Lexus unveils new RZ600e F Sport Performance
There isn't a Gazoo Racing SUV yet - is this the next best thing?
Those with exceptional memories for Japanese curios might think this looks a bit familiar. And they’d be absolutely right. Almost two years ago, Lexus revealed both the LBX Morizo RR Concept (with the GR Yaris engine) plus something called an RZ450e F Sport Performance. The latter looked like an SUV straight from Pimp My Ride, with big wheels, pumped up arches and some incredible aero add-ons. Lexus made just a hundred of them; seemingly the response was positive, because now there’s another one…
This is the RZ600e F Sport Performance, a car that very much takes up where the 450 left off. There are still two giant rear carbon spoilers, the ride height is lowered again, and ‘exclusive aerodynamic components’ provide ‘powerful downforce’. There’s even a carbon roof. It’s bold alright, but if ever a sector needed some life breathing into it, it’s the electric family SUV. It would certainly have the other parents talking at pick up. The F Sport Performance is being offered in either Black and Hakugin II, or Black and Neutrino Grey.
There’s some mouth for the trousers, too, as the 600e is the most powerful RZ yet. It’s built from the latest 550e version, which is sold in the UK alongside the 500e and 350e, but with ‘enhanced motor performance’. So peak power for the all-wheel drive, 2,140kg F Sport Performance is 425hp (up from 408hp in a 550e), meaning 4.4 seconds to 62mph. However, despite the name, this Lexus is about more than just outright speed. There are huge brake discs behind the 21-inch Enkei wheels for ‘precise control and a heightened sense of connection, allowing the vehicle to be driven exactly as intended’. Which seems a bit over the top for what’s ultimately a family car, but then think of how many JDM icons there are built from humble origins. It’s tradition, really.
As well as the brakes, Lexus is claiming ‘an even more engaging and satisfying driving experience across every scenario’, achieved in part through a reworking of the standard RZ’s steer-by-wire system - it even has a yoke now. Plus development is said to have taken place with the help of racing driver Masahiro Sasaki and racing pilot Yoshihide Muroya, ‘pushing aerodynamic and driving performance to the limit.’ Probably one to take with a grain of salt, because it’s still a battery-powered SUV with average power, but this is also Lexus - they don’t really employ half measures. The F Sport Performance is nothing if not intriguing, let’s put it that way.
In fact, it’s worth noting that the racy RZ isn’t just a special edition any longer. There’s no mention of a production run in the press release, only that the new model will be ‘available through Lexus dealerships nationwide on March 2, 2026.’ That’s in Japan only for now, but you wouldn’t put anything past Toyota and Lexus at the moment. If anyone’s going to sell a Midnight Club-spec SUV outside of the domestic market, it’s them.
The RZ costs from 12,165,000 yen for the black and grey, or just under £58k; the black and white - sorry, black and Hakugin II - is 12,440,000, which is currently £59k. Or less than most of the RZ range costs in the UK. There’s no justice sometimes. Expect to see the F Sport Performance clogging up your algorithm once they’re on the road in a few months. After all, what else in Japan looks like this? Apart from the last one, of course…
I’ve driven an RX500h - supposedly the ‘hot’ RX and it’s a barge built from granite.
Plus point was no CVT but it’s still got a cheap sounding 4 cylinder engine and 4 fairy cakes for suspension.
I can’t see this’d be any better despite being electric, and yeah, an Elon yoke, no thanks.
It’s Achilles heel is still range and I suspect that’s why this 600e only has a modest power boost over the 550e, which itself only has a marginal power increase over the 500e. They don’t appear to get much over 200 miles on a motorway trip.
It’s expensive too at £70k for a fully-loaded spec, but lease deals look ok. I’m going to test drive one soon to see if it’s any good on the road.
I ve driven an RX500h - supposedly the hot RX and it s a barge built from granite.
Plus point was no CVT but it s still got a cheap sounding 4 cylinder engine and 4 fairy cakes for suspension.
I can t see this d be any better despite being electric, and yeah, an Elon yoke, no thanks.
Lexus have been very slow to offer plug in hybrids. Doubt they'll be hurrying in the UK in future either.
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