The 2025 Lexus RZ brings more options to consumers in the BEV marketplace, adding the entry-level grade to its RZ 300e and RZ 450e AWD lineup.
With this addition, the RZ now offers three grades as it continues to showcase a minimal yet refined interior and a smooth, quiet ride that’s become synonymous with the Lexus brand.
The 2025 RZ is getting a significant price cut. The RZ 300e Premium drops to $48,175, while the new entry-level RZ 300e starts at just $43,975 (all prices include destination).
The 2025 RZ is built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and goes on sale later this year.
RZ 300e
Powered by a 72.8kWh CATL lithium-ion battery and offered only with FWD, the RZ 300e realizes a total system horsepower rating of 201. The RZ 300e has an EPA-estimated range rating of 266 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 137/112/125 (city/highway/combined). With 20” wheels, the EPA-estimated range rating is 224 miles and EPA-estimated MPGe rating is 114/96/105.
A subframe has been adopted for the FWD model, replacing the rear eAxle of AWD model. This subframe suppresses vibrations and noise, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride.
RZ450e
DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, is utilized in the RZ 450e and features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. The DIRECT4 system utilizes two high-output, high-torque eAxle units that each drive a wheel set, one in the front (150-kW) and the other at the rear (80-kW). Three-point eAxle motor mounts, each using a lightweight aluminum bracket, are placed symmetrically on each side to counterbalance the eAxle’s torque.
The DIRECT4 system works to optimize drive force, traction, and posture control (e.g., pitch and dive) in accordance with driving conditions and the load carried by each wheel. DIRECT4’s front-to-rear torque distribution has a maximum range of 100:0 to 0:100, depending on the driving situation.
The RZ 450e’s 71.4 kWh battery, developed by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), delivers on performance with a total system horsepower rating of 308 and a 0-60 acceleration time of 5.0 seconds. It has an EPA-estimated range rating of 220 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20” wheels, the RZ 450e has an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 196 miles.
e-TNGA Platform
With its lightweight e-TNGA steel platform, the RZ possesses an optimal placement of mass and high body rigidity. RZ’s body employs high-tensile steel panels and an aluminum hood to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Marrying body and platform is a bevy of innovative technologies, including Laser Screw Welding and Laser Peening, short pitch spot welds, and high rigidity expansion joints.
The lightweight platform also offers enhanced stability and ride comfort by mounting the 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack under the vehicle floor, creating a low center of gravity and inertia movement. A urethane sealant helps to keep dust and water out of the stack’s reinforced structure, while efficient water-cooling and water-heating systems work to maintain an ideal battery temperature.
Driving Performance
Also lending to the RZ’s drive performance is the front MacPherson strut type suspension and rear trailing arm multi-link configuration with both specifically tuned and located to enhance handling balance, roll posture, and ride comfort.
At the rear, Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD) are outfitted to the RZ’s suspension, altering the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. The FRD works to provide a high level of handling stability and helps to achieve a comfortable ride. With FRD and e-TNGA, key Lexus Driving Signature traits such as the precise control of sprung weight, along with natural posture changes, a tactile steering feel and the linear responses of steering, braking and acceleration operations are enabled.
A Look to Reflect Performance
Lexus’ identifiable spindle grille is replaced by the Lexus spindle body, as introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, showcasing a distinctive roof spoiler to suppress aerodynamic force. The roof, trunk and undercover are shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag and allow air to flow smoothly across the vehicle.
From the side, the front fenders seemingly wrap around the wheels and tires, then flow rearward to express a forward-moving momentum. The strong three-dimensional shape over the rear fenders emphasizes the tires’ width. In addition, the flowing contrast of the doors’ sculpted shapes aims to achieve a captivating and scintillating surface.
Having no engine to cool results in a low hood design and minimal front grille opening. The grille uses a grille shutter to improve aerodynamic efficiency. When cooling air is not required, the grille shutter is closed to reduce air resistance. In the rear, the RZ features a clean and simple horizontal design matched to hips highlighting the wide stance; it is a look that accentuates the RZ’s torque-filled performance identity.
An available illuminated front “L” emblem indicates charging status and discreetly incorporates a millimeter wave radar sensor. A spelled-out LEXUS logo (as seen on the NX, LX, and RX) resides on the horizontal rear combination lamps. The lowered center portion of the red lens accentuates the logo type and emphasizes a sharp look.
The RZ is offered in three grades, including an entry-level grade (RZ 300e, RZ 450e AWD), Premium (RZ 300e Premium, RZ 450e Premium) and Luxury (RZ 300e Luxury, RZ 450e AWD Luxury). The RZ 300e, RZ 450e AWD and Premium grade ride atop 18-inch wheels in a Dark Gray Metallic finish while the Luxury grade is outfitted with 20-inch wheels in a Black and machined finish.
Charging at Home or on the Go
The Lexus RZ comes equipped with a dual-voltage charging cable for 120V and 240V outlets. All models are also equipped with a CCS1 (Combined Charging System (CCS)) socket for at-home and public charging. Under ideal conditions, the RZ can charge from low battery light to full in approximately 9.5 hours with a Level 2 charger and from low battery light to 80% in approximately 30-35 minutes with a DC fast charger.
Further supporting at-home charging, participating Lexus dealers offer an option to purchase a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger at the dealership or directly from ChargePoint online. ChargePoint Home Flex is ENERGY STAR certified and Wi-Fi enabled, can be installed indoors or outdoors, and comes with a 23-foot charging cable to support different parking configurations. With the ChargePoint Home Flex connected charger, under ideal conditions, electric vehicles can be charged up to nine times faster than with a standard 120V outlet. The home charger can charge up to 25 miles of range per hour and fully charge the battery when plugged in overnight.
