Lexus has confirmed the 2027 RZ line-up for the US: a 221hp front-drive model, a 402hp F SPORT flagship and up to 301 miles of estimated range.
Lexus has set out its 2027 RZ line-up for the US market, and the main story is choice. Buyers get three electric powertrains and three grades, with prices starting at US$47,495.
Lexus builds the SUV at its Motomachi plant in Japan and expects it in US dealerships early next year. With this many versions, the useful question is which one makes the most sense, not just which one is fastest.
Three Ways to Go Electric
The range opens with the RZ 350e FWD, which sends 221 total system horsepower to the front wheels. Next, the RZ 450e AWD raises output to 308hp and adds Lexus’s DIRECT 4 all-wheel drive. Buyers can choose Premium, Luxury or F SPORT grades.
The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD tops the range with 402hp. Lexus quotes a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds and calls it the quickest RZ yet.
It also gets M Mode, which uses paddle shifters to imitate an eight-speed manual. Simulated engine and exhaust sounds, plus a shift guide in the instrument display, complete the act. So the electric car pretends to have gears, and Lexus clearly means it.
Batteries, Range and Charging
The 350e and 450e use a 74.69kWh battery. The 550e gets a slightly larger 76.96kWh pack.
On 18-inch wheels, Lexus estimates 301 miles (about 484km) of range for the 350e and 260 miles (about 418km) for the 450e. The 550e manages around 229 miles (about 369km) on 20-inch wheels. That’s the familiar trade-off: more power and bigger wheels mean less distance.
For charging, the RZ has a North American Charging System (NACS) port on the passenger side and an 11kW on-board AC charger. Lexus says a DC fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes, but only under ideal conditions.
How DIRECT 4 Shares the Load
On the all-wheel-drive models, DIRECT 4 shifts the front-to-rear split between 60:40 and 0:100 when pulling away and accelerating in a straight line. Lexus says this reduces pitch and sharpens throttle response.
In corners, the split ranges from 80:20 to 0:100, based on inputs such as speed and steering angle. More drive goes to the front wheels on turn-in. On the way out, torque goes to each wheel according to how much load it carries. Range mode, meanwhile, locks the balance at 50:50 to save energy.
Cabin, Tech and the Fine Print
Every RZ gets heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 14.0-inch touchscreen. A power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, driver memory settings and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come with every model. The Luxury and F SPORT grades add Ultrasuede-trimmed seats.
Standard safety kit includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Safe Exit Assist. If a vehicle or bicycle is approaching from behind, Safe Exit Assist can stop the door from opening.
Some features come with conditions, though. Cloud navigation, the “Hey Lexus” voice assistant and Traffic Jam Assist all need a Drive Connect subscription once the three-month trial ends. Remote functions and the digital key come with a five-year trial instead.
The Number That Matters
The 402hp flagship gets the headlines, but its most useful figure may belong to the least powerful model. With 301 miles of estimated range, the 350e goes furthest on a charge, and it has the same cabin basics as the rest of the line-up.
