This leading car maker was one of the first to embrace hybrid technology, but its latest offering takes things in a different direction.
The new RZ 450e is Lexus’ first electric vehicle to be designed from the ground up. The model not only has a battery-electric drive instead of a conventional motor, but also fully exploits the potential of new technologies to increase performance and driving pleasure in equal measure, true to the “Lexus Electrified” philosophy. The vehicle was extensively tested and tuned on the racetrack at the Shimoyama Center in Japan, the future global headquarters of Lexus. First and foremost, the new RZ is a true Lexus – it has all the qualities of performance and craftsmanship that the brand is known for; with a special focus on driving pleasure with the Lexus Driving Signature. The company has used its extensive experience in electrification to combine the benefits of a battery electric model (BEV) with the refinement typical of the brand, creating a unique driving experience. Lexus is using the new E-Axle drives in the RZ for the first time: compact motor units at the front and rear that work together with the new Lexus DIRECT4 all-wheel drive. The new platform, specially developed for electric vehicles, offers excellent body rigidity, a low center of gravity and a long wheelbase – thus creating the conditions for precise handling characteristics and direct response. The optional “One Motion Grip” steer-by-wire system in combination with the innovative Yoke steering wheel will be introduced from 2025. This enables even simpler and more precise steering. The powerful lithium-ion battery unit is fully integrated into the chassis under the cab floor; their quality is closely controlled to ensure long-term performance.
The mid-sized RZ450e will compete with the Audi e-Tron, BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC, as well as more expensive versions of the popular Tesla Model Y.
Lexus first dipped its toe into the EV market in 2021 when it shoehorned an electric motor and battery into the existing petrol-powered UX compact SUV.
The RZ450e is a more convincing effort.
It has been designed and built from the ground up as an electric vehicle on a platform shared with the upcoming Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra.
There’s a clear family resemblance in the styling, but the Lexus sets itself apart with a distinctive grille and sleek sloping roofline.
The Lexus RZ is the brand’s first EV built on a dedicated platform. Picture: Supplied.
Priced from about $133,000 drive-away, the five-seat RZ450e Luxury kicks off the two-model range with 18-inch wheels, imitation leather, a 360-degree parking camera, heated front seats, dual-zone ventilation, wireless phone charging and a 14-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
It also comes with two charging cables: one for slow charging from a regular power point and another for public Type 2 chargers that require drivers to bring their own cable.
Lexus will install a 7kW wallbox charger at your house and pay for three years of charging on the Chargefox network.
Owners are also given short-term access to a fleet of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles for driving holidays.
The Sports Luxury has ambient lighting and better quality finishes. Picture: Supplied.
The circa-$145,500 Sports Luxury has features many would expect on the base car, given the lofty pricing. The front seats will store settings for different drivers and there’s a head-up display.
There are also 20-inch alloys, double-glazed side windows, suede-look trim, adjustable ambient lighting, a sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Strangely, there’s no glovebox.
Two-tone paint is available for another $4200 and by late 2024 Lexus hopes to be offering a aircraft-style yoke steering wheel.
The RZ retains Lexus’s trademark, edgy front-end styling. Picture: Supplied.
Inside, the RZ’s spacious cabin has great knee and head room, although a high-ish floor in the rear means those with longer legs sit a little knees-up. There’s a sizeable storage space beneath the centre console for small bags.
The Luxury has basic finishes that don’t match its price tag, but the Sports Luxury is more convincing, with classier surfaces and seat materials.
Each RZ model shares the same dual-motor set-up. Unusually, the front motor is more powerful, with outputs of 150kW and 266Nm. The rear motor makes just 80kW/169Nm, for a combined 230kW/435Nm.
There’s decent thrust off the mark and impressive traction thanks to the all-wheel-drive set up. The RZ never feels undernourished, with plenty in reserve at higher speeds. Four levels of regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddles on the wheel.
Various drive modes tweak the steering and throttle, but it’s hard to pick the c
The Lexus cuts a striking figure on the road. Picture: Supplied.
hanges. They’re also not easily accessible, buried in menus within the touchscreen.
In any mode, the steering is dull and uninspiring. It’s fine for suburban duties but lacks the feel to deliver an engaging driving experience.
That said, the RZ is sure-footed in corners and the ride is comfortable. Some road surfaces lead to noticeable tyre noise – more prominent in the Luxury – although on the whole it’s respectably hushed. We could do without the beeping in reverse, though.
When recharging the RZ450e can accept up to 11kW of AC electricity and up to 150kW of DC, allowing for a 10-80 per cent top-up in as little as 30 minutes.
A 71.4kWh battery provides a claimed 400km range, although expect less than that in the real world. Those numbers are acceptable but nothing special.
The RZ has a range of buyer perks including the chance to drive a petrol car on longer road trips. Picture: Supplied.
You could say the same of the RZ as a whole.
There are flashes of quality – and the aftersales extras are impressive – but they’re offset by a hefty price tag.
VERDICT
Three stars
Competent rather than compelling, the RZ has excellent owner benefits but a steep price tag.
Lexus RZ450e Luxury
PRICE From about $133,000 plus on-roads
WARRANTY/SERVICE Five years/unlimited km, $1975 for five years and 75,000km
SAFETY 10 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver monitor, front and rear cross-traffic alert, intersection turn assist, speed-sign recognition, safe-exist assist, blind-spot monitoring
POWER Dual electric motors, 230kW and 345Nm
RANGE 400km
SPARE Repair kit
LUGGAGE 522 litres