2026 Lexus RZ electric car update debuts with simulated manual shifter
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A new flagship RZ550e F Sport will join the upgraded Lexus electric car line-up later this year, and borrows a feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The 2026 Lexus RZ electric vehicle (EV) will feature substantial upgrades in driving range and electric motor output, as well as a new RZ550e flagship that features a ‘manual’ shifter to simulate gear changes.
Although Lexus calls it an Interactive Manual Drive function, there is no clutch pedal as drivers switch between eight virtual gears when using the paddle shifters.
The system also features feedback – visually, aurally, and through the throttle – and a rev limiter to simulate a gearbox, akin to what is offered on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and updated Kia EV6 GT.
The new RZ550e is also boast more power than the rest of the Lexus electric-car line-up, with an all-wheel-drive dual-motor configuration delivering a combined 300kW for a 0-100km/h run in 4.4 seconds.
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The RZ550e tops the 2026 RZ range, slotting in above the RZ500e – replacing the previous RZ450e.
Reflecting the name change is a combined output increase of 50kW to 280kW for a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.6s.
The RZ500e also features dual electric motors for all-wheel-drive grip, but both it and the new RZ variant’s front and rear electric motors produce 167kW/269Nm each, despite the differing combined power ratings between models.
In overseas markets, the entry-level RZ300e is now changed to the RZ350e, but Australia will miss out on the front-wheel-drive variant once again.
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A larger battery is also fitted to the updated RZ, now 76.96kWh – up from 71.4kWh – and thanks to improved motor efficiency, the rated driving range lifts 14 per cent to about 500km, according to WLTP standards.
The RZ 550e drops that expectation down to around 450km.
In addition, the 2025 RZ is said to charge faster, in part due to an "optimised" onboard charger, but Lexus is yet to detail specifics.
For reference, last year's RZ featured a maximum 150kW DC charging power that could boost the battery from 10 to 80 per cent full in a claimed 30 minutes.
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Other changes to the updated model include a steer-by-wire set-up that can adjust the ratio on the fly "aiding low-speed manoeuvrability, agile handling on winding roads, and better stability at highway speeds", according to Lexus.
Lexus also promises improved vehicle dynamics and ride comfort with reworked suspension, refined Direct4 all-wheel-drive system that can split torque front to rear, improved body rigidity, and improved sound deadening.
Full pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to launch, but differentiating the RZ 550e F Sport is a sportier suspension tune, 20-inch aero wheels, unique bodykit, and bespoke Nuetrino Grey exterior colour.
Precise arrival timing for the new Lexus RZ is still to be confirmed, but the brand is committed to a global rollout beginning in the third quarter (July to September) this year with Australian arrivals earmarked before the end of this year – or around two and a half years after the model first landed locally.
The post 2026 Lexus RZ electric car update debuts with simulated manual shifter appeared first on Drive.
