ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lexus reaffirmed its strategic status as a leader in Toyota Group battery electric vehicle technology by announcing today the technical innovations it will bring to the European BEV market in the coming year.
At the world premiere of its new RZ luxury electric SUV in Brussels, the company revealed that this model will introduce both steer-by-wire and Interactive Manual Drive, a software-based system that replicates the manual transmission experience.
These innovations show how Lexus is integrating advanced hardware and cutting-edge software to realize its vision of developing heavily software-based vehicles. RZ will be one of three new BEVs that Lexus will launch in the next 12 months.
These announcements were made at a time of record sales and rapidly growing customer demand for Lexus’ battery electric and plug-in hybrid models. “Lexus’ contribution to this strategy is critical, not only in terms of the number of vehicles but also in advancing electrified technologies. As we focus on electrification and driving pleasure, or on creating new driving experiences, we remain vigilant and attentive with respect to the voice of our customers,” said Pascal Ruch, Lexus Europe and Value Chain Vice President. “With this in mind, we follow the principle of ‘the right product, in the right place, at the right time, leaving no one behind.”
Lexus’ multi-technology strategy of providing customers with a range of electrified powertrain options has contributed to record sales both in Europe and globally, reflecting the brand’s more comprehensive model range. European performance reached a new high in 2024, with a 20 percent increase over the previous year’s total, surpassing 88,000 units and becoming one of the fastest growing automotive Brands in Europe. These results also secured a market share of 2.5 percent, the largest Lexus has ever achieved. Key contributors to this success were the all-new LBX compact crossover, which sold nearly 24,000 units in 2024, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, which accounted for 20 percent of total sales, and battery electric models, which doubled sales volume over the previous year.
The solid performance in Europe contributed significantly to the achievement of a new global sales record for the Brand, which increased by 3.3 percent to over 850,000 vehicles. Sales momentum continued into 2025, with results for the first two months showing a new sales increase of more than 20 percent.
The new RZ boasts improvements in all areas, reflecting Lexus’ role as a Toyota Group leader in battery electric vehicle technologies to add innovation and excitement to the driving experience. It is the first model to offer Lexus’ new “steer-by-wire” steering system. This system provides easy, smooth and intuitive control with approximately 200 degrees of rotation from end-to-end (lock-to-lock). Lexus’ new Interactive Manual Drive, a virtual manual shift system, will also debut.
This system will be available on the RZ 550e F SPORT, the flagship of the new range. The driver will use paddles on the steering wheel as if operating a real eight-speed transmission, helping to maximize the benefits of the all-wheel-drive powertrain.
Lexus has also improved the DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive system, with the rear eAxle now delivering power comparable to the front eAxle: this translates into even more flexibility in front-rear power distribution. With increased power from the rear axle, the front/rear drive torque balance is more flexible, increasing stability and traction and increasing driver gratification levels.
The complete overhaul of RZ’s BEV system includes a larger-capacity 77 kWh lithium-ion battery that will help provide up to 100 km more range (depending on version and final approval). Together with a new battery preconditioning function and a more powerful 22 kW on-board charger, this system will also reduce charging times. The new RZ will be introduced in Europe from autumn 2025.
photo: press office Toyota Motor Italia
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