Lexus RZ 500e Review (2026) | Price, Range & Luxury EV Verdict
Read Caroline's Lexus RZ review for everything you need to know about buying the Lexus electric SUV in 2026.
The Lexus RZ is the Japanese car brand's first ever fully electric vehicle and was a late arrival to the Irish market in 2025. Things move fast in the motor industry and the 2026 Lexus RZ brings a number of technical upgrades. These include more power, but crucially address issues with earlier models like range and charging.
Lexus Ireland has also expanded the line-up to include the flagship Lexus RZ 500e, which boasts dual motor performance and an innovative steer-by-wire system to enhance the driving experience beyond the ordinary.
Lexus RZ 500e Design
The Lexus RZ stands out in the luxury electric SUV segment with its sleek, futuristic design. It looks premium without being pretentious. The sharp lines and sculpted bodywork are classic Lexus, as is the modern interpretation of the brand's signature spindle grille. The RZ has a distinctive road presence that sets it apart from rivals like the BMW iX3 and Polestar 4.
The entry level RZ 350e comes in the Executive grade with 18-inch alloy wheels, though the range-topping RZ 500e upgrades these to a stylish set of 20s.
Colour choice is limited however with only a handful of colours available including the elegant Sonic Platinum seen here.
One unusual design choice is the absence of a rear wiper, which Lexus says helps improve aerodynamic efficiency. But water does collect there in my experience.
Lexus RZ 500e Interior
Sit into the RZ and it becomes clear that Lexus has put enormous effort into creating a truly premium cabin. The quality of the materials and attention to detail are exceptional with real wood trim in the centre console and suede in the door cards. The flowing contour pattern is created by laser and inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. The hazel interior colour scheme in particular looks stunning and is instantly posh.
All versions come with a 14-inch touchscreen, while the RZ 500e also adds a head-up display. The native graphics and functionality look basic next to a Tesla or the many Chinese SUVs that are flooding the market. But it includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which many drivers will prefer to use anyway. Ventilation controls are mostly controlled via the screen. Yet the icons are large and separate dials are included to adjust temperature.
One of the most unusual interior features can be found in the RZ 500e: it's the new Lexus steer-by-wire system that replaces the traditional round steering wheel with a yoke-style controller for greater driving enjoyment.
It's otherwise very well-equipped with heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment, memory and lumbar support, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, digital rear view mirror and a dimmable glass roof.
Lexus RZ Practicality
The RZ offers plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers. However the floor is relatively high due to the battery pack underneath, which means rear passengers will find their knees raised, which is not the most comfortable way for adults to travel. There are useful features however like an armrest, separate climate vents and USB-C ports. The finish is also impeccable.
The 522-litre boot is similar to the Lexus NX SUV and features generous underfloor storage, as well as a three-point socket, hooks and Isofix on the two outer seats. The rear seats can also fold down 60:40 to facilitate carrying longer items.
Driving the 2026 Lexus RZ 500e
For 2026, Lexus has made several technical improvements to the RZ including structural enhancements to improve rigidity, more sound insulation and revised suspension. The RZ delivers excellent composure and comfort on the road. It stays flat and balanced through corners with minimal body roll, while the suspension absorbs bumps well.
Battery capacity has also increased for 2026. Both the 350e and the 500e use the same 77kWh battery. The outgoing Lexus RZ 300e is replaced by the 350e, now with 240hp through the front wheels and up to 558 kilometres range (WLTP). a substantial increase over the previous RZ 300e’s 475km.
The more powerful, all wheel drive RZ 500e boasts 380hp and 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. However, it's not as efficient as the 350e and range suffers: up to 457 kilometres on a single battery charge.
The 500e's steer by wire technology means there's no mechanical link between the yoke-style controller and the wheels. Instead steering inputs are relayed via electric signals.
It is incredibly sensitive and responsive to drive, but Lexus has also engineered convincing feedback into the system, giving the driver a surprisingly natural sense of grip and road feel. For keen drivers, it adds another layer of engagement. Though I think most buyers will be perfectly satisfied with the conventional steering set-up and enjoy the greater range and efficiency of the front wheel drive 350e.
Charging the 2026 Lexus RZ
DC fast charging remains at 150kW. However improvements to the battery preconditioning results in faster charging times, particularly in cold weather. A 10-80% charge is now possible in 30 minutes.
Lexus has also upgraded the RZ to 22kW AC charging as standard, which means a full charge can be got in as little as 4.5 hours from compatible streetside chargers.
Lexus RZ Price in Ireland
Pricing for the 2026 RZ starts from €64,780 in Ireland for the RZ 350e in the Executive grade. The more powerful, all wheel drive RZ 500e with steer-by-wire technology tested here retails from €79,990.
Lexus RZ 500e Pros/Cons
- Beautifully finished cabin
- Exceptional comfort and refinement
- Innovative steer-by-wire technology.
- Disappointing real world range
- Expensive.
Verdict: Lexus RZ 500e
The updated Lexus RZ is a much stronger contender than before thanks to improved range and charging performance. Combined with a beautifully crafted interior and excellent refinement, it's a compelling alternative to the usual German premium EVs - though competition is stiff.
The RZ 500e tested here adds impressive performance and innovative steer-by-wire technology, but efficiency suffers. Is it worth it for anyone other than Lexus purists and driving enthusiasts?
I doubt it. For most Irish buyers, the RZ 350e will be the sweet spot thanks to its longer range and lower price.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
