Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance Revealed
Lexus Chooses Power Over Tinsel
The RZ 600e F Sport Performance is different. Car makers usually go quiet over Christmas. Lexus clearly missed that memo.
While most brands were polishing press releases for January, Lexus dropped a 420bhp electric performance SUV right in the middle of the festive lull.
The result is the Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance, a range-topping electric flagship that makes no attempt to play it safe.
This is not a mild update or a badge shuffle. It is Lexus turning the wick up on its electric ambitions, adding sharper looks, more power and serious driver-focused tech to its RZ electric SUV line-up.
And yes, it currently has Japan written all over it.
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Lexus RZ 600e F Overview
The Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance is a new 420bhp all-electric flagship that sits above the RZ 550e. It adds sharper styling, improved aerodynamics, a lower ride height, upgraded brakes and Lexus’ steer-by-wire system.
With 0–62mph in 4.4 seconds and a 77kWh battery delivering around 280 miles of range, it is Lexus’ most driver-focused electric SUV yet. For now, it is confirmed only for Japan.
Where the 600e Sits in the RZ Range
Before this announcement, the RZ 550e F Sport was the headline act. With all-wheel drive and strong pace, it offered something close to a hot-hatch feel wrapped in SUV clothing.
The RZ 600e F Sport Performance now takes that formula and pushes it further. It sits at the very top of the range, meaning no corners have been cut on materials, technology or finish.
This is Lexus at full strength, not a halfway house.
Design and Aero Changes
Visually, the RZ 600e F Sport Performance looks far more aggressive than its siblings.
The bespoke sports body kit is not just cosmetic. Lexus claims genuine aerodynamic gains, with improved airflow and added downforce.
Wider wheel arches house 21-inch bespoke aluminium wheels, while a newly designed bonnet gives the car a sharper, more purposeful stance.
Two exterior colour combinations are offered:
- Black and HAKUGIN II, featuring a matte clear finish
- Black and Neutrino Grey, shared with the 550e
It is bold, unmistakable and very Japanese in its design language.
Chassis and Handling Upgrades
The changes go beyond skin deep.
The ride height is lowered by almost 20mm compared to the RZ 550e, reducing drag and improving stability. Braking is upgraded too, with 20-inch discs and six-piston callipers fitted to manage the extra performance.
This is a clear signal that Lexus expects the 600e to be driven properly, not just admired from a distance.
Steer-by-Wire and Driver Tech
One of the most talked-about features is Lexus’ steer-by-wire system, paired with a rectangular sports steering wheel.
There is no mechanical connection between wheel and road. Instead, steering inputs are translated electronically, allowing Lexus to tune response and feedback precisely.
The system works alongside Interactive Manual Drive, designed to strengthen the link between driver, car and road.
Traditionalists may raise an eyebrow, but Lexus has never been a brand to gamble lightly with new technology.
Interior Balance: Lexus Sport Meets Comfort
Inside, Lexus has resisted the temptation to go full race car.
The cabin retains the 50/50 balance of comfort and sport introduced with the 550e. Supportive seating, high-quality materials and excellent refinement remain central to the experience.
This is still a Lexus you could drive every day, not a weekend-only statement piece.
Performance Figures and Range
Power climbs to 420bhp, up from the 550e’s 402bhp. That translates to:
- 0–62mph in 4.4 seconds
- All-wheel drive
- 77kWh battery
- Around 280 miles of range (in favourable conditions)
Those numbers will not rewrite the EV rulebook, but they place the RZ 600e firmly in premium performance territory.
Japan-Only… For Now
At present, Lexus has confirmed the RZ 600e F Sport Performance for Japan only.
That is not unusual. Lexus often uses its home market as a proving ground for advanced models and technology. If reviews are strong, and interest follows, there is every chance Lexus will consider wider availability as 2026 progresses.
European buyers should not assume this story ends here.
Is the RZ 600e F Sport Performance Worth Watching?
The Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance is not about chasing the fastest charging speeds or the longest range figures. Instead, it focuses on driver engagement, design confidence and technical depth.
It shows Lexus becoming more expressive with its electric models, without abandoning the calm, quality-led approach that defines the brand.
If this is a sign of where Lexus electric performance is heading, the next few years could be very interesting indeed.
Electric Performance SUV Comparison – Lexus RZ 600e vs iX vs Q8 e-tron vs Model Y Performance
| Model | Power / Acceleration | Range (WLTP est.) | Battery / Drive | 0-62mph | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance | ~420bhp | ~280 miles | 77kWh AWD | ~4.4 sec | Balanced sport and luxury |
| BMW iX | ~380-500bhp | ~365-380 miles (xDrive50) | ~108.9kWh AWD | ~5.0s* | Strong range, premium tech |
| Audi Q8 e-tron | ~402hp | ~281-290 miles | ~95-114kWh AWD | ~5.4s* | Spacious luxury EV |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | ~460bhp | ~360-380 miles | ~75-82kWh AWD | ~3.3s | Quick pace & efficiency |
Quick Comparison Highlights
Performance Focus
- The Tesla Model Y Performance leads outright acceleration and has long been praised for strong real-world performance and efficiency, plus an extensive rapid-charging network.
- The Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance isn’t quite as quick as the Tesla in straight-line acceleration, but it aims for a more composed, premium behaviour with advanced driver tech.
Range and Usability
- BMW iX offers one of the longest WLTP ranges among premium electric SUVs, giving it a strong everyday usability edge — especially for longer journeys.
- The Audi Q8 e-tron sits behind both in range but emphasises comfort and refinement, typical of Audi’s large luxury SUV tradition.
- Lexus’ range estimate is lower than rivals partly due to a smaller battery and focus on balanced performance rather than outright distance.
Battery Size and Architecture
- BMW uses a large battery pack which helps its range advantage.
- Audi’s Q8 e-tron uses a large battery too, but heavy weight and refinement equipment impact real-world range.
- Tesla’s battery chemistry and efficiency play into its competitive real-world numbers.
Reader Takeaways
- Tesla Model Y Performance: Best for outright acceleration and range efficiency if you want fast EV thrills and a strong charging network.
- BMW iX: Excellent choice for those who want range, BMW tech and premium cabin space.
- Audi Q8 e-tron: Better suited to luxury comfort and spaciousness, with refinement and ride quality emphasised.
- Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance: Appeals to drivers who want a premium, well-rounded electric SUV with sporty focus, unique tech like steer-by-wire, and Lexus quality — even if range isn’t class-leading.
Final Word
The Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance is not trying to be the loudest electric SUV in the room, and that is very much the point. It is fast enough to entertain, refined enough to live with, and engineered with the sort of quiet confidence Lexus has built its reputation on for decades.
For drivers who want electric performance without gimmicks, quality without fuss, and a car that still feels properly put together, the RZ makes a strong case for itself. It is not chasing Tesla headlines or German lap times. Instead, it focuses on delivering something many EVs still struggle with: consistency, comfort and trust.
If this performance-led RZ does reach UK shores, it will not be the cheapest option, nor the most extreme. But for motorists who value craftsmanship, reliability and a driving experience that feels considered rather than experimental, it could be one of the most grown-up electric SUVs on sale.
And sometimes, grown-up is exactly what you want.
Notes
- Range figures vary by trim, wheel size and conditions; real-world figures may differ.
- Acceleration and power figures are manufacturer-claimed where available.
- The Model Y Performance’s 0-62mph and power outputs reflect the latest UK spec details.
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