Lexus Sharpens The RZ With The New 550e F SPORT

Hybrids are nothing new to Lexus, however their first all-electric RZ joined the EV occasion a bit late in 2023. A luxurious compact SUV, the RZ 450e shared the identical platform with its Toyota bZ4X (now merely dubbed bZ) and Subaru Solterra cousins. No query, Lexus’ first BEV regarded sharp with its low, broad stance and distinct entrance grill. However in comparison with its premium rivals, it fell brief by way of vary, charging speeds, and driving dynamics. Our latest 2025 RZ 450e overview shared this identical sentiment, that it nails the Lexus half however nonetheless wants some work.

Effectively, that’s what a midcycle refresh is all about and Lexus wasted no time right here. The brand new prolonged 2026 lineup provides energy, improves effectivity, and will increase vary with shortened charging instances (primarily, all of the well-anticipated EV enhancements). However above all, the lineup brings Lexus’ first F SPORT battery-electric automobile: a 408-horsepower, all-wheel-drive compact hauler which additionally introduces the Lexus-first M (guide) Mode.

The New RZ F SPORT First Impressions

The climate in southern Portugal was hitting 113 levels Fahrenheit day by day. And beneath that blistering solar within the Algarve area, we acquired our first glimpse of the RZ 550e F SPORT, baking away, perched on a show for all to see. It regarded sharp within the new Wind metallic gentle grey, a trim-exclusive shade seen in these images.

Something F SPORT is a Lexus fully dialed-in. Right here, the revised suspension tuning and added rear bracing give it a extra planted, assured posture within the corners…

It’s simply as putting because the outgoing mannequin, with little by way of styling variations – from the chiseled entrance fenders and deep shoulderlines, to the lengthy horizontal design on the rear. However apart from a number of 2026 styling tweaks throughout all trims, F SPORT provides extra to the combination.

The efficiency RZ variant rides on 20-inch wheels with aerodynamic covers. In fact, you get all of the F SPORT badging, together with a black rear spoiler, grille, and bumper moldings. The optionally available blue brake calipers, as on our tester right here, look good however powerful to see behind the huge black wheels. Up towards sturdy rivals just like the Audi This autumn e-Tron and Volvo EC40 with equally spectacular seems to be, the 550e F SPORT holds its personal. In actual fact, we’d say the RZ leads the pack on the design entrance.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Efficiency: Dialed-In, Prepared To Go

A Refined All-Wheel Drive System With Improved Torque Distribution

Something F SPORT is a Lexus fully dialed-in. Right here, the revised suspension tuning and added rear bracing give it a extra planted, assured posture within the corners driving by the windy, rural Portuguese roads. Acceleration feels easy, sprinting to 60 MPH in about 4 seconds (that’s three full seconds sooner than the entry-level 2026 RZ 350e).

The Direct4 all-wheel drive system (first launched on the 2023 RZ) is additional refined for 2026, ultimate for winter driving, however even out on the scorching scorching pavement the system quietly shuffles torque entrance to again retaining issues clean and tidy. The system’s variable torque distribution does precisely that, adjusting energy primarily based on throttle, steering angle, and street circumstances.

Lexus tells us that primarily based on preliminary abroad suggestions, steer-by-wire might cross The Pond. Whether or not North People are prepared for it’s one other query. We’re nonetheless on the fence.

Out on the freeway, the RZ F SPORT settles right into a refined rhythm. A significant 2026 enchancment is an upgraded battery and 76.96 kWh with ample vary for longer stretches. The cabin is Lexus-quiet because of new sound-deadening beneath the rear ground and physique panel adhesives.

M Mode With Steer-By-Wire

OK, our expertise with M Mode was totally different. Our European-spec 550e F SPORT right here got here with the steer-by-wire, not obtainable within the North American market. It was an expertise behind the yoke steering wheel so overseas and much faraway from the normal mechanical steering system, it deserves its personal story and overview.

The sensation the place sensors detect steering inputs versus a bodily connection between the steering wheel and wheels feels extra like a online game. Lexus tells us primarily based on preliminary abroad suggestions, steer-by-wire might cross The Pond. Whether or not North People are prepared for it’s one other query. We’re nonetheless on the fence.

M Mode by itself is a Lexus-first, and is actually guide gear shifting with paddle shifters. It’s nothing modern, frankly, however serves its objective within the RZ F SPORT delivering a sportier, extra responsive driving really feel; toggling by a digital eight-speed setup that mimics conventional gear modifications. Sure, full with simulated engine sounds and a shift information within the cluster.

On the yoke steering wheel, seen right here, the shifters are extra like finger sticks – skinny little gear shifters excessive on the steering column and means too near the sign and wiper levers. Perhaps it takes some getting used to, however for us, it feels tremendous awkward and inconvenient to make use of index fingers for shifting duties. The position and dimension (i.e. too small) could possibly be improved.

Efficiency Specs

RZ 550e F SPORT Electrical Vary And Charging

Joins NACS, Faster Charging, And Improved Vary

• Estimated Vary: 228 miles (EPA est., with 20-inch wheels)
• Onboard Charger Output: 11 kW (AC)
• DC Quick Charging:10% to 80% in ~half-hour (beneath ultimate circumstances)
• Charging Port: North American Charging Normal (NACS / SAE J3400)

Following the lead of Ford, Kia, and others, Lexus goes with Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging System) connector sort for the 2026 RZ lineup. Now, with entry to over 15,000 fast-chargers throughout the US and Canada. On the F SPORT, the charging port strikes to the entrance driver’s facet to accommodate this.

An Improved BEV System And New Lithium-Ion Battery

RZ charging is faster than earlier than because of an upgraded 11-kW onboard charger for Stage 2 AC charging, whereas DC quick charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about half-hour beneath ultimate circumstances. The revised BEV system additionally features a new eAxle and an improved water-cooled setup to assist maintain efficiency and effectivity throughout longer drives or repeated quick prices.

Not like the RZ 350e and RZ 450e AWD’s 74.69 kWh battery capability, the 550e F SPORT AWD is powered by a 76.96-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an EPA-estimated vary of 228 miles when geared up with 20-inch wheels you see right here. With this bigger 76.96-kWh pack paired with higher-output motors, this F SPORT SUV delivers extra punch to all 4 wheels. Lexus additionally improved cooling to assist the system keep environment friendly beneath load.

If electrical vary is a prime precedence right here, then the F SPORT’s 228 miles might not make the reduce. As an alternative, go for the bottom RZ 350e with round 300 miles. However for individuals who worth efficiency (and truly need an EV that is not boring on the street), the 550e F SPORT is a well-rounded sports activities SUV that balances driving dynamics with effectivity.

Electrical Vary: RZ 350e Vs RZ 450e AWD Vs RZ 550e F SPORT AWD

Contained in the RZ F SPORT Cabin

Inside any Lexus F SPORT, you’re greeted with upscale supplies like black Ultrasuede, right here, with distinct blue stitching. And a pleasant array of F SPORT touches, from the scuff plates and steering wheel, to the sportier aluminum pedals and footrest. Above, the improved Dynamic Sky Panorama Glass Roof with enhanced opacity and readability comes customary.

Much like the outgoing RZ, the brand new cockpit is well-organized and feels comparatively peaceable: not too many buttons, not too many controls. The tech contained in the RZ 550e F SPORT retains issues clear however intelligent, with laser-etched Ultrasuede door panels and animated ambient lighting that shifts subtly as you drive. It’s a slick contact that provides to the cabin’s trendy really feel with out going overboard.

Is Lexus’ First All-Electrical F SPORT Price Shopping for?

The RZ nonetheless wanted work when it hit the market in 2023. The styling hit a lot of the marks, however points with vary, battery dimension, and charging instances might have deterred some potential clients. In equity, that’s often the case with any new EV, with these markers bettering 12 months after 12 months. For 2026, Lexus did not make any drastic modifications to the RZ, however centered on bettering the issues that matter by increasing the RZ lineup with extra energy, higher total efficiencies, and faster charging instances.

However the true story right here is the corporate’s first all-electric F SPORT variant, within the type of this compact RZ. This factor is tremendous fast off the road, places down greater than sufficient energy exceeding 400 horsepower, and the enhancements to the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system rework it right into a fun-to-drive EV with cargo. The M Mode is worthy of the F SPORT badge right here by delivering a sportier, extra responsive expertise out on the street. For EV consumers in search of a spirited small SUV on the upscale facet, this new RZ F SPORT matches the invoice. 2026 fashions go on sale in late 2025.