Luxury automaker Lexus takes a major leap forward in terms of electrification, with the grand reveal of the 2023 RZ 450e battery electric vehicle (BEV). This model takes the power and refinement of the Toyota bZ4X (as well as the Subaru Solterra), and cranks them up several notches, consistent with its status as a more premium offering.
The Lexus RZ
“We believe that Lexus, as an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society,” said Lexus International Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe. “The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive.”
While Lexus already made its maiden voyage into electrification with the UX 300e, the RZ 450e is its first dedicated EV not based on any existing combustion model, built on the eTNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that also underpins both the bZ4X and Solterra.
Exterior
As a crossover, the RZ 450e sports the same silhouette and two-box layout as its Toyota and Subaru siblings. What sets apart the Lexus visually are the blacked-out pillars that give the impression of a floating roof, resulting in a sleeker look. The automaker refers to this design language as “Seamless E-Motion.”
The new Spindle Body features a three-dimensional fascia
Despite not being a combustion model, the RZ 450e managed to incorporate the distinctive Lexus spindle shape on the fascia. That familiar hourglass form is evident when viewed from the front, flanked by ultra-slim LED headlamps with signature L-motif daytime running lights. In keeping with the RZ 450e’s more upmarket stature, plastic body cladding has been reduced, the better to appreciate the EV’s character lines. Aerodynamics is a major consideration with the spindle shape design and distinctive roof spoiler.
The rear light bar makes a dramatic impression
The roofline terminates in a sculpted tailgate featuring a ducktail shape with a full-width LED light bar right below. The RZ 450e sports up to 20-inch alloy wheels, pushed to the corners of the body resulting in very minimal overhangs and contributing to its generous 2,850mm wheelbase.
Interior
Lexus touts the RZ 450e’s interior as an expression of its tazuna (reins) design concept, based on the idea of mastery and taking control.
The cabin exudes a minimalist and airy feel, with the long wheelbase flexing space at the rear.
A panoramic glass roof adds to the breezy ambience
An available panoramic roof lends a further sense of openness in the passenger compartment, while the dashboard has been positioned lower to improve the driver’s forward view. The seats use two types of material, including Ultrasuede which is manufactured with 30 percent bio-based sustainable components. Lexus engineers used acoustic glass along with active sound control via the vehicle's audio speakers to reduce noise while simulating powertrain sounds.
Tech & Safety
A leather-wrapped steering wheel features control switches that are synced with the available head-up display, positioned in front of a fully digital instrument panel that enables functions for audio, navigation, and drive modes. The available steering yoke comes with One Motion Grip technology, enabling the world’s first steer-by-wire system.
The available yoke steering comes with One Motion Grip steer-by-wire technology
The RZ 450e also one-ups its platform siblings in terms of infotainment, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen equipped with the Lexus Link multimedia platform that includes cloud-based navigation. Voice commands, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard, and the system includes over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Advanced driver assistance features on the RZ 450e are courtesy of the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which already offers Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Emergency Driving Stop System.
Cloud-based navigation via Lexus Link is standard
The available Advanced Park with remote function now has expanded support for parallel and forward-facing parking. Proactive Driving Assist uses the front camera to adjust steering when approaching a bend, while an onboard monitor checks driver behavior for signs of fatigue or distraction.
Powertrain
The Lexus RZ 450e runs on a dual electric motor setup, with 201 horsepower on tap at the front and 107 horsepower at the rear. This results in a combined output of 308 horsepower and 435 Nm of torque, powered by a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Lexus claims can reach 362 kilometers on a single charge.
The RZ 450e rides on the same eTNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra
All that power is routed to the ground through the RZ 450e’s DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system. The EV also utilizes front and rear regenerative braking. For the suspension, front MacPherson struts and a rear double wishbone suspend the RZ 450e above the ground, working with Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD II) that automatically adjust damping force depending on the road surface.
Pricing
The 2023 Lexus RZ450e is expected to breach the $50,000 mark (Php 2.62 million), with an anticipated North American release by the end of 2022.
Availability is expected by the end of 2022
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