Lexus has long positioned itself as a brand that transcends mere transportation, focusing on craftsmanship, design, and experience. Now, it has taken that philosophy to its most literal conclusion, transforming its all-electric RZ into a one-of-a-kind art car in collaboration with acclaimed South African artist Banele Khoza.
Unveiled at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the art car features a full wrap of Khoza's piece, Most of Us Want Flowers Without the Rain. The vibrant, expressive artwork explores themes of growth and transformation, creating a powerful synergy with the silent, zero-emission performance of the Lexus RZ.
The collaboration marks the sixth consecutive year that Lexus has sponsored the prestigious art fair, a partnership that underscores the brand's commitment to the country's creative and cultural landscape. "Lexus is more than a luxury automotive brand - we are a curator of thoughtful experiences," says Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager: Marketing Communications at Lexus South Africa.
For Khoza, the project was an opportunity to take his art out of the gallery and into the public space in a dynamic new way. "Seeing the work translated onto the Lexus RZ introduces it to new audiences and contexts. It becomes mobile, visible and in conversation with innovation," he says.
The Lexus RZ art car is a bold statement, a rolling piece of contemporary African art that challenges the conventional boundaries between mobility and creativity. It is a reminder that the future of the automobile is not just about technology, but also about expression, and that a car can be so much more than just a machine to get you from A to B.
Also worth a look: the 2026 Lexus RZ Launched in South Africa | Price & Specs and the Lexus GX 550: Where Luxury Meets Untamed Wilderness.
FAQ
Q: What does the Lexus RZ cost in South Africa?
The standard Lexus RZ starts from around R1,850,000 in South Africa, though this special art car collaboration with Banele Khoza is a one-off exhibition piece and not available for purchase.
Q: Is the Lexus RZ worth buying as an electric luxury SUV?
The Lexus RZ offers premium build quality, silent electric performance, and distinctive styling that makes it worth considering if you have R1,850,000 to spend on an electric luxury SUV, though you'll pay a premium over German rivals for the Lexus badge.
Q: How does the Lexus RZ art car project work with Banele Khoza?
Lexus wrapped their all-electric RZ with Banele Khoza's artwork "Most of Us Want Flowers Without the Rain" as part of their sixth year sponsoring the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, creating a mobile gallery that takes contemporary South African art onto the streets.
Q: What makes the Lexus RZ different from other electric SUVs in South Africa?
The Lexus RZ stands out with its distinctive spindle grille design, premium interior craftsmanship, and Lexus reliability reputation, though it faces stiff competition from the BMW iX3 at R1,200,000 and Mercedes EQC at similar pricing.
Should You Buy It?
The Lexus RZ is a beautifully crafted electric luxury SUV, but at R1,850,000, it's hard to recommend over more established German alternatives. The BMW iX3 at R1,200,000 offers similar luxury with better value, while the Mercedes EQC provides comparable refinement. If you're specifically drawn to Lexus's unique design language and want to make an artistic statement like this Banele Khoza collaboration, then yes, the RZ delivers something different in the electric luxury SUV space. However, for most buyers, the premium price doesn't justify choosing it over cheaper, equally capable rivals. Maybe wait for the inevitable price adjustments as electric SUV competition heats up in South Africa.
