Lexus RZ - Interior, design & technology

There are six exterior shades to choose from. The complimentary colours are black, or a rather smart-looking Aether Blue – although the fetching Sonic Copper is a mere £250 extra. 

Inside you can pick between three interior colours: black, grey, or hazel. There’s a driver-focused cockpit that is easy to navigate, although there are a few too many controls on the touchscreen.

What is the Lexus RZ like inside?

There’s good space up front, and the high centre console divides the cockpit into two distinct areas, while the central screen is angled towards the driver for ease of use. The layout is similar to many other Lexus models, so you get clear labelling and satin silver trim, while the air vents are positioned high on the dashboard. The rotary controls for these are part of the touchscreen, so it looks like they are set on the screen with the temperature numbers in the centre.

Choose the Premium Plus model, and this adds natty infra-red heaters behind the lower portion of the dash in front of the driver and front passenger’s knees. It’s a low-energy consumption alternative to cranking up the heating on a cold day, and it feels like putting a blanket over your legs.

What is the interior quality like?

The materials used throughout the interior are befitting of a premium model, with lots of soft leather, grained plastics and metal switchgear on display.

One novelty that can also be found on the Lexus NX and Lexus LBX SUVs is the e-Latch electronic door release. Rather than having pull handles, the RZ has a button release on the back of the handle that opens the doors from the outside, while a similar push-button arrangement is fitted inside.

From on board, simply grab the interior handle, press the button with your thumb and push the door open at the same time. It takes a bit of getting used to, but soon becomes second nature – it also has safety benefits, because the system uses sensors to detect if you’re opening the door into approaching traffic.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

A large 14-inch display controls most of the functions in the Lexus via the Lexus Link Pro software. However, the screen is integrated with a pair of touch-sensitive climate controls beneath – the rotary temperature dials are easy to use when on the move. Still, the buttons on the smooth display are less responsive.

The main screen is easy to navigate, with shortcuts stacked vertically to the right of the screen. Another button below the main screen takes you to a custom menu where you can add frequently used functions and quickly access the driver-assistance tech. If you want to utilise your phone instead of the on-board software, then there’s both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity are provided as standard.