The rise of electrical automobiles (EVs) means lots of good issues to automobile lovers — engineers can wring way more acceleration out of an EV than a gas-powered automobile, and even ship out downloads to replace efficiency over time. But it surely means one actual loss those that like to drive will mourn: EVs don’t have transmissions. In case you love the sensation of shifting your personal gears, you’re out of luck in a automobile with out gears.
Lexus, nonetheless, has been attempting to resolve that downside for years. The corporate first revealed its analysis on shiftable EVs in 2022. It now seems more likely to attain showrooms in late 2025.
The 2026 Lexus RZ will virtually definitely be an electrical automobile you’ll be able to shift. The shifts can be synthetic — a matter of programing, not bodily gears — however designed to really feel actual, which can be sufficient to please many. And it gained’t fairly be the primary. Hyundai’s low-volume, high-performance Ioniq 5 N is on sale now with the same setting.
Ready on a Few Particulars
We put “virtually definitely” in that assertion as a result of Lexus hasn’t formally revealed the 2026 RZ that may come to the U.S. but. This week, the corporate unveiled the European model of the automobile. In communications with journalists, although, the corporate’s American communications workforce has linked to the European announcement. The automobile is more likely to be the identical on each continents.
We gained’t know pricing till nearer to launch, however the present RZ begins at $43,975 after a compulsory $1,175 vacation spot charge.
Longer Vary, Sooner Charging
The RZ is the corporate’s first all-electric automobile within the U.S., although Lexus has lengthy bought a full lineup of electrified hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Our editors like its construct high quality and clean, serene experience, however discover the vary limiting and charging speeds sluggish.
Lexus will tackle each of these issues for 2026. The corporate says the following model of the SUV will provide “a 20% enhance in driving vary and shorter charging instances,” although it hasn’t revealed particular estimates for the U.S.
For the reason that present mannequin will get as much as 266 miles between prices in its longest-range model, that increase may imply as a lot as 319 miles.
New F Sport Mannequin, Simulated Shifts
Different modifications embody a brand new RZ 550 e F Sport trim stage with 402 horsepower, added aerodynamic components outdoors, and an “unique steering wheel and sporty design components” inside, in response to Lexus.
However the signature function can be Interactive Handbook Drive, which Lexus says “enhances the thrill of shifting by synchronizing acceleration and deceleration with immersive sound.”
We’ll want a while behind the wheel to inform you whether or not the simulated shifts are convincing. However now we have a sense there’s a subset of patrons who will at all times flip it on when the highway will get attention-grabbing.
