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.