Lexus builds on Toyota’s strengths in RZ350e

SINGAPORE – Lexus’ facelifted RZ electric crossover looks very similar to its predecessor, which was reviewed in The Straits Times in May 2023. The similarity is more than skin-deep.

Like the previous car, the newcomer is based on the Toyota bZ4X, which itself has been upgraded since its launch in 2022. In my book, the bZ4X ranks as one of the best electric cars money can buy. The Lexus RZ350e is slightly bigger, but sits a tad lower than the bZ4X. It measures 4,805mm long, 1,895mm wide and 1,635mm tall with a 2,850mm wheelbase – unchanged from the previous RZ450e.

It weighs 2,040kg, which is slightly lighter than its dual-motor predecessor, but marginally heavier than the bZ4X. Its 522-litre boot is the same size as before and somewhat larger than the Toyota’s already very generous stowage.

Like before, there is no frunk. Instead, electrical components lie bare under the bonnet, which still has to be propped up manually by a rod which proves difficult to extricate. This comes across as not very Lexus-like.

Thankfully, the RZ350e lives up to its hallowed nameplate elsewhere. Think of it as a bZ4X with better insulation and a cushier cabin – which is essentially what the Lexus ES is to the Toyota Camry.

Inside, I find the RZ’s cockpit more similar to what I see in Lexus’ hybrid models than in the more fanciful Lexus ES350e. Not good or bad, just different. As someone who finds comfort in the familiar, I am more biased towards the new RZ’s interface.

Features-wise, the RZ is similar to what you get in the bZ4X, except that it offers only one wireless phone-charging cradle, while the Toyota has two. Apple CarPlay is wireless, while Android Auto is cabled. Bluetooth phone connection works well enough, with music streaming that remains uninterrupted and phone calls which are loud and clear. It also reconnects without fail each time you start a journey (something which the ES350e does not match).

The Lexus’ front seats come with heating and cooling, even if the former is as useful in Singapore as a fur coat. Lexus could have differentiated the RZ more by equipping it with massage front seats or a branded hi-fi system. After all, several less celebrated Chinese brands offer either one.

You forget these little niggles once the car is on the move. Like the bZ4X, the RZ350e is absolutely peachy at the wheel. Its additional weight becomes more obvious on poorly paved tarmac, but only slightly.

Otherwise, the car’s ride and handling cannot be faulted. It steers, brakes and accelerates naturally and predictably, with none of the abruptness or contrivance associated with some electric models. Lexus’ superior insulation contributes to its driving enjoyment.

The car copes with tight spaces reasonably well, despite its left-side visibility being a little impaired by its wing mirror.

While its century sprint is modest on paper – 7.5 seconds, versus the lighter bZ4X’s 7.4 seconds and its dual-motor predecessor’s 5.3 seconds – the car has no problem sprinting ahead of the pack. Its auto-hold function disengages more imperceptibly than the one in the ES350e. Thus, taking off from the lights feels more effortless and smooth.

Its top speed of 160kmh (unchanged from before) may be irrelevant in Singapore, but could be an issue when overtaking convoys in Malaysia. This is rarely a necessity, though, and probably ill-advised. Not only do you risk a speeding ticket, you also risk running out of range a lot faster if you do it often.

The new RZ350e comes with a marginally larger battery from China’s CATL. Its 74.7kWh capacity is 4.6 per cent larger than the 71.4kWh Toyota-Panasonic battery found in its predecessor. Lexus says it is good for 509km, but based on the average power consumption in this test drive (done exclusively in Normal drive mode, and largely with a single occupant), its real-world range is closer to 420km. This is comparable with the majority of newer electric cars here. Its AC charging capacity has also doubled to 22kW from previously.

Now, the question of value. The new RZ costs some $60,000 less than its dual-motor predecessor after factoring in the difference in certificate of entitlement (COE) premiums between 2023 and today. But it costs almost $100,000 more than the Toyota bZ4X.

Thus, its attractiveness essentially boils down to how much you prize the Lexus nameplate.

Lexus RZ350e

Price: $355,800 with COE, before applicable discounts
Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous with 74.7kWh battery
Transmission: Single speed with paddle shift for modulating energy regeneration, front-wheel drive
Power: 165kW
Torque: 269Nm
0-100kmh: 7.5 seconds
Top speed: 160kmh
Power consumption: 16.2kWh/100km
Charging capacity: 22kW AC; 150kW DC
Range: 509km
Agent: Borneo Motors
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Comparable considerations

Volvo EX60 (Estimated $360,000 with COE)

The upcoming EX60 P6 Ultra packs a far bigger punch than the RZ350e on the performance front. It does not fall short on luxury either. And it is way cooler, with features such as winglet door handles and Google Gemini AI assistant making it feel more modern. The rear-wheel drive car’s ride is firm yet pliant and its handling is superb. With a bigger battery, its range is more impressive. These impressions are from a test drive I did in Spain earlier in 2026, so I look forward to driving it in Singapore. Owing to high demand in Europe, the EX60 will arrive only in the first quarter of 2027.

Porsche Macan Electric (From $261,988 without COE)

For around $30,000 more than what you pay for the RZ350e, you can have a rear-wheel-drive Porsche Macan Electric. This, however, would be a fairly bare-bones car. Even so, you are getting a high-performance car which is tailored for driving fun. Although slightly smaller than the Lexus, its wheelbase is longer and its boot is bigger. It comes with a sizeable frunk too.

Toyota bZ4X ($259,888 with COE)

The bZ4X is basically a less glamorous version of the RZ350e. It has all the fundamental goodness of the Lexus, minus the badge, the additional insulation and the more elaborate cabin trim. Because it is slightly lighter, it is quicker, rides a wee bit better and is more efficient than its Lexus twin. Its real-world range is also longer, at 455km. It comes with two wireless phone chargers too.