The new RZ looks almost exactly the same as the previous car, with the majority of the changes coming beneath the metal. 

Battery upgrades, improvements to body rigidity and handling and enhanced comfort are among the wide-reaching changes. 

They apply across a three-model range that comprises the single-motor, front-wheel-drive RZ 350e (our main focus here, as Lexus anticipates it will take a 65% share of RZ sales in the UK, mostly in middling Premium Plus trim), the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive 500e and the more overtly performance-oriented 550e.

The most significant change is the introduction of a slightly larger (77kWh) battery, with a new cooling system and pre-conditioning for rapid charging.

It addresses the original RZ’s biggest flaw, a comparatively short range, upping the total from 297 to 353 miles in the 350e (and to 311 miles in the 500e).

Lexus has also added a more powerful (22kW) on-board AC charger and worked to improve DC charging performance in lower temperatures, although the maximum rate remains 150kW.

Further changes beneath the metal concern the RZ’s suspension, with adjustments made to the front bushings and the front and rear dampers. Lexus also claims body rigidity has been improved with additional bracing, to the benefit of handling. 

At 4805mm in length, it’s a fair bit longer than the bZ4X, Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq.

The flagship of the RZ line-up and the first Lexus EV to receive an F Sport makeover, the new RZ 550e is also the inaugural model in the Japanese firm’s line-up to receive a sophisticated steer-by-wire system and a simulated manual drive shift.

In addition, the 550e F Sport gets sportier bodywork, including 20in wheels, bumper air ducts, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler.