The Lexus RZ-450e 2023 is the Japanese brand’s first bespoke electric vehicle. serving as the spearhead for the firm’s new range of premium and dynamically oriented Evs. While Toyota’s luxury brand has long been an industry leader in electrification with hybrid models, the RZ will be the brand’s first dedicated EV and the first all-electric Lexus model in North America. The underbody E-TNGA platform DNA of the model is shared with the recently revealed Toyota bz4x and Subaru Soltera. However, the RZ goes its own way in terms of style accessories and, in some cases, technology.
Lexus RZ 450e Exterior
The Lexus RZ 450e SUV’s overall appearance also provides a clear hint of Lexus’s design goals for an all-electric future. Its silhouette and defining queues show links to its contemporary models. However other features have been changed to distinguish this as the first in a new series of goods. The RZ450e was one of the new EV models that Lexus previewed late last year, along with new concepts for a large SUV, saloon, and supercar.
The most noticeable change is at the front, where Lexus’ recognizable spindle grille is replaced by a simpler design. The flush front end is said to represent Bev’s strong personality and fluid acceleration while at the same time making shape references to the current design. The lower bonnet with fewer air intakes and the more muscular wings are highlighted by Lexus as distinctive features of the new design language, which it refers to as a spindle body.
Lexus RZ 450e Interior
The interior design is inspired by Bev’s dynamic performance, presenting a clean and nimble image. There is a sense of refinement and high-quality craftsmanship. even within a space pursuing functional essence. Based on the innovative concept, the cabin greets passengers with an open feeling and intuitive control centred on the driver. As a result, the inspiration seamlessly connects humans with machines and emphasizes driving concentration.
Infotainment and Features
Lexus like Toyota is planning to bring its first bespoke EV to market. with an unusual yoke-style steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system which eliminates the mechanical linkage between the front wheels and the driver. the new model includes a massive 14-inch touchscreen running the Lexus interface infotainment system that recently debuted on the company’s NX and lx SUV. The new hardware mercifully does without Lexus’s much-maligned mouse-like multi-controller. a panoramic roof is available with a Lexus first dimming feature. Interestingly, the cabin will also be available with radiant heaters designed to warm occupants’ knees in a manner that’s more efficient to save battery life.
Safety and driver assistance features
The Lexus RZ450e features a full array of active safety features clustered under the Lexus safety system plus 3.0 banner. The model features adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic emergency braking. When optioned with the available driver monitor, the RZ450e can also be specified with the pre-collision system. This keeps tabs on the driver’s awareness and provides alerts to keep them focused on the task of driving. should the vehicle detect that the driver is unresponsive to warnings and unable to continue driving, the vehicle can automatically come to a stop in its lane.
Engine, power and transmission
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e’s engine bay is equipped with two electric motors. a battery pack with a capacity of 71.4 kilowatt hours, a 150 kilowatt motor in the front, and a 90-kilowatt motor in the back. Lexus did not provide conventional horsepower and torque figures. however, quick calculations on a napkin shows that the overall output is almost 300 horsepower. a lot more than the 215 horsepower of the Solterra and bzx4. The newly developed direct 4 powertrain control system from Lexus manages the interactions while powertrain components are positioned to help balance. The RZ 450e is an all-wheel-drive-only vehicle, in contrast to the Toyota bz4x, which is available with either front- or all-wheel-drive. Its estimated range is 225 miles.
Lexus RZ 450e Price
The price of the 2023 RZ 450e starts at $59,650. This is for the Premium trim with 18-inch wheels, which has the greatest range of 220 miles. The 20-inch wheels cost an additional $1,240. The top Luxury trim starts at $65,150 and comes standard with those larger wheels.
