Lexus RZ Review :Everything You Need to Know
When I first decided to switch from a traditional gasoline-powered car to the Lexus RZ, it was far from a casual choice. Living in Dubai, a city where luxury vehicles dominate the roads and cars for sale signs are everywhere, my decision was about more than just aesthetics. It was about experiencing what a Japanese-crafted, all-electric SUV feels like in real-world conditions of desert heat, high-speed highways, and a city that demands both performance and sophistication. This review is not theory; it’s what I’ve lived through as a Lexus owner here.
Driving Dynamics
Most reviews you’ll find talk about horsepower and torque, but they rarely explain how these numbers translate to everyday driving in Dubai. The Lexus RZ 450e is powered by a dual-motor setup producing a combined 308 hp (230 kW) and 435 Nm of torque. On Sheikh Zayed Road, this means instant acceleration without the lag you feel in turbocharged engines. From 0–100 km/h, my stopwatch consistently clocked 5.3 seconds—slightly faster than Lexus’ official claim of 5.6.
What stands out isn’t just the raw speed, but how stable the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system feels at 140 km/h. Even with sudden lane changes, the weight distribution (52:48 front-to-rear) keeps the SUV balanced. The steering, electronically tuned, is lighter at city speeds but firms up above 100 km/h. In summer, with asphalt temperatures exceeding 60°C, the grip of the 20-inch Bridgestone Alenza EV-specific tires remains surprisingly reliable, something I doubted before owning it.
Performance Snapshot
| Specification | Lexus RZ 450e Tested in Dubai |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 308 hp (230 kW) |
| Torque | 435 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h (claimed) | 5.6 sec |
| 0–100 km/h (tested) | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed (limited) | 160 km/h |
| Drivetrain | Direct4 AWD |
| Weight Distribution | 52:48 |
Battery Performance
Every EV driver in the UAE knows the real question is not “what’s the battery size?” but “how does it hold up under 45°C ambient heat?” The RZ’s 71.4 kWh lithium-ion pack is thermally managed by liquid cooling. After three months of daily use, my average consumption is 19.2 kWh/100 km—higher than the European WLTP rating of 16.8 but expected in Gulf conditions with AC blasting 24/7.
A full charge gives me around 375 km in summer with constant AC use, while in cooler months, it pushes closer to 420 km. Fast charging at DEWA stations tops the battery from 10% to 80% in about 32 minutes, although at peak noon, charging slows down slightly due to thermal regulation.
Battery Performance
Every EV driver in the UAE knows the real question is not “what’s the battery size?” but “how does it hold up under 45°C ambient heat?” The RZ’s 71.4 kWh lithium-ion pack is thermally managed by liquid cooling. After three months of daily use, my average consumption is 19.2 kWh/100 km—higher than the European WLTP rating of 16.8 but expected in Gulf conditions with AC blasting 24/7.
A full charge gives me around 375 km in summer with constant AC use, while in cooler months, it pushes closer to 420 km. Fast charging at DEWA stations tops the battery from 10% to 80% in about 32 minutes, although at peak noon, charging slows down slightly due to thermal regulation.
Real-World Range vs Official
| Condition | Official WLTP | My Real Average |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Climate, Eco Driving | 440 km | 420 km |
| Dubai Summer, AC Always On | 440 km | 375 km |
| Highway at 140 km/h Constant Speed | 380 km | 340 km |
Interior
Step inside and the cabin instantly communicates Lexus’ philosophy of “Tazuna” design—driver-focused yet simple. Unlike many EVs with cluttered touchscreens, the RZ integrates its 14-inch infotainment screen into a clean, low-glare dashboard.
The suede-like upholstery (Ultrasuede®) feels cooler to the touch than leather during Dubai’s noon heat. Ventilated seats are not just a feature, but a survival necessity here. After long drives from Jumeirah to Abu Dhabi, I can say the seat cushioning is firm enough to prevent fatigue but not overly rigid like some German rivals.
Info
The panoramic roof uses Low-E (low emissivity) glass, which actually reduces cabin heat by up to 10°C compared to conventional panoramic roofs. It’s subtle but makes a real difference in Dubai’s sun.
Cabin Highlights
| Feature | Real-World Impression |
|---|---|
| 14-inch Infotainment Screen | Sharp, responsive, no lag |
| Ventilated Seats | Effective in desert heat |
| Ultrasuede Upholstery | Cooler than leather |
| Panoramic Low-E Glass Roof | Noticeable heat reduction |
| Mark Levinson 13-speaker Audio | Crisp even at high volume |
Lexus RZ Review
Here’s something rarely discussed: the Lexus RZ doesn’t just use Direct4 AWD for traction. It actively shifts torque between axles every 0.01 second, predicting rather than reacting to grip loss. During a sandstorm on Al Ain road, I felt how quickly the SUV adjusted, with zero fishtailing.
Another under-the-radar feature is the optional steer-by-wire system (not yet available in all GCC models). I tested it during a Lexus event in Abu Dhabi—it eliminates the mechanical link, using digital signals instead. The steering ratio dynamically changes so U-turns require just 150° input instead of the usual 360°. Once this tech arrives officially in Dubai, it’ll transform how SUVs handle in traffic.
Pricing in Dubai
Price always matters. In Dubai, the Lexus RZ 450e starts around AED 229,000 and stretches up to AED 269,000 depending on trim. Compared to rivals like Tesla Model Y (AED 210,000+) and BMW iX3 (AED 250,000+), Lexus positions itself as premium but not unattainable.
During my purchase, Lexus also bundled an 8-year/200,000 km battery warranty and free service for 3 years. Considering maintenance for EVs is minimal (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), this adds real peace of mind.
Dubai Market Price Comparison
| Model | Price Range (AED) | Range (km) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RZ 450e | 229k – 269k | 375–420 | 8 yrs / 200k km |
| Tesla Model Y LR | 210k – 240k | 455–490 | 8 yrs / 192k km |
| BMW iX3 | 250k – 275k | 430–460 | 8 yrs / 160k km |
| Audi Q8 e-tron | 310k – 350k | 420–450 | 8 yrs / 160k km |
Lexus LC 500
- Dubai
Lexus IS-Series Platinum
- Dubai
Lexus LX570 Signature
- Dubai
Lexus ES-Series Premier
- Dubai
Ownership Experience in Dubai
After eight months, my experience goes beyond stats. Charging infrastructure in Dubai is growing fast, with DEWA, ADNOC, and even mall charging spots making ownership easier. Software updates over-the-air improved my navigation accuracy, especially in Sharjah roads where construction is constant.
Insurance is slightly higher than a comparable hybrid Lexus, but nowhere near Tesla premiums. Resale value predictions from Lexus UAE suggest a 58–60% retention after 3 years, which is solid. If you’re scanning Lexus for sale listings, you’ll notice even older hybrids hold value unusually well here, and the RZ is expected to follow that pattern.
Ownership Costs in 3 Years (Dubai)
| Expense Category | Lexus RZ 450e Estimate |
|---|---|
| Annual Insurance | AED 7,500 – 9,000 |
| Charging Costs (avg) | AED 3,000 / year |
| Routine Maintenance | AED 0 (covered) |
| Resale Retention | ~60% after 3 years |
Final Thoughts on Lexus RZ Review
After living with the Lexus RZ in Dubai, I can confidently say this is more than just Lexus’ first full EV—it’s a statement of how Japanese precision adapts to Gulf realities. It’s not flawless; range in summer dips, and charging speed could be faster. But the overall balance of design, reliability, and comfort is unmatched at this price point. For me, the RZ isn’t just an electric SUV—it’s proof that EV ownership in Dubai can be both practical and premium.
ALSO READ: Review of the 2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST 
Comments
Serenity
September 24, 2025 at 10:36 pm375 km real range in Dubai heat actually sounds decent. Did you ever feel range anxiety on longer Sharjah–Abu Dhabi drives?
-
Mr.Amin
September 27, 2025 at 6:45 amNot really. With careful planning and a mid-route fast charge, it’s totally manageable. The 420 km range in cooler months gives even more confidence
Brett
September 29, 2025 at 2:28 am375 km range in Dubai’s brutal summer actually sounds better than I expected. Did you notice if the A/C load hit performance at all, like slower acceleration or reduced top speed?
-
Mr.Amin
September 29, 2025 at 6:22 amGood question. Performance didn’t really suffer—acceleration times stayed consistent. What I did notice was the battery draining quicker with AC blasting, which shaved about 40–50 km off the range. But the torque delivery and top speed stayed rock solid
Lora
September 23, 2025 at 10:34 amLove how you broke down the real-world range vs. official numbers. 375 km with AC blasting in Dubai heat actually sounds pretty solid compared to what some EVs manage here.
Mr.Amin
September 23, 2025 at 11:12 amExactly my thought. Many EVs lose a big chunk of range once the AC is on full blast, but the RZ held up better than I expected. Lexus really tuned it for Gulf conditions