In a city like London, where refinement, silence and sophistication often matter more than raw performance, the Lexus RZ 300e feels right at home. This is the first purpose-built all-electric model from Lexus, and rather than chasing Tesla-style theatrics, it focuses on what Lexus does best: calm luxury, seamless usability, and design that whispers rather than shouts.
We spent a week with the RZ 300e, navigating tight city streets, the North Circular, and stretches of motorway. It’s not flawless, but it might just be the sweet spot for premium EV buyers who prioritise comfort over chaos.
Here’s what you need to know.
First Impressions: Confident, Modern, Lexus
From the outside, the RZ 300e strikes a balance between futuristic intent and Lexus familiarity. The trademark spindle grille has been reimagined, less a grille, more a sculpted fascia, flanked by sharp LED headlights and clean surfacing. It looks sleeker and more modern than the RX, with a coupé-like silhouette and a floating roofline that gives it presence without bulk.
The proportions are spot on for city life: smaller and easier to manoeuvre than the RX, but still substantial enough to feel premium. The standard 18-inch alloys (20-inch optional) and subtle chrome accents give it just enough flair for a Kensington school run or Shoreditch dinner without tipping into ostentation.
Interior: Quiet Confidence
Step inside, and the RZ 300e proves Lexus still sets the benchmark for interior quality at this price point. The cabin blends soft-touch materials, sustainable Ultrasuede trim, and clean minimalism in a way that feels more boutique hotel than high-tech gadget.
The 14-inch central touchscreen dominates the dash, fast, intuitive, and a world away from the fiddly Lexus touchpad days. Wireless Apple CarPlay works seamlessly (Android Auto requires a cable), and the head-up display is crisp and useful for city traffic.
Comfort is a strong suit. The seats are plush, supportive, and available with heating and ventilation. Even rear passengers enjoy good legroom and a sense of airiness thanks to the optional panoramic roof with dimmable glass technology, a neat party trick on a sunny Hampstead afternoon.
What stands out most, though, is silence. Lexus has always been obsessive about refinement, and the RZ takes it further. Acoustic glass, clever sound insulation, and active noise management mean the cabin remains library-quiet even at motorway speeds. It’s genuinely relaxing.
Driving Experience: Smooth, Effortless, Predictable
The RZ 300e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 201bhp. That’s less headline-grabbing than some rivals, but it suits the car’s brief perfectly. Acceleration is brisk enough (0–62mph in 8 seconds), but what impresses is the smooth, linear power delivery, no lurches, no drama, just seamless forward motion.
The steering is light but accurate, making tight urban manoeuvres a breeze. The ride is supple, soaking up potholes and speed humps with typical Lexus polish. On the motorway, it’s planted and composed, with adaptive cruise control taking the strain out of longer drives.
Some may lament the lack of dual-motor all-wheel drive, but in truth, the RZ 300e doesn’t pretend to be a performance EV. It’s about calm progression, not Nürburgring lap times. For London drivers and suburban commuters, that feels like the right choice.
Range and Efficiency
This is the area where buyers will scrutinise most closely and the RZ 300e holds up well. The official WLTP range sits between 255 and 271 miles depending on spec. In real-world mixed driving, we achieved closer to 220 miles, not groundbreaking, but respectable and enough for most urban users.
Rapid charging capability tops out at 150kW, meaning a 10–80% charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes at a high-speed charger. A full home wallbox charge takes just under 10 hours, making overnight top-ups easy.
Efficiency is decent too. On a 40-mile London commute, energy use hovered around 3.2 miles per kWh, good for a mid-size premium SUV.
Technology and Features
As with the RX, the RZ’s infotainment is finally up to scratch. The 14-inch screen is clear, quick, and responsive, while physical buttons remain for climate control (thankfully). A premium 13-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system is available, and while not quite as mind-blowing as the RX’s 21-speaker setup, it’s still superb – warm, rich, and immersive.
Safety tech is abundant, though sometimes overzealous. Lane-keep assist can feel a bit intrusive, and the driver monitoring system has a habit of nagging unnecessarily. That said, Lexus suite of driver aids is among the most comprehensive in the segment.
Space and Practicality
With five seats and a 522-litre boot, the RZ 300e is usefully practical. The flat floor boosts rear passenger comfort, and there’s enough room for a family weekend away or a bulky IKEA haul. Fold down the rear seats and capacity expands to over 1,400 litres.
Towing capacity is limited to 750kg, though, so it won’t suit caravan users or heavy haulers.
Who’s It For?
The RZ 300e is for those who want the Lexus experience. Refinement, comfort, understated style and in a fully electric package. It’s not the most exciting EV, nor the longest-range, but it feels effortlessly premium.
It will suit style-conscious city drivers, small families, and business users who want an EV that’s elegant rather than shouty. Think of it as the antithesis of a Tesla Model Y – calmer, more polished, and arguably more liveable day-to-day.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
With prices starting at around £57,000, the RZ 300e undercuts the larger RX but carries the same Lexus values of quality, serenity, and subtle sophistication. Range could be longer, and keener drivers may wish for more punch, but as an everyday luxury EV, it nails the brief.
It won’t dominate headlines. But for those who care more about comfort, craftsmanship, and calm progress through the city, the RZ 300e feels like the quiet answer.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet, refined cabin
- Smooth and relaxing drive
- High-quality interior with sustainable materials
- Strong infotainment system with big screen
- Practical boot space
Cons
- Real-world range shy of 250 miles
- Not the most dynamic drive
- Safety tech can feel over-intrusive
LDNFASHION Rating: 8/10
The Lexus RZ 300e is understated EV luxury done the Lexus way – calm, confident, and quietly stylish. Not for thrill-seekers, but perfect for those who want every journey to feel just a little more serene.