New Models / 2 March 2026 / Michael Taylor

New Lexus RZ launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Lexus has officially launched the new RZ in South Africa.

The RZ is the luxury brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), marking a significant milestone for the brand’s transition to an all-electric lineup.

“Electrification is no longer positioned as an alternative powertrain; it now forms the very foundation of the Lexus driving experience, shaping everything from platform architecture to driver engagement,” said the company.

The RZ is now available in three specifications – the EX, SE, and F Sport – and prices start at R1,649,400.

A fourth model, the flagship 600e F Sport Performance, will be added at a later date.

Powertrain

The RZ has two powertrain configurations – the 500e and 550e.

The 500e, which applies to the first two trim levels (the EX and SE), features two electric motors – one for each axle.

Combined with a DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the SUV can lay down a substantial 280kW and 537Nm.

This lets the RZ sprint from 0-100km in just 4.6 seconds before capping out at a top speed of 180km/h.

Powering the e-motors is a 74.6kWh battery, which affords a range of approximately 500km.

It also has a 22kW onboard charger, which can achieve a 10-80% charge in roughly 30 minutes when using a DC fast outlet.

As for the 550e F Sport, it also has a dual-motor setup but has an even greater power ceiling of 300kW.

This cuts the acceleration time down to just 4.4 seconds, though the top speed is unchanged at 180km/h.

The battery is slightly bigger at 76.9kWh, though the added power means its range is actually reduced to 450km.

Other notable additions to the F Sport include a Steer-by-Wire system with finely calibrated responses, performance dampers, and an Interactive Manual Drive system that simulates an eight-speed automatic transmission for greater driver engagement.

Features

Visually, the RZ has a closed-off front end that retains the distinctive spindle shape seen on Lexus’ other products.

This is paired with a set of slim automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights angled towards the L badge just below the bonnet.

The base EZ trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tyres specially selected to balance ride comfort and performance with minimal road noise.

These are swapped out for 20-inch staggered alloy rims on the EX, which use 235/50R20 tyres at the front and 255/45R20 at the back.

The top-end 550e then gains exclusive F Sport-themed cosmetics, such as sculpted air ducts that guide cooling air toward the brake callipers, fin-shaped bumper mouldings that carefully manage airflow along the flanks, and a rear spoiler with diffuser treatment that reinforces aerodynamic stability and dynamic intent.

The 600e, which will be added further down the line, will feature 21-inch alloys, a carbon fibre roof to reduce weight, carbon bonnet vents to improve airflow, F Sport detailing, and an “advanced aerodynamics package” designed to generate downforce.

Moving inside, the cabin has been fabricated according to Lexus’ Tazuna concept, “a human-centred philosophy that creates a direct and intuitive connection between driver and vehicle.”

In practice, this means all of the primary controls are positioned within the driver’s natural line of sight and reach to minimize distractions.

Standard features on the EX include synthetic leather upholstery in Hazel or Greyscale themes, heated front seats, automatic climate control with a radiant heater system, a wireless charger, customisable ambient lighting, a 10-speaker Premium Lexus stereo, adaptive cruise control, and lane-trace assist.

The SE improves on this with Ultrasuede trim, a panoramic dimming roof, adaptive high beams, a heads-up display, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, Intelligent Parking Assist, heated front and rear seats, and a 14-inch HD multimedia display.

Those who grab the F Sport can also expect aluminium sports pedals and painted brake callipers.