Overview

TOPPING off the Lexus RX large SUV range is the electrified RX500h F Sport Performance priced at $131,100 plus on-road costs; a car that until recently owned the title of the most powerful Lexus hybrid, since supplanted by the upper large LX700h at about $70K more.

The premium Japanese manufacturer spruiks its RX 500h F Sport Performance as redefining the Lexus Driving Signature with a host of dynamic performance enhancements.

“Steering, braking and handling have all been sports-tuned on the model taking it beyond the mild sporting modifications associated with traditional F Sport variants,” says Lexus.

Recently upgraded, the latest line-up ushered in a complete redesign inside and out with sharper sheet metal giving more presence on the road while the interior offers “new levels of comfort, refinement and driving enjoyment”.

Power for the all-wheel drive RX500h F Sport Performance range topper is via a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission integrated front electric traction motor and rear axle mounted electric motor (parallel hybrid) for a combined 273kW/550Nm output, sufficient to propel the portly 2160kg SUV from 0-100kmh in about 6.0 seconds.

The engine(s) are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission feeding power to the wheels via Direct4 all-wheel drive (AWD) aided by Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system that incorporates Dynamic Rear Steering to maximise handling and grip.

Dynamics are further enhanced by Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) while on the stopping front are front aluminium monoblock six-piston callipers, single pistons at the rear – in black under model specific 21-inch, matt-black-painted alloys.

On the equipment front, the RX 500h F Sport Performance is, as expected, highly specified featuring all optional equipment from the RX model’s Enhancement Packs, along with sporting visual upgrades, leather upholstery, and aluminium ornamentation.

A piano black theme continues across various body hardware, the test model adding front F Sport scuff plates with black logos and F Sport branded carpet floor mats.

Aural stimulation is provided by an Active Sound Control generator.

All RX variants come standard with the latest Lexus multimedia system displayed on a 14.0-inch high-definition touchscreen, compatible with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

It offers in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, and Lexus Connected Services functionality.

Five USB-C ports are dotted throughout the cabin along with two 12V sockets and one USB-A port to support multimedia connection and smartphone charging.

A comprehensive suite of Lexus Safety Sense + active safety features are included across the RX range including pre-collision system with intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist and low-speed acceleration suppression, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, parking support brake, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and more.

A driver monitor camera is now fitted to assess the driver’s state of attention and all new-generation RX models feature safe exit assist (SEA) incorporating new e-latch electrically activated door handles which can detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle and can keep the door closed to avoid a collision.

Exterior colours include the striking, newly developed Sonic Copper hue on the test vehicle.

The F Sport also introduces a multitude of comfort and convenience features including high-grade three-projector Bi-LED headlights with BladeScan technology, dynamic auto-levelling, cornering lamps and headlamp cleaners, power tailgate with kick sensor, easy access driver’s seat, smart key card, rear door sunshades and multi-colour interior illumination.

Colour head-up display and touch-type steering wheel controls are included, along with a high-grade instrument cluster display, wireless smartphone charging and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.

Additional safety features include a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS).

Driving Impressions

As impressive as the 500h’s sculpted sheet metal is, the test car’s Sonic Copper duco was a real pedestrian stopper, setting off the large SUV’s muscular lines amongst a sea of boring silver, grey or white clones.

The powerful visual is firmly underlined by sporty performance from the complex powertrain that never leaves you wanting for more.

It translates into quick sprints out of the blocks, no buttoning off pretty much at any point and zesty mid-range response for overtaking on the highway. All of this to the other-worldly and quite satisfying “note” emanating from the sound generator.

On the other side of the coin is characteristic Lexus smooth and quiet running with proper silent mode often invoked through the electric motor when petrol power isn’t required which, incidentally, is quite often particularly around town.

What is perhaps even more important nowadays is fuel economy which in this case hovered around the 7.2 litres per 100km mark (of 95RON premium unleaded) across a wide range of driving. Lexus claims 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle which would potentially be do-able with careful driving.

In any case, the result is impressive for a vehicle this size and weight with this level of performance.

With a raft of techa-na-logia on board handling dynamic duties, it’s hardly surprising the big Lexus is fleet footed and predictable.

Drive mode dependent, it delivers either a supple magic carpet ride, through a competent all-round setting for everyday driving and on to a firmer, more responsive, sporty setting for corner carving if you’re game (or silly) enough in a near 2200kg luxury SUV.

Drilling down into the dynamics we find relatively feel-ful steering with quick reflexes thanks to a 2.76 ratio lock-to-lock rack that errs more on the sporty side.

The 500h can be placed accurately through turns and execute mid-corner direction changes with aplomb no doubt aided by a combination of all-wheel drive, dynamic rear steering and large 21-inch rubber but the turning circle at 11.0 metres is a touch too big.

The adaptive suspension works continuously to smooth the ride which contributes further to a confident feel.

Braking is accomplished through necessarily large 400mm front discs with six piston callipers, 340mm single piston units at the rear. We had no issues with the brakes at all during the test drive that included the gamut of applications.

But the big Lexus only tows 1500kg so a tow test with our usual 2000kg test rig was not on the agenda.

We were surprised how subtle most of the ADAS was which occasionally meant we didn’t bother to spend the time and switch it all off as is usually the case. It will tug on the wheel if you cross a line (but doesn’t take control) while the driver attention monitor is a pain although at least it doesn’t beep incessantly at every “errant” eye movement – like some…

The interior is plush and cossetting in an understated way Lexus not feeling the need to fill it with cheesy gimmicks that tend to pall quickly. Instead, it has a killer 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, super-efficient climate control, supple leather upholstery, and instantly legible readouts.

We think the adaptive matrix LED headlights are over the top particularly when compared with the light emitted by a smallish brand-name light bar, for a few hundred bucks.

The soft leather clad multi-function wheel is small and feels good in your hands while the conventional gear selector makes a welcome change to the silly systems mounted appearing all over the shop these days commonly afflicting other brands.

Our over-riding impression of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance is one of quality, competence and comfort.

You can feel it as soon as you get into the driver’s seat. The robust luxury feel continues through all aspects of the drive experience then you get out, take a walk around the vehicle and it’s quality is clearly evident wherever you look, even underneath.

Perhaps we might not stump up the $131K for this particular model but a lesser RX (and there are many to choose from) might fill the bill to a satisfactory and more affordable level.

• The 2026 Lexus ES will get Toyota’s Arene software platform.
• It brings a comprehensive native route planning feature and a new infotainment system.
• The ES is now a fully electrified nameplate, with hybrid and electric versions on offer. 

Road tripping in the 2026 Lexus ES will be a breeze, thanks to a new feature that has long been overdue on electric vehicles under the Toyota umbrella. Lexus announced Monday that the ES will get Toyota’s new Arene software platform, and with it comes native EV route planning, a first for a Lexus EV. 

It’s a feature that Teslas and Rivians have had for years, and its absence has been one of the more glaring pain points of owning Lexus or Toyota electric cars. Anyone who has done long road trips without good native route planning knows how much of a difference this feature makes in curing range anxiety.

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Source: Lexus

With an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, owners will be able to see key charging details directly in the car’s navigation system or on the Lexus smartphone app. This includes the EV Range Map, which will calculate the optimal route to your destination, automatically throw in charging stops along the way, and estimate your remaining battery percentage upon arrival.

Lexus will also show you charging station names, address, hours of operation, charger type (Level 1, 2, or DC fast), real-time availability, and maximum output in kilowatts. It works similarly to the native Google-based infotainment systems found in General Motors and Nissan EVs. One tap on the navigation screen will show nearby charging stations, or let you add a charging stop before you even leave your driveway. 

There’s also a new conversational voice assistant that can handle volume, audio, climate, and trip details, without requiring you to memorize exact commands. And the ES now also gets the native dash cam that debuted on the 2026 Toyota RAV4. It records in continuous loops, supports manual capture, and uses a G-sensor to automatically flag incidents triggered by hard braking, impact, or airbag deployment. Drivers can download the footage to a USB.

Photo by: Lexus

And finally, the Arene platform also makes in-vehicle screens more intuitive. The user experience is now more iPhone-like, featuring customizable widgets on the home screen, cleaner and easier to find functions, and a more responsive system overall. I got my first hands-on with the new setup in the RAV4, and it felt an entire generation ahead of the brand’s current infotainment systems.

New features like EV Routing should complement the ES’s other fundamentals, which look strong on paper. The ES 350e gets up to 307 miles of EPA range thanks to a 74.7 kilowatt-hour battery, which it also shares with the RZ as well as its Toyota cousins like the refreshed bZ and C-HR. The ES, however, is far more luxurious inside, and is geared for the premium end of the electric sedan segment. It starts at $49,000 before destination and is available with all-wheel drive.

Photo by: Lexus

The new C-HR and the Lexus RZ did not have this feature when I tested them in April. But it’s only logical that Toyota will roll out the same EV Routing feature to its own EVs someday, as well as their Subaru siblings. Whether that will come with over-the-air updates or more comprehensive software and hardware upgrades on future model years remains to be seen.

Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

Lexus is finally getting serious about big electric cars. The luxury brand revealed its first SUV with three rows of seats that runs only on batteries – the Lexus TZ. This new vehicle will compete with other popular EVs like the Rivian R1S and the Volvo EX90. It looks sleek and fits right in with the rest of the Lexus family. A lot of people have been waiting for a luxury electric car that can carry the whole family, and the TZ will fill that spot perfectly when it arrives at dealerships later this year.

The Lexus TZ shares its mechanical parts with the Toyota Highlander BEV. It uses the same dedicated frame built just for electric cars. Buyers can choose between two different battery sizes when they pick their car. The smaller battery is 76.96 kWh, and the larger one is 95.82 kWh. Lexus says the bigger battery will let the car drive about 300 miles on a single charge.

Every version of the 2027 Lexus TZ comes with the all-wheel drive DIRECT4 system. It helps the car stay steady when turning corners and helps it speed up quickly from a stop. The electric motors produce a total of 420 horsepower – more than enough for a family hauler. It should make the SUV feel fast even when it is full of people and gear. Drivers can also pick from different modes like Sport, Eco, or Range to change how the car feels on the road. There is even a “Rear Comfort” mode to keep the kids in the back from bouncing around too much.

While the power is good, the towing capacity is a bit lower than some people might expect from a large SUV. The Lexus TZ can pull a trailer weighing up to 3,501 lb. If you look at its rivals, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 can tow up to 5,000 lb. That is a big difference if you need to pull a heavy boat or a large trailer. It seems Lexus focused more on luxury and smooth driving than on heavy lifting. Still, 3,501 lb is enough for a small camper or a couple of jet skis for a weekend at the lake.

Lexus spent a lot of time making the inside of the TZ feel like a plush living room. They call the interior design a “Driving Lounge.” The goal is to make everyone feel relaxed, even the people sitting in the very back row. The car uses new materials to block out wind and tire noise. Lexus claims this is the quietest SUV they have ever made. If the silence is too much for you, there is a Mark Levinson sound system with 21 speakers that probably sounds like a private concert hall inside the cabin.

The seats are where things get really serious for an electric car. For the first time in a Lexus SUV, the front passenger and the middle row seats have power footrests. These seats also have fans to keep you cool on hot days. If you miss the sound of a gas engine, Lexus added a feature called Active Sound Control. It makes noises that sound like a regular car shifting gears. Trying to act like something it is not is a first for Lexus, but some drivers might find it fun to hear something other than electric humming.

The 2027 Lexus TZ is 16.7 ft long and 6.53 ft wide. It stands 5.6 ft tall. The distance between the front and back wheels is 10.01 ft. This size makes it almost exactly the same as the Volvo EX90. It is a large car that will take up a good amount of space in a garage. Because it is so big, there is plenty of room for three rows of people to sit comfortably without bumping knees.

When it comes to carrying gear, the TZ has 0.39 cubic meters of space behind the third row of seats. That is not a huge amount, but you can fold the second and third rows flat into the floor with the touch of a button. This creates a big, flat area for hauling large boxes. However, there is one strange thing about this car – it does not have a front trunk, or a “frunk.” Most electric cars use the space where an engine used to be for extra storage, but Lexus left that space empty or blocked it off.

Charging the Lexus TZ is fairly simple but not too fast. It can use charging stations that provide up to 150 kW of power. This allows the battery to go from 10 percent to 80 percent in a leisurely 35 minutes. One great feature is the new NACS port. This means Lexus owners can use Tesla Superchargers without needing a special adapter. It also has a unique 2-in-1 port that puts two different types of plugs side by side. This should make it much easier to plug in at different types of charging stations when you are away from home.

Safety is always a big deal for family EVs. The TZ comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. This includes tools that help the driver stay in their lane and stop the car if it thinks a crash might happen. It can even spot people walking near the car and help the driver steer away from danger. As for the price, Lexus has not given a final number yet, but we think it will start well over £44,000 when it arrives in the US. That makes it much cheaper than the Lucid Gravity but very close to the Hyundai IONIQ 9. It will officially go on sale near the end of 2026.

Source

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury sub-brand, posted a teaser ahead of its event on May 7, 10:30 AM JST. The teaser picture shows a silhouette of a large SUV, which is most likely the Lexus TZ, which first appeared in the news cycle back in 2023.

Of course, we can’t know for sure, but the timing seems very fitting. Toyota announced in February its fully-electric, three-row Highlander SUV, on which the Lexus TZ will be based. The two SUVs will share the modified TNGA-K platform, which Toyota says is optimized for interior space and efficiency.

Alleged Lexus TZ

A Lexus TZ prototype has already been spotted on the streets of Europe, which suggests a late 2026 or an early 2027 launch time frame. And even with its camouflage, it’s obvious that the design will differ slightly from the Toyota Highlander EV.

Source 1 | Source 2

• An all-electric Lexus IS sedan is reportedly coming sometime in 2027 to rival the BMW i3 and Mercedes C-Class EV.
• The new IS EV will grow by three inches and feature radical styling and a super low-drag body.
• This new rumor fits in with an older report claiming Lexus had pushed the launch of two new EVs to mid-2027.

Lexus is reportedly working on a radically redesigned IS sedan that will ditch combustion in favor of a pure-electric powertrain with big performance numbers and massive range. The most powerful variant will apparently have around 500 horsepower and it has a range target of 620 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge—this could indicate it’s getting a solid-state battery.

Nothing’s official right now, but Japan’s Best Car has been right before and it makes sense for Lexus to launch a performance electric sedan in the near future. It’s a segment that will soon be populated with models from rival automakers—the BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class EQ—and it’s in Lexus’ DNA to try to compete with the Germans.

The report doesn’t go into too much detail, and it rehashes some bits of information we already knew, but it does mention the new electric IS will look a lot more futuristic than the new ES sedan—available with combustion and pure electric power—and will be around 3 inches longer than the current IS. It is said to feature giga-cast structural pieces, dual-motor all-wheel drive and be a full software-defined vehicle with over-the-air update capability.

We could see this new IS debut sometime in 2027, though without official confirmation, there’s also a chance we won’t. An older report from Australia’s Car Expert, published in December 2024, announced (citing unnamed insider sources) that Lexus had pushed back the launch of new EVs from 2026 to mid-2027, which aligns with the timeline presented in the Japanese report.

One of the delayed models was the production version of the highly aerodynamic LF-ZC concept, which fits the bill as being the next IS in terms of size and electric-only powertrain. Lexus is reportedly targeting a drag coefficient of under 0.20 Cd, which would make it among the most aerodynamic production cars, most of which are electric sedans.

If the new electric IS materializes as described in these reports, it will likely be pitched as a global model, one that could also reach the U.S. market as a larger and fancier alternative to the upcoming Toyota Corolla, which will also be reborn as a futuristic sedan with electric power and global ambitions.