are connected to the GridCars network, so they are open to all EV users. The RZ also features a 22 kW onboard charger as standard, allowing for faster top-ups at home or public AC points.

Lexus RZ 500e EX R1 649 400
Lexus RZ 500e SE R1 823 800
Lexus RZ 550e F Sport R1 938 600

Verdict

The Lexus RZ is a polished, highly considered entry into the electric market. It succeeds by not trying to be a tech gadget on wheels, but rather a proper luxury car that happens to be electric. The interior quality is top-tier, and the clever heating tech shows they’ve really thought about the passenger experience.

It might not be the most revolutionary EV in terms of raw range, but the combination of high-end refinement and a massive 7-year local warranty makes it a very compelling, stylish, and exclusive package for South Africans looking to go electric.


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Review: 2026 Lexus RZ

Verdict

Given its packaging, powertrain and positioning, Lexus’ RZ is something of a niche offering and likely to be a bit of an outlier in Lexus’ product portfolio. That said, it is distinctively styled, solidly constructed and effortlessly long-legged to drive, lending it a certain offbeat appeal that aligns neatly with Lexus’ approach to luxury motoring.

Lexus RZ 500e SE specifications
Price: R1 823 800
Powertrain: permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, front and rear
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 280 kW
Torque: 537 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 180 km/h (limited)
Energy consumption: 15.2 kWh/100 km (claimed)

 
Lexus RZ 500e SE (2026) Review

FAST FACTS
Model: 2026 Lexus RZ 500e SE
Price: R1 842 000
Engine: dual electric motors
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Power/Torque: 280 kW/537 Nm
Claimed fuel consumption: 18.2 kWh/100km
0-100kph: 4.6 sec (claimed)/4.66 sec (tested)
Luggage capacity: 522 litres

Lexus RZ 500e Price & After-sales support

Lexus RZ 500e EX R1 665 900
Lexus RZ 500e SE R1 842 000
Lexus RZ 550e F Sport R1 958 000

All Lexus RZ 500e models are backed by a 7-year/105 000 km vehicle warranty and maintenance plan, with a separate 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty. Services are scheduled for every 15 000 km or 12 months.

Verdict

The Lexus RZ 500e SE is a mature, assured and thoroughly likeable electric SUV. It drives beautifully, feels premium at every point of contact and backs it all with an ownership package that is difficult to fault. The 22 kW onboard AC charger is a practical boon that is particularly well suited to South African realities.

The arguments against it are principally financial. At R1 842 000, it is expensive, and while efficiency is reasonable, it is not class-leading. The BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD makes a persuasive case for itself at around R500 000 less, and buyers who prioritise value over brand prestige will find it difficult to ignore.

Meanwhile, the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport offers greater range and comparable premium credentials, but at a higher price point. If you are willing to look beyond the SUV body style, then the fastback/crossover Volvo ES90 could also enter the chat at a similar price.

But for buyers who want a premium electric SUV-coupé from a brand with an impeccable reputation for long-term quality; who value the feel of a car as much as its spec sheet; and who will appreciate the charging convenience of a 22 kW AC system, the Lexus RZ 500e SE stands nearly alone in South Africa right now.


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Lexus RZ 600e F Sport (2026) Price & Specs

Prefer your electric vehicle with a wild body kit and some extra oomph? Here’s what the limited-edition Lexus RZ 600e F Sport costs in South Africa…

- Limited-run RZ 600e F Sport arrives in Mzansi
- Wild body kit and a little extra electric oomph
- R670 500 premium over the RZ 550e F Sport

Lexus South Africa has expanded its fully electric RZ range, positioning a new limited-edition derivative at the very summit of the line-up. Meet the Lexus RZ 600e F Sport, which gains a little extra oomph and a whole lot extra styling attitude.

Based on the RZ 550e F Sport, the newcomer features what the Toyota-backed luxury brand describes as “exclusive aerodynamic components” – forming part of a frankly outrageous body kit – and larger brakes.

Thanks to the ever-alert folks over at duoporta.com, we know the new RZ 600e F Sport is priced from R2 628 500. For the record, that makes the newcomer some R670 500 more expensive than the RZ 550e F Sport on which it’s based. So, what do you score for that extra outlay?

Well, the RZ 600e F Sport rides some 15 mm closer to the ground than its sibling, while its electric motors (positioned fore and aft) produce total system power of 313 kW, up 13 units compared to the RZ 550e F Sport (with peak torque still 537 Nm). Interestingly, however, the claimed 0-100 kph time is unchanged at 4.4 seconds. According to Japanese specs, the 76.96 kWh battery pack offers a range of 525 km.

What does the Lexus RZ 600e F Sport cost in SA?

DERIVATIVE PRICE

Lexus RZ 500e EX R1 665 900
Lexus RZ 500e SE R1 842 000
Lexus RZ 550e F Sport R1 958 000
Lexus RZ 600e F Sport R2 628 500

The prices above include a 7-year/105 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.

 
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