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Lexus Finally Builds the Performance EV the RZ Should Have Been From Day One

Lexus Special Edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance 0 Hero
Photo: Lexus

The Lexus RZ lineup has always felt like it was holding something back. And that finally changes with the RZ 600e F SPORT Performance, a Japan-exclusive electric crossover that ditches the comfort-first mentality and actually commits to being quick.

Set to hit Lexus dealerships in Japan on March 2, 2026, the RZ 600e builds on the updated RZ 550e F SPORT platform but takes things a whole lot further with more power, serious aerodynamic work, and chassis tuning that prioritizes the driver experience.

Lexus Special Edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance 1
Photo: Lexus

More Power, Better Delivery

Seeing that increased power output was the goal here, Lexus engineers put their heads together to squeeze out 313 kW (around 420 horsepower) from the dual-motor setup, which is a substantial jump over previous RZ variants. The result is a 0-62 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and while that’s not hypercar territory by any means, it is finally competitive with other performance-focused EV SUVs.

The DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system remains, now tasked with managing significantly more torque while maintaining the smooth, linear power delivery Lexus is known for.

Lexus Special Edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance 2
Photo: Lexus

Carbon Everywhere That Counts

While the carbon fiber updates do look good, they’re not just for show. The RZ 600e gets a comprehensive aero package including a carbon hood bulge, carbon roof, rear wing, and various spoilers and turning vanes purpose-built to generate actual downforce and reduce drag. The vehicle sits 20mm lower than the RZ 550e F SPORT, dropping the center of gravity and tightening up handling dynamics.

Backing up the performance gains are massive 20-inch brake rotors paired with blue-finished six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers up front.

The exterior rides on exclusive 21-inch ENKEI wheels finished in matte black, and two color schemes are available: Black with HAKUGIN II (matte clear finish) or Black with Neutrino Gray. Blue accents throughout help tie a bow on the performance aesthetic.

Lexus Special Edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance 3
Photo: Lexus

Steer-by-Wire Gets Serious

One of the more interesting inclusions is Lexus’s Steer-by-Wire system, which gets a dedicated steering wheel design and new tuning specifically for the RZ 600e. Paired with Interactive Manual Drive functionality, it’s meant to amplify driver involvement across everything from city streets to canyon roads. Whether it actually delivers on that promise remains to be seen, but the system’s variable-ratio control could make this one of the more engaging electric crossovers to drive.

Lexus Special Edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance 4
Photo: Lexus

A Cabin Built for Driving

Inside, Lexus went with function over flash. The front sport seats use integrated foam molding with Ultrasuede trim in black with blue stitching, and include driver-seat memory and ventilation for longer drives.

Those special edition blue highlights appear throughout the cabin – on the dial-type shift selector, instrument panel accents, and various trim pieces. Black hazel front cup holders and Ultrasuede door trim round out the performance-focused interior without abandoning Lexus’s luxury roots.

Development Credentials

The RZ 600e benefits from input by air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and racing driver Masahiro Sasaki, who previously worked on the limited-edition RZ 450e F SPORT Performance. Their aerodynamic expertise and chassis tuning experience helped shape the RZ 600e’s dynamics from the early development stages, lending some nice credibility to Lexus’s performance claims.

Spec Sheet

Model: Lexus RZ 600e F SPORT Performance
Release Date: March 2, 2026 (Japan only)
Powertrain: Dual electric motors (DIRECT4 AWD)
Total Output: 313 kW (420 HP)
0-62 MPH: 4.4 seconds
Range: 326 miles
Brakes: 20-inch rotors, six-piston front calipers
Wheels: 21-inch ENKEI matte black
Ride Height: 20mm lower than RZ 550e F SPORT
Aerodynamics: Carbon hood bulge, carbon roof/wing, carbon spoilers and bezels
Interior: Ultrasuede sport seats, blue stitching, Steer-by-Wire system
Exterior Colors: Black/HAKUGIN II or Black/Neutrino Gray
MSRP: ¥12,165,000 (approximately $84,000 USD)

Pricing & Availability

The Lexus RZ 600e F SPORT Performance is exclusive to Japan and will be available at Lexus dealerships starting March 2, 2026, with pricing set at ¥12,165,000 (roughly $84,000 USD at current exchange rates).

Recap

Lexus RZ 600e F SPORT Performance

Lexus’s most performance-focused electric crossover yet, the Japan-exclusive RZ 600e delivers 420 HP, a 4.4-second 0-62 mph time, extensive carbon aero components, and a 20mm lower ride height.

Lexus Special Edition RZ 600e F Sport Performance 0 Hero