Launch of two RZ models puts brand firmly in EV game

After its Irish preview at the Nevo EV Show in Dublin's RDS last year, the updated Lexus RZ has now made its full market debut, and we were at this week's Irish launch to experience it firsthand.

- BY JUSTIN DELANEY

The new RZ lineup consists of two distinct models, the RZ 350e with front wheel drive and the RZ 500e with all wheel drive.

Experiencing both versions on the roads around Ardmore at the Cliff House Hotel gave us an early opportunity to see how seriously Lexus has evolved its first dedicated battery electric SUV.

At a glance, the changes might appear subtle but in reality, this is a comprehensive technical overhaul.

Both now use a revised 77 kWh lithium ion battery, increased in capacity without altering the vehicles physical footprint beneath the floor. The result is more power, improved efficiency and faster charging, all central to Lexus' growing electric ambitions.

Before diving too far into the engineering, it is worth addressing the headline feature of the range, the steer by wire system available on the RZ 500e in One Motion specification.

This is not simply a styling exercise. Unlike the 350e with a mechanical round steering wheel, the 500e gets a Knight Rider-style steering wheel operating with around 200 degrees lock to lock, fundamentally changing the interaction between you and the vehicle.

Our hands never crossed, tight turns required minimal movement and visibility of the instrument display is improved.

It is a genuinely different experience and one that sets the 500e apart in this segment.

Lexus is clearly confident in the system, offering 24-hour test drives through its six dealer outlets to allow customers to properly experience it.