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Lexus drops a surprise: RZ 600e F SPORT Performance arrives
On Christmas Eve Lexus surprised fans worldwide by revealing the RZ 600e F SPORT Performance — a high-performance addition to the young RZ electric SUV family. Presented as an unexpected holiday announcement, the new model won’t reach dealers until spring 2026, but it clearly signals Lexus’ intent to push its BEV lineup toward sharper performance and more driver-focused dynamics.
Where the RZ lineage began
The RZ name is still fresh. Lexus introduced the RZ 450e in 2023 as the brand’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle, followed soon after by the smaller-range RZ 300e. A year later Lexus expanded the roster with performance-focused editions: a limited-run RZ 450e F SPORT Performance (only 100 units) and the RZ 550e F SPORT. The new RZ 600e F SPORT Performance builds on that momentum but brings a substantially reworked powertrain and chassis upgrades.
Key performance figures
- Battery: 76.96 kWh
- Electric range: up to 326 miles (525 km) on a single charge
- Drivetrain: dual-motor all-wheel drive
- Front motor: 224 hp / 268 Nm
- Rear motor: 224 hp / 268 Nm
- Combined output: 420 hp
- 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h): 4.4 seconds
These numbers make the RZ 600e a genuine contender among fast luxury electric SUVs. The 76.96 kWh battery and dual motors supply strong realtime power delivery, while the quoted 326-mile figure positions the model competitively for buyers wanting usable range and performance in one package.
Chassis upgrades: brakes, wheels and steering
Lexus didn’t stop at more power. Engineers strengthened the braking hardware to manage the extra performance: the RZ 600e F SPORT Performance receives large-diameter 20-inch front brake rotors and opposed six-piston aluminum monoblock blue calipers branded with the Lexus logo. Those units sit behind 21-inch ENKEI aluminum wheels finished in matte black.
Ride and stance were also tuned. The SUV’s height has been lowered by 20 mm to reduce aerodynamic drag, bringing the overall height to 1,615 mm. A new steer-by-wire system, paired with a bespoke steering wheel, completes the mechanical revisions and is intended to sharpen response and steering feel without mechanical linkages.
Design and aerodynamic focus
Visually the 600e F SPORT Performance is more aggressive than the standard RZ: widened arch moldings, lower door cladding and an array of carbon-fiber aero parts including a hood bulge, front/side/rear spoilers, headlamp bezels, roof panels, roof and rear wings, and turning vanes at both ends. These elements are functional as well as aesthetic, tuned to reduce drag and improve high-speed stability.
Inside, Lexus takes a subtler approach. Changes are targeted for driver engagement and cabin refinement rather than wholesale redesign. Ultrasuede sport seats in black with blue stitching, a dedicated steer-by-wire wheel and new trim colors contribute to a sportier, more premium feel without compromising comfort for everyday use.
Special tuning input from motorsport figures
Lexus credits two high-profile motorsport figures for input during development: Yoshihide Muroya, an accomplished air-racing pilot with ties to the Lexus Pathfinder Air Racing team, and Masahiro Sasaki, a persistent presence in Japan’s Super Taikyu series and a past Nürburgring 24 Hours competitor with Toyota Gazoo Racing. Their influence is reflected in the car’s aerodynamics, steering calibration and braking package — areas where racetrack insight helps translate performance into usable road manners.
Colors, trims and market positioning
Lexus will offer the 600e F SPORT Performance in two exclusive exterior schemes: black with Hakugin II and a matte clear finish, or black with Neutrino Gray (the latter mirrors the base model’s palette). In both combinations, blue accents provide contrast and a visual nod to its F SPORT Performance identity.
Pricing and availability are currently focused on Japan. Lexus says the RZ 600e F SPORT Performance will hit Japanese dealerships in early March 2026. Local pricing starts at 12,165,000 yen for the black/Neutrino Gray version, while the black/Hakugin II matte-clear option is priced from 12,440,000 yen (roughly $78,000 and $79,800 respectively at the exchange rates current at the time of the announcement). Lexus has not yet provided a global rollout schedule.
How the RZ 600e stacks up
In the premium EV SUV segment, the RZ 600e aims at buyers who want Lexus’ hallmark refinement plus sharper driving dynamics. Competitors from Germany and other Japanese rivals include high-output variants of the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQ models and Audi’s electric SUVs. The RZ distinguishes itself through signature Lexus comfort and attention to detail, while the F SPORT Performance upgrades push it closer to performance-focused rivals.
Quote: "We wanted a Lexus that feels at home on both city streets and winding roads," a Lexus engineer involved in the program said (paraphrased). "The combination of steer-by-wire, enhanced brakes and aero work makes the 600e both planted and fun."
Buyer takeaways
If you’re shopping for a premium electric SUV with sport credentials, consider these highlights:
- A rare blend of Lexus comfort and performance tuning.
- Competitive all-electric range for daily use and longer trips.
- Race-derived input shaping handling and braking hardware.
- An exclusive F SPORT Performance package with distinct styling and materials.
Final thoughts
The RZ 600e F SPORT Performance is a calculated step for Lexus as it expands its electric vehicle portfolio. It adds a performance halo to the RZ family while preserving the brand’s reputation for refinement. For now, buyers in Japan will be first in line come March 2026; global availability remains a key question. Still, the package shows that Lexus sees performance as an important element in the EV transition — not just efficiency and autonomy. Enthusiasts should watch for test drives later next year to see how well the new steer-by-wire system and chassis changes translate into the real-world driving experience.
Source: autoevolution
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