- Lexus fulfills its role as leader in electric vehicle technology in the Toyota group, providing innovative driving systems on the European market
- World Premiere of the new RZ Battery electric SUV
- This model is the first to offer a lexus PAS wire system and a lexus interactive manual speed change system
- Three new Lexus battery electric models to make their debut in the next 12 months
Lexus has reaffirmed its strategic status as a leader in electric battery vehicle technology in the Toyota group with the announcement today of technical innovations it will bring to the European market Bev during the coming year.
Housing the world first of its new RZ Luxury electric SUV in Brussels, the company revealed that this model would present both a wire puff system and an interactive manual reader, a software system that reproduces the manual speed change experience. These innovations show how Lexus combines advanced hardware and advanced software to make its ambitions to develop software derived vehicles.
The RZ will be one of the three new Bevs Lexus will launch over the next 12 months.
These announcements have been made in the context of record sales achievements and rapid customer demand for hybrid and rechargeable hybrid models from Lexus.
Addressing International Media Today, Pascal Ruch, Lexus Europe and vice-president of the value chain, said: “Lexus’ contribution to this strategy is essential, not only in the number of vehicles but also to advance electrified technologies. While focusing on electrification and delivering the essential joy of driving or creating new driving experiences, we remain vigilant and attentive to the voice of our customers.
“With that in sight, we follow the principle of” good product, in the right place, at the right time, leaving no one behind “.”
Recording market performance
Lexus’ multi-retirement strategy to give customers a range of electrified powertrain group has contributed to providing record sales in Europe and the world, the benefit of the brand’s highest range of models to date. In 2024, its European performances reached a new summit, increasing up to 20% out of the total of the previous year to more than 88,000 units, making it one of the fastest growth car brands in the region. These results have also obtained a market share of 2.5%, the largest in Lexus to date.
The main contributors to this success have been the brand new compact LBX crossover, which sold nearly 24,000 units in 2024; Plug-in hybrid models (PHEV), which represented 20% of the total sales; And the battery electric models, which doubled their sales volume compared to the previous year.
The high performance in Europe has made a significant contribution to the supply of new record world sales for the brand, which increased by 3.3% to more than 850,000 vehicles.
The momentum of sales continued in 2025, the results of the first two months again showing sales of more than 20%.
The new Lexus Rz
The new RZ makes progress in all areas, reflecting the role of Lexus as the leader of the Toyota group in electric vehicle technologies to provide innovation and excitement to driving experience.
This is the first model to offer the new Lexus transport step system. This offers easy, smooth and intuitive control with approximately 200 degrees of turn from neutral to the left or right lock.
It will also start the new Lexus interactive manual reader, a virtual manual speed change system. This will be available in the RZ 550E F Sport, the flagship product of the new range. The driver will use palette changes as if he were using an eight -speed mechanical transmission, helping to maximize the awards of the tensioning group with full traction.
Lexus has also made improvements to the Direct Intelligent Trank Traction System4. With the rear Eaxle now offering a power comparable to the front, there is even more flexibility in the distribution of the driving power at the rear.
A complete revision of the RZ Bev system includes a 77.0 kWh more capacity lithium-ion battery that will help deliver up to 100 km of a practice (depending on the model and final approval). With a new battery preconditioning function and a more powerful 22 kW charger, this will also reduce charging times.
Lexus has also improved the Direct Intelligent Truption System Direct4. With the increase in rear rear power, there is greater flexibility in the Travel of the rear before balanced, increasing stability and traction and increasing the driver’s reward level.
The new RZ will be introduced in Europe from the fall of 2025.