Lexus PH confirms arrival of RZ electric crossover soon

Updated Jun 23, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The brand’s first-ever battery-powered vehicle will grace our roads. 

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.

Lexus RZ 450e

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. 

Lexus RZ 450e cabin

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.             

Lexus RZ 450e powertrain

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

Lexus IS

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 priced at Php 3,038,000, the 300h Premier priced at Php 3,398,000, and the top-spec 350 F Sport which can be had for 4,178,000.

Available engines for the Philippine-spec IS includes 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, its 2.5-liter and electric motor can produce a combined output of 220 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It then uses a continously 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.

₱ 2,948,000 - ₱ 4,178,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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