Lexus Launches New RZ550e F Sport and RZ500e Luxury Electric Vehicles in January 2026

Entering January 2026, Lexus takes the lead by introducing two new electric vehicles—the RZ550e F Sport and the RZ500e Luxury. While these two models look quite similar and don’t appear much different from the previous RZ450, at their core, they are all about handling and fun. The former even gets the F Sport treatment, which means it may not be as wild as Japan’s version, the 600e F Sport, but it’s more than enough to satisfy any Lexus owner Xinxin Eye!

Japanese car manufacturers have been relatively slow in developing electric vehicles, especially Toyota, which currently offers only two electric models: the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. On the flip side, others have outsourced production, leading to the Platinum Smart bZ series, which has sold exceptionally well in the mainland, to the point where even the distributor needed to bring in a Platinum 3X (i.e., bZ3X) to maintain appearances in Hong Kong. In Europe and America, however, there are many more varieties of Toyota/Lexus electric vehicles available. So, aside from the bZ4X, the only genuine MIJ Toyota offering remains the Lexus RZ.

The two RZ models currently available are upgraded versions launched last March, primarily featuring a battery upgrade. The old 450e has been removed from the lineup, leaving us with the 350e and 500e, alongside the addition of the top-tier 550e. Recently, they introduced the ultimate big boss: the 600e. In Hong Kong, we have the 500e and 550e, representing the Luxury and F Sport versions, respectively. If we look at the exterior differences between these and the old 450e, it’s actually quite simple—there’s hardly any distinction, especially since the 500e and 450e are essentially the same mold; finding five differences is harder than climbing to the sky! On the other hand, the 550e F Sport stands out more easily, thanks to its lightweight body kit, with some areas of the car finished in black paint and black rims, giving it a sportier look.

Sport is more than just a look; you can’t claim to be sporty based solely on appearance. This time around, the battery upgrade not only allows for a longer range but also enhances the all-new eAxle motor’s output, with the 500e and 550e now delivering 380 and 407 horsepower, respectively, while torque remains a solid 537Nm for both, featuring dual motor all-wheel drive. Additionally, besides the increase in battery capacity, this model introduces steer-by-wire technology for the first time, replacing mechanical connections with electronic signals. In simple terms, it’s a game changer that shrinks the front-end space and makes steering more responsive. However, some might worry about losing that connection to the road—the steering feel. After testing, it turns out that the steering feel isn’t completely absent; variations in the road are still communicated clearly through the steering wheel, allowing you to feel every bump and groove beneath you. Unfortunately, the commercial version doesn’t come with the unique yoke-style steering wheel offered with this system, reminiscent of Tesla’s design. Though it looks cool, it might not be the best to drive, leaving a bit of a conversation gap!