Lexus RZ 550e F Full Review: Electric SUV Features, Performance, Range, Pros & Cons & Expected Price in India

The Lexus RZ 550e F is not merely an electric luxury SUV; it is the ultimate expression of the Lexus Driving Signature, electrified and amplified for the performance segment. While the RZ platform was initially introduced to prioritize efficiency and silent luxury, the RZ 550e F Sport variant represents the brand’s decisive push into the high-performance EV arena, challenging established European and American rivals in late 2025. It is the purest distillation of Lexus’s sporting DNA, utilizing cutting-edge electric technology to deliver immediate, exhilarating power alongside the refined, meticulous craftsmanship the marque is known for.

This expert review meticulously dissects the RZ 550e F Sport, analyzing its revolutionary dual-motor setup, its unique chassis technology, the luxury features that define its cabin experience, and its anticipated positioning within the highly competitive premium Indian EV market.

Performance and Powertrain: The Dual-Motor Dynamo

The core difference between the standard RZ and the RZ 550e F Sport lies beneath the skin. The 550e F Sport upgrades the powertrain significantly, delivering a combined output of 402 horsepower (300 kW). This is a substantial leap from the 308 horsepower of the previous RZ 450e, providing the dynamic authority needed to truly earn the “F Sport” badge.

The system utilizes a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration managed by Lexus’s sophisticated DIRECT4 technology. DIRECT4 is more than just AWD; it is an intelligent vehicle motion control system that constantly monitors drive force, steering angle, and speed, distributing torque between the front and rear eAxles. This ensures the instantaneous and precise application of power, optimizing stability and providing a connected, intuitive driving feel. The immediate result of this power and control is staggering acceleration: the RZ 550e F Sport catapults from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.4 seconds, firmly placing it in contention with the quickest electric performance SUVs on the market.

Range and Battery Architecture: A Focus on Durability

The Lexus RZ 550e F is equipped with an optimized 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In high-performance trims, range is often sacrificed for power, but Lexus has focused on delivering a competitive blend. The estimated WLTP range for the RZ 550e F Sport is around 450 kilometers on the larger 20-inch performance wheels. While this is slightly less than the RZ 350e model, it is a highly respectable figure for a vehicle delivering over 400 horsepower.

Lexus’s commitment to battery longevity remains a cornerstone of the RZ platform. The thermal management system is designed not just for cooling during high-speed performance runs but also for long-term cell health, with Lexus aiming for exceptional retention of battery capacity over many years of ownership. Charging capabilities have been improved, with the RZ 550e F Sport transitioning to the NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug in global markets and featuring an upgraded 11 kW onboard AC charger. DC fast charging capacity is designed to take the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, offering minimal downtime during long journeys.

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Advanced Features: The Interactive Manual Drive and Steer-by-Wire

The Lexus RZ 550e F introduces two highly engaging technological innovations designed to deepen the connection between the driver and the electric machine:

1. Interactive Manual Drive (M Mode): Unique to the 550e F Sport, this system uses steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to simulate the experience of a multi-gear transmission. While the electric motor has a single-speed reduction gear, M Mode simulates shifts by altering the torque curve, power delivery, and potentially integrating active sound control, providing the driver with the tactile sensation of changing gears. This is a pure driver engagement feature aimed squarely at enthusiasts who miss the mechanical involvement of a petrol car.
2. Next-Generation Steer-by-Wire System: Optionally available, this system eliminates the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front tires, transmitting input entirely electronically. Paired with a futuristic yoke-style steering control, this allows for effortless, small-input maneuvering at low speeds and high stability at highway speeds. This technology is a significant step toward future autonomous systems but, in the RZ, is tuned to maximize the precision of the Lexus Driving Signature.

Interior Design and F Sport Specifics

The interior of the Lexus RZ 550e F adheres to the Lexus philosophy of Omotenashi (anticipatory hospitality) while integrating F Sport performance accents. The cabin is minimalist, centered around a large 14-inch high-definition touchscreen display integrated with the latest Lexus Interface infotainment system. Physical controls are retained only for essential functions like volume and climate control, blending modernity with usability.

Exclusive F Sport enhancements abound:

• Seating: Ultrasuede®-trimmed sports seats with striking blue contrast stitching provide enhanced lateral support during spirited driving.
• Trim: F SPORT-specific steering wheel, exclusive geometric design elements on the center console, and aluminum pedals reinforce the performance intent.
• Ambient Lighting: The cabin features sophisticated, multi-color Thematic Ambient Illumination, including animated door trim shadow lighting that enhances the sense of premium welcome.

The optional Dynamic Sky™ panorama glass roof features an advanced dimming function that instantly switches from transparent to opaque, maintaining cabin temperature and privacy without the need for a physical shade.

Pros & Cons

Expected Price and Market Positioning in India

Lexus vehicles are imported into India, primarily as CBUs (Completely Built Units), which subjects them to extremely high import duties, significantly inflating the retail price compared to global markets. As of late 2025, the standard Lexus RZ models have not been officially launched in India, but pricing can be estimated based on the current Lexus RX and NX hybrid lineup.

The standard Lexus RX 500h F SPORT+ (a hybrid, not full EV) already touches the ₹1.10 Crore Ex-Showroom mark. Given that the RZ 550e F Sport is a dedicated BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) with higher technology and a superior power output, its pricing will be considerably higher.

The estimated Ex-Showroom Price in India for the Lexus RZ 550e F Sport is projected to start around ₹ 1.25 Crore – ₹ 1.35 Crore.

The final On-Road Price in India for the RZ 550e F Sport, including all taxes, RTO, and insurance, is anticipated to fall into the following ultra-premium bracket:

This positioning places the Lexus RZ 550e F in direct competition with the high-performance variants of the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and the top-tier Porsche Macan EV. The vehicle’s value proposition in India will hinge on its unique blend of Japanese meticulousness, the reliability of the Toyota/Lexus EV platform, and a level of driver engagement (M Mode, Steer-by-Wire) that its German rivals often prioritize slightly less. The RZ 550e F is the ultimate performance luxury electric SUV for the discerning Indian buyer.