Two months after the world premiere of the Lexus RZ 450e, Lexus Philippines announces that the luxury midsize crossover will arrive in our shores within the year.
We could be seeing this beauty soon on our roads
The model will be joining Lexus’ local electrified lineup currently comprising the RX and NX series of compact and mid-size crossovers, the IS luxury sedan and the LS flagship, all bearing hybrid powertrains. One notable distinction for the RZ is that it is the first-ever Lexus powered exclusively by batteries.
According to Lexus Philippines, the RZ serves as a showcase of advanced driver technologies that will eventually become available to the rest of the Lexus lineup. The model is underpinned by the same electric Toyota New Global Architecture (eTNGA) used by its corporate cousins the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra.
Will the steering yoke make an appearance?
The RZ 450e continues the tradition of the signature Lexus spindle grille, now translated into a Spindle Body design with LED headlamps flanking the familiar fascia. Plastic cladding has been reduced, enabling the observer to better appreciate the RZ 450e’s sharp lines and overall premium styling.
Inside, there’s room for up to five occupants, with the interior surrounded by two types of materials such as Ultrasuede, which has been manufactured using sustainable components. Overseas versions offer a choice of either a conventional steering wheel or a steering yoke, the latter equipped with the world’s first steer-by-wire system.
Dual electric motors deliver loads of torque as well as all-wheel-drive
Much like the bZ4X and the Solterra, two electric motors propel the RZ 450e forward with a combined output of 208 horsepower and 435 Nm of torque. The motors get their juice from a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, with a claimed 362-kilometer range on a single charge.
Occupant protection comes in the form of the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes a Pre-Collision System Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Emergency Driving Stop System in overseas markets. We’ll have to wait and see if these features will also make their way here.
Be updated on more electrified and electrifying local releases with Philkotse.com.
Know more about Lexus IS 2024
The Lexus IS, which stands for Intelligent Support according to the Lexus car brand, is a compact and premium executive sedan. Locally, it has three variants. The 300h Executive is priced at Php 3,268,000, the 300h Premier is priced at Php 3,528,000, and the top-spec 350 F Sport can be had for 4,288,000.
Available engines for the Philippine-spec IS include a 3.5-liter V6 for the F Sport and a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid for the Premier and Executive trims. For the top-spec F Sport, its engine is capable of making up to 311 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It then uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to its rear. For the hybrid versions, it's 2.5-liter and electric motor can produce a combined output of 220 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It then uses a continuously variable gearbox.
When it comes to size, the Lexus IS is 4,710mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,453mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,800mm and a ground clearance of 140mm.
>>> New and used Lexus IS 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Lexus IS Launch
The Lexus IS was originally offered under the name Toyota Altezza. After acquiring a new identity in 1998, Lexus made it available in the market as a shortened, midsize sedan that permits its Japanese customers to have an advantage of the imposed tax savings regulated by their government in buying larger vehicles.
In March 2005, its second-generation pre-production model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. In April of the same year, the production version was launched at the New York International Auto Show.
Its third-generation concept was revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and at the 2013 Auto Shanghai. Its final version was launched at the North American International Auto Show.
In June 2020, Lexus Philippines officially brought in an updated Lexus IS to our local shores.
Lexus IS Exterior
All variants of the new Lexus IS measure 4,710mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,435mm tall. Its front bears the company’s signature spindle grille with a three-dimensional effect, a pair of LED headlamps, and LED daytime running lights. Its body is made more athletic with a chiseled shoulder line. At the rear, a striking full-width LED taillight and LED fog lamps complement its nicely shaped bumpers. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is upgraded with a power moonroof that provides natural lighting inside the cabin. Providing support for this premium sedan is a set of 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Lexus IS Interior
The trim of its interior is either wood or the car brand’s F sport aluminum depending on the variant. Standard features include leather-wrapped seats built with eight-way memory support, efficient seat ventilation, paddle shifters, dual-zone air condition system, rear armrest with cupholders, and rear-view window with electrochromic auto-dimming.
Technology & Safety Features
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is fitted with a 10.3-inch Electro Multi-Vision that displays various information while other trims come with an 8-inch display.
In terms of safety, both variants are equipped with a generous number of SRS airbags, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, traction control, child lock protection, reverse sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included is a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, and lane departure assist, among others.
Platform & Chassis
All variants of the Lexus IS are fitted with a Double Wishbone front suspension and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Braking power is by ventilated disc brakes for all four wheels.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Philippine-spec IS uses a 3.5-liter V6 for the F Sport, and a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid for the Premier and Executive trims. On the top-spec F Sport, its V6 mill can generate 311 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It then uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to its rear. The hybrid versions meanwhile use a 2.5-liter and electric motor that can churn out a combined output of 220 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It then uses a continuously variable gearbox.
Lexus IS 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Lexus IS 300h Executive | ₱3,268,000 |
| Lexus IS 300h Premier | ₱3,528,000 |
| Lexus IS 350 F-Sport | ₱4,228,000 |
₱ 2,948,000 - ₱ 4,178,000
Explore
Recent posts
- 2023 lexus rz 450e world premiere May 26, 2022
- lexus rz to have yoke steering wheel Apr 19, 2022
- lexus rz 450e previewed new images Apr 19, 2022
- toyota bz4x asean debut thailand Jan 28, 2022
- Subaru Solterra electric vehicle reveal Nov 12, 2021
