Lexus RZ 450e current and upgrade

Lexus has long built a reputation on quality, refinement and bulletproof reliability. So, when it introduced its first ground-up electric vehicle, the RZ SUV, it was a serious statement of intent from this premium arm of the Toyota empire.

The current model blends a striking design, impressive performance and desirability, but its range is by no means class-leading.

However, for 2026, this has been addressed with a series of upgrades, not least a larger battery that considerably extends the range – a key area for EV buyers – putting range anxiety firmly in the rearview mirror.

Striking exterior

From its striking looks to its cutting-edge technology, the RZ is a luxury high-performance model with a comprehensive list of equipment. It is currently available in three versions – Premium Pack, Premium Plus Pack and Takumi.

It has a presence that is hard to ignore. Sitting between the NX and larger RX, it echoes some of their design features, including an elegant, sleek sculpted profile, the familiar but more striking spindle design on the front grille, trapezoidal headlamps, and a heat-shielding panoramic roof.

In addition, it features a powered boot lid, rear privacy glass, 20-inch alloy wheels, a split roof spoiler and the now signature Lexus LED light bar across the width of the car.

Light, airy, hi-tech cabin

The interior is light and airy with plush upholstery, thick carpets, and a high-end soft-touch finish to the dash and doors. Controls are intuitive and logically placed.

The central 14-inch touchscreen controls navigation and infotainment via a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system. Smartphone connectivity and remote services are accessed via the latest Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with “always connected” services.

This allows remote locking and unlocking of the car and can activate the air conditioning system to warm or cool the cabin prior to starting a journey. A customisable multi-information display relays real-time info to the driver, complemented by a head-up display.

Legroom is good, although the almost coupé-like shape restricts headroom a little in the rear. The seats are firm and comfortable and the cabin, as is typical for Lexus, feels a comfortable place to be.

Performance and handling

It is the first Lexus to include new e-Axles and Direct4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control to improve handling and responsiveness, while a 74kW lithium-ion battery unit is fully integrated into the chassis beneath the cabin floor to deliver extra stability. These will all see upgrades for the 2026 model.

Power is delivered from the battery to twin motors, one on each axle, for a combined 310bhp, delivered via a seamless single-speed transmission.

For tricky conditions, the AWD system constantly distributes drive between the front and rear axles using data collected through a series of sensors.

It is very rapid, as are most electric vehicles, hitting the benchmark 60mph in a smidge over five seconds. Handling is responsive and the adaptive suspension provides independent damping control at each wheel, giving a more comfortable ride on uneven surfaces.

It is a fun drive, particularly on twisting country lanes where the grip is good, and it is equally at home in and around town, potholes included.

Practicality and safety

In practical terms, the battery placement doesn’t compromise the stowage area. With all seats in place, the boot provides 522 litres of space. This increases to an impressive maximum (to the ceiling) of 1,451 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

For safety, there is a full range of airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and systems such as a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist and lane change assist.

The 2026 Evolution

While the current car’s tested range of approximately 220 miles is workable, the 2026 update promises to close that gap decisively. It is a brilliant motorway cruiser and with the ever-increasing number of charging stations, range anxiety is becoming less of a problem on longer journeys.

The 2026 Lexus RZ is not a revolution but a thoughtful evolution. The upcoming range-boosting battery will put it on a more level playing field with its competitors.

Factfile

Lexus RZ 450e – Premium Plus Pack (current model)
Price: £61,095
Mechanical: 309bhp/230kW electric motor driving all wheels via E-CVT automatic transmission
0-60 mph: 5.3 secs
Top speed: 99mph
Range (WLTP): 252 miles
2026 Update: Higher-capacity battery estimated 280 plus range
Insurance group: 44E
C02 emissions: 0g/km
Bik rating: 3%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Subaru’s Solterra has come a long way in just a couple of years, first debuting as the Japanese firm’s first all-electric model and now making an impact on the world sporting stage.

The impressive EV now acts as the Official Safety Car for the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK), marking Subaru Europe’s debut in official motorsport and the first time an electric vehicle has taken on this role.

The Solterra made its debut in round seven at Donington Park in Leicestershire recently.

This event featured three WorldSBK races, including two on the main race day, along with competitions from World SuperSport and the Women’s World Championship.

A WorldSBK statement said it is proud to announce a new partnership with Subaru, marking the start of an unprecedented collaboration from 2025 to 2027, four Subaru Solterra vehicles – the brand’s first all-electric SUVs – will play a crucial role at every WorldSBK round.

Seemingly a “left-field” choice, it features enhanced cooling and stiffer suspension for high-speed use. And also included are spoilers and diffusers.

The interior is basically a stripped down version with sport bucket seats, roll cage, and safety gear.

It has the same 71.4kWh battery and AWD but is optimised for race track maximum performance.

To maximise its presence, Subaru even allowed guests to take part in exclusive hot laps with a pro driver and well as test drives on the circuit.

Design and practicality

The standard model still has an eye catching presence with its high ground clearance (210mm), muscular wheel arches, and a rugged profile that hints at its off-road potential.

There are two specifications, Limited and the Touring model driven here.

Both models have a premium feel and come with a range of features. This model adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery. Both trims include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree parking camera, making it easier to manoeuvre this large vehicle.

Inside, the SUV has a spacious cabin for five passengers, with plenty of legroom floor.

It offers 452 litres of boot space, along with a 60/40 split-folding seatback and a two-position load floor for flexible storage.

The wide tailgate opening and low lift-over height make loading and unloading simple. Additionally, fixed cross-bar mounting points provide extra options for carrying cargo, which is great for adventurous owners.

Performance

Powered by dual 60kW motors and a 71.4kWh battery, it offers a claimed 289 miles of range (WLTP). However, real-world conditions, such as high speeds and adverse weather, can significantly reduce this. Range anxiety with EVs is also diminishing as more rapid charging is available, from 10-80 per cent in under 35 minutes, at 150 kW charging points.

Acceleration is impressive, reaching 0-60mph in about seven seconds. Its off-road capability, thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and X-MODE, allows it to handle challenging terrains with settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.

It also handles well, in its everyday form feeling stable and well planted on corners, or in race mode when racing around race tracks.

Technology and safety

The interior features a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, alongside a seven-inch digital driver’s display that provides real-time information. The touchscreen also manages infotainment through the Harman/Kardon eight-speaker system and navigation.

While the technology is cutting-edge, traditional rotary secondary controls add a sense of robustness to the cabin.

The firm’s EyeSight system enhances safety with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Additional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, instil confidence in various driving situations, complemented by a full suite of airbags.

Pricing and updates

Starting at £52,495 for the Limited, it the price puts it among the more expensive options in the electric SUV segment. Mitigating this is superb Subaru off-road capability alongside premium features.

For those willing to wait, a refreshed 2026 model is set to arrive in early 2026, promising tweaked styling, faster charging, and an enhanced range of up to 25 per cent.

Factfile

Subaru Solterra Touring EV
Price: £55,505
Mechanical: 218PS, 160kW twin-motors, 71.4kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic transmission
Max Speed: 100mph
0-62mph: 6.9 secs
Range: 257 miles
Insurance Group: 39
C02 emissions: 0
Bik rating: 3%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles, 8yrs/100,000 battery

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