2026 Lexus RZ 550e Initial Drive Review: A Chic and Athletic EV That Falls Short on Range

      **Lexus**

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      Enter the 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport, and you may find yourself mistaken for being inside the elegant LC sports car, only with more space. The cabin boasts a stunning design, premium materials, and interior color options that could easily come from an Italian tailor's catalog, mirroring the coupe's allure. The exterior of the new F Sport is also appealing, featuring aerodynamic shapes and a stylish two-tone finish.

      In contrast to the largely forgettable initial version of the RZ, the mid-cycle enhancement of Lexus’ first globally launched EV introduces numerous upgrades that are likely to boost its appeal to consumers. With an enhanced and more efficient drivetrain, better batteries, improved handling, and a new front-drive base trim, it seems the Japanese carmaker has chosen not to overhaul the entire model.

      However, as with all EVs, the practicality of this vehicle depends on the driving range without needing to recharge. While there is a significant improvement in range throughout the lineup, higher-capacity DC charging, and a newly introduced NACS charging port, the more sought-after trims of the RZ may still disappoint even the most economical drivers.

      **The Basics**

      For 2026, three models are set to debut: the front-wheel-drive-only RZ350e, the all-wheel-drive-only 450e, and the flagship 550e, which is solely available with all-wheel drive and as an F Sport model. Lexus estimates their driving ranges as follows: 302 miles for the 350e, 261 miles for the 450e, and 228 miles for the 550e.

      While the two lower trims remain largely unchanged, the new 550e F Sport makes a significant impact for 2026, elevating the EV's status within its market. Though the segment of buyers seeking a luxurious electric crossover is small, Lexus now stands alongside competitors like Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes, and Porsche.

      My test car was finished in a striking two-tone exterior, which, while somewhat bold for a Lexus, was skillfully designed. The integration of the black hood with the grille, lower fascia, and headlight trims is quite clever. This may well be the most attractive version of the oversized grille to date. Additionally, the black roof and C-pillars complement the fastback roofline beautifully, harmonizing with the rear spoiler on the trunk.

      The F Sport also features appealing 20-inch black wheels with aerodynamic covers that enhance the aggressive look while maintaining solid aerodynamic performance. Non-painted brake calipers come standard, with blue variants as an option. Furthermore, the optional two-tone finishes are available in four different combinations.

      **Lexus**

      As with the aforementioned LC, the cabin truly stands out. Whether your hands rest at your sides, in front of you, or beside you, the materials throughout are delightful. The F Sport can be equipped with an ultra-suede interior that feels fantastic to the touch. The trim around the 14-inch infotainment screen, shifter, dash, and door panels looks and feels premium, though I found the texture of the steering wheel slightly rubbery. Perhaps it was due to the fact that my test model had been exposed to 108-degree Portuguese heat for several hours, but I would have preferred perforated leather for the F Sport variant.

      The updated RZ features an improved version of the original Dynamic Sky panoramic glass roof, which, if my memory serves me right, previously allowed too much light into the cabin and caused it to heat up considerably. The new version has a higher level of opacity that reduces the amount of light entering the cabin, but it still falls short on particularly hot days.

      Mechanically, the 2026 RZ has significant upgrades, including two new battery options: a 74.69-kWh unit for the two lower trims (up from the previous 63.4 kWh), and a 76.96 kWh unit for the 550e F Sport. Power ratings stand at 224 hp for the 350e, 313 hp for the 450e, and 408 hp for the 550e F Sport. The latter can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the base model takes 7.1 seconds. All variants benefit from a new high-torque eAxle that powers the front wheels in the 350e, and the rear wheels in the other trims.

      Lexus claims that it can achieve a 10 to 80% charge in just 30 minutes at the maximum DC charging speed of 150 kW under optimal conditions.

      **Lexus**

      **Driving the 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport**

      Navigating along a bumpy two-lane country road, the RZ’s exceptionally well-tuned suspension adeptly managed even the toughest