Luxury Meets EV: Behind The Wheel Of The 2025 Lexus RZ 300e

In a world overrun with electric crossovers, the 2025 Lexus RZ 300e makes a quietly bold statement, not about chasing performance numbers but about delivering a refined, composed, and genuinely usable EV experience. Our test car in Ether, a soft, premium shade that flatters the design, handled daily life, highway miles, and a few backroad runs in between and came away impressively intact, with only a few minor caveats.

Lexus RZ 300e: Electric Heart, Lexus Soul

Powering the Lexus RZ 300e is a single electric motor driving the front axle, producing 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a rocket ship, but it’s more than capable. Lexus quotes a 0–60 mph time of around 7.4 seconds for this configuration. The battery is a 72.8‑kWh pack mounted low in the chassis, which gives the RZ a low center of gravity and helps it feel composed through corners. Range comes in at an EPA‑estimated 266 miles on 18‑inch wheels, or about 224 miles on 20s. In our real‑world testing, it landed comfortably between the two depending on speed, climate, and elevation. Charging is competitive but not class‑leading. Level 2 charging takes several hours, while DC fast charging gets the job done in roughly 30 minutes to 80 percent. For daily commuting or weekend use, it’s a solid balance of convenience and practicality.

Ride, Comfort & Everyday Use

Lexus’s reputation for ride comfort remains fully intact here. The suspension works quietly to smooth out pavement imperfections, isolating passengers without feeling disconnected. The cabin is whisper quiet, even at highway speeds, with exceptional noise suppression and premium materials throughout. Interior space is generous for a compact crossover, and rear‑seat comfort is better than expected. The upright profile improves headroom, and while the cargo area isn’t enormous, it’s plenty for everyday errands and weekend getaways. The only disappointment is the lack of a front trunk, which limits flexibility compared to some competitors.

One usability quirk worth noting in the Lexus RZ, is visibility. The rear glass and side window lines taper aggressively, which creates some blind spots. Thankfully, the suite of driver assistance features and cameras compensates for that shortcoming. Otherwise, the ergonomics and overall design make the RZ feel cohesive, thoughtful, and easy to live with.

Driving Feel & Character

Driven with calm inputs, the Lexus RZ behaves with the composure Lexus owners expect. Acceleration is smooth and linear, steering is light but precise, and the chassis inspires confidence without chasing sportiness. On backroads, it remains planted and predictable, with good grip and balance through turns. While it lacks the snap and agility of a high‑performance EV, it’s not trying to be one. The RZ’s mission is luxury and serenity, not lap times, and it succeeds beautifully in that lane.

During longer drives, the electric drivetrain proved remarkably consistent. There’s no sudden loss of power or range anxiety if you plan smartly, and the regenerative braking system feels natural rather than abrupt. Everything about the RZ encourages relaxed, confident driving.

Lexus RZ: Strengths and Trade‑Offs

Strengths:

• Elegant, calming design and color palette
• Whisper‑quiet cabin with excellent material quality
• Smooth, composed ride quality
• Realistic range and refined driving manners
• Classic Lexus build quality and reliability

Trade‑Offs:

• Performance is modest compared to sportier EVs
• Charging speeds lag behind leading competitors
• Rear visibility and storage flexibility could improve

A Solid Commuter

For $45,439, including options and delivery, the 2025 Lexus RZ 300e in Ether represents a compelling entry point into electric luxury. It doesn’t chase extremes; it simply delivers a polished, serene, and satisfying EV experience wrapped in Lexus craftsmanship. It’s not the fastest or flashiest electric SUV you can buy, but it’s among the most livable, offering comfort, design, and refinement in a segment that often prioritizes tech over touch. For drivers seeking a graceful transition into electric motoring, the RZ 300e delivers exactly what Lexus promises: quiet confidence and everyday luxury.