Lexus RZ

Importing a used Lexus RZ from the USA

The Lexus RZ is the brand's first purpose-built battery-electric SUV, and a small but growing number turn up on the US used market as early lease returns. For a European buyer it offers a refined, quiet electric crossover with Lexus build quality and the underpinnings of Toyota's dedicated EV platform. USCar Trader brings these cars in as an independent broker: we verify the VIN and build origin, and set out the customs and charging realities honestly before you buy. Here is what to weigh when you import a used Lexus RZ from the USA.

Production years and key changes

The RZ launched for the 2023 model year as the RZ 450e, sharing the e-TNGA electric architecture with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra but tuned and trimmed to Lexus standards. It is a first-generation car, so the used pool is young — mostly 2023 and 2024 examples. A single-motor front-drive RZ 300e joined later to broaden the range, and a 2026 update brought a larger battery, more range and the option of Lexus's steer-by-wire yoke system on higher grades. Because the RZ is still early in its life, imported cars will typically be low-mileage, well-equipped launch-era vehicles.

What is under the hood

The core RZ 450e uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout Lexus calls DIRECT4, with a motor on each axle and torque distribution that shifts front-to-rear for stability and traction. Combined output is around 308 hp, drawing from a battery of roughly 71.4 kWh usable in the launch cars. EPA range for the 450e sits around 196 miles on 20-inch wheels and closer to 220 miles on the 18-inch setup — figures worth confirming per car, as wheel size matters. The single-motor RZ 300e trades power for a little extra efficiency. DC fast charging and an onboard AC charger are standard; the launch US cars use the CCS Combo connector, while the 2026 update moved to the NACS port — an important detail for how you will charge in Europe.

Trims and body styles

The RZ is a five-door mid-size electric crossover. US trims centred on Premium and Luxury grades, with options such as a panoramic roof (with adjustable dimming on some cars), a premium Mark Levinson audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a radiant foot-and-hand heating system designed to warm occupants efficiently without draining range. Look for the 18-inch wheels if maximum range matters to you, and confirm which driver-assistance suite (Lexus Safety System+) is fitted.

What the US market offers

Because the RZ is new, US supply is modest and skewed toward off-lease and dealer-demo cars with low mileage — often well under 30,000 miles. Early EV depreciation in the US market can make these cars attractively priced relative to their condition. Prioritise a car with a documented battery state-of-health check and a clean history. As always with imports, we quote no Euro prices here; the point is that condition is usually excellent given the cars' age.

Who this import is for

The RZ suits a buyer who wants a genuinely refined, quiet, well-built electric SUV and values Lexus finish over headline range figures or straight-line speed. It is a comfortable family-sized EV, not a long-distance range champion — the launch 450e's range is modest by 2026 standards — so it best fits drivers whose typical journeys are regional and who can charge at home or work. Note the connector question before committing.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

As a young, dedicated EV built on a proven Toyota platform, the RZ has few age-related faults so far, but there are points to check, and a look at emerging Lexus RZ common problems is sensible. The chief real-world criticism is range: the launch 450e's usable range falls noticeably in cold weather and on the motorway, so the radiant heating and heat-pump-equipped cars are preferable for winter efficiency. Some early software behaviours — infotainment responsiveness and charging-session quirks — were addressed by updates, so confirm the car has current software. Battery state-of-health is the single most important check on any used EV; insist on a documented reading. Tyres on the 20-inch cars wear quickly and are expensive. Otherwise the drivetrain is simple, with far fewer wear items than a combustion car.

US vs. Europe differences

Beyond the usual US lighting differences — amber side markers, US-aimed headlights and no rear fog lamp — the decisive EV-specific issue is the charging connector. Launch US RZs use CCS Combo, which is compatible with European DC networks, while the 2026-update cars adopt NACS and would need an adapter or checking against local infrastructure. The AC onboard charger and any range display are US-region and read in miles. Confirm the connector type per car before importing.

How the import works

Selection with USCar Trader; VIN and origin check to confirm the build plant; escrow payment for security; ocean freight (container is common for a low-mileage EV) to a German port; customs clearance; TÜV inspection and individual approval (§21), including the EV-specific high-voltage safety documentation; then registration. We coordinate shipping and paperwork throughout.

Import duty, VAT and fees

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Two charges apply. The EU import duty depends on origin: the RZ is built in Japan, so a US-registered example does not have US origin, and the reduced 0% rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 — which applies only to vehicles with provable US origin — will normally not apply; the standard rate is charged instead. The 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies on top, regardless of origin, and we calculate both separately at cost with no margin. We never describe any import as duty-free.

From modifications to registration

Expect to fit a rear fog lamp, adjust or replace headlights for right-hand traffic, and address side-marker lighting. As an EV, the car needs its high-voltage system documented for the individual approval, and the odometer/range display conversion from miles is verified. Once the assessment is complete, registration proceeds as normal.

Pre-buy inspection points

Confirm the VIN and build origin; obtain a full Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title and mileage; insist on a clean (non-salvage) title; get a documented battery state-of-health reading; verify the charging connector type (CCS vs. NACS) for European compatibility; confirm the car has current software; and check tyre wear and remaining life, especially on 20-inch wheels.

What buyers ask most

Does the Lexus RZ qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Usually not, because it is built in Japan. The 0% rate requires provable US origin; we check each VIN and state the applicable rate before you buy.

Do I still pay German import VAT?

Yes. The 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer applies to every import and is calculated separately from any duty.

Can I charge a US Lexus RZ in Germany?

Launch cars use CCS Combo, which works on European DC networks. The 2026-update cars use NACS and may need an adapter — always confirm the connector per car.

What is the real-world range?

The launch 450e is rated around 196–220 miles by the EPA and drops in cold weather and at motorway speed. Heat-pump-equipped cars are more efficient in winter.

Is the battery reliable?

The platform's battery has been dependable so far. We insist on a documented state-of-health reading before any purchase.

What mileage do imported RZs have?

Being a new model, most are low-mileage lease returns, frequently under 30,000 miles.

Is the RZ related to the Toyota bZ4X?

Yes, both use the e-TNGA platform, but the RZ has Lexus tuning, trim and refinement.

Is USCar Trader a Lexus dealer?

No. We are an independent broker for used US vehicles, with no manufacturer partnership and no margin on duty or taxes.

Start with Lexus in the Carhub, compare the compact hybrid Lexus UX Hybrid, the related Toyota bZ4X and the versatile Lexus NX, or view current Lexus RZ listings and request a transparent quote.