With the finely designed new RZ 430e and the Electrified Sport, a replacement for the LFA battery-powered supercar, Lexus finally finds its footing in the electrification space.
While Lexus led the way in introducing hybrids in the luxury market, it lagged with all-electric options. The UX 300e is a disappointing conversion of an existing model that falls short in performance and range compared to rivals.
It’s unlikely that Lexus will repeat its error of sharing platform technology with the Toyota bZ4X while also adding some daring new features to the RZ 450e’s underpinnings to set it apart from its Toyota brother. This is made possible by the attractive exterior, which updates the bZ4X’s premium appeal while bringing Lexus’s distinctive Japanese design language into the electric age. According to Lexus, the RZ will travel 273 miles on a full charge, which has already released technical data on the class-leading efficiency (the crucial miles you get for every kWh you charge the battery).
Additionally, it states that the battery will still have 90% of its capacity after ten years of use, which is crucial to remember as used electric vehicles are now available. Buyers must emphasize preserving performance as the vehicle ages. Intriguing new technologies for the car include One Motion Grip’s “steer-by-wire” technology and what Direct4 refers to as all-wheel drive.
The Yoke is upon you.
The first is essentially control software to balance the separately operating motors on the front and rear axles, allowing Lexus to influence how the car manoeuvres around turns and enhance traction in slick circumstances like any conventional four-wheel drive system where the rear wheels are. Possess a physical link.
The more revolutionary One Motion Grip steering system uses a fully adjustable and electrically regulated relationship between the steering wheel and the road. As a result, it is theoretically possible to transition from a typical wheel to a non-traditional yoke because the continually adjusted mechanism prevents arm crossings even during parking manoeuvres and tight corners.
A few years ago, Infiniti, Nissan’s competitor to Lexus, debuted its kind of steering by wire, but it wasn’t warmly accepted. It will be difficult for Lexus to introduce a system that appeals to early adopters of the technology while also reassuring more traditional buyers. Still, it unquestionably gives the RZ a talking point. We’ve been comparing recordings of Lexus engineers driving in the same lane with conventional steering and steering to demonstrate the apparent advantages. However, it’s still unclear if people in the real world will be open to seeing this. Since the One Motion Grip won’t be offered initially with the RZ and Lexus is merely stating that it will be added as an option at some point in the future, there is time to consider that. Future.
Lexus electric sports
The Electrified Sport is intended to serve as a halo model for the Lexus lineup and demonstrate its capabilities when money is no object, much like the beautiful LFA did a few years ago. It appears to be pure concept car fiction, with the only declared objective being a sprint time from 0 to 62 mph of around two seconds. And it’s as quick as any supercar, according to the S-spec “Plaid” model, which makes the same claim but only with Tesla’s self-described “minus” discount. It’s unclear whether the electrified Sport will be offered in production form, but Lexus has a proven track record of following through on design studies, as evidenced by the stylish LC Coupe.
They should pay close attention to what comes from Lexus’ new independent development and design facility in Japan if Electrified Sport can accomplish for the electric car market what the LFA has done for the rivals of the supercar establishment. Check out this area!
The new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e SUV is the company’s first all-electric vehicle. The range is limited to 220 miles, and all-wheel drive is standard. The starting price is $59,650.
The Lexus RZ 450e may be the answer for luxury shoppers who want to go electric but want to stick with a well-known brand. Build quality is excellent, the cabin is quiet, and the materials are luxurious.
However, some competitors charge faster and have longer ranges, such as the Genesis GV60.
However, the time has come for Lexus to release an electric vehicle (EV). The new RZ 450e sits between the small NX and the midsize RX in terms of dimensions.
It is no coincidence that Toyota’s new all-electric BZ4X SUV is also available this year. These two cars are built on the same platform and share many mechanical components. While catering to the high-end market, Lexus naturally has its own unique interior and exterior designs.
Prices for the 2023 Lexus RZ
Pricing for the 2023 RZ 450e starts at $59,650. That’s for the premium class with 18-inch wheels and a maximum range of 220 miles. 20-inch wheels cost an additional $1,240. Larger wheels are standard on the top luxury trim, which starts at $65,150.
- RZ 450e Premium $59,650
- RZ 450e Luxury $65,150
These are the MSRPs (Manufacturer Recommended Retail Prices), which include the $1,150 delivery cost from factory to dealer (destination fee). The 2023 Lexus RZ may qualify for a federal tax credit.
The Audi Q8 e-tron (range: 285 miles) is more extensive and expensive, starting at $74.4K. The Tesla Model Y costs $55,000 and has a range of 330 miles. The price for a Volvo C40 Recharge (226 miles) is $55.3k. Genesis GV60 (248 miles) starts at about $59.3K; However, the Cadillac Lyriq is in the same price range but has a maximum capacity of 308 miles.
Check the purchase price before buying a new luxury electric SUV, the Lexus RZ 450e, to see what you should spend. Although it is premature to discuss resale prices, Lexus cars are usually the market leaders.
What’s new in 2023?
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is an all-new model built on a specialized electric vehicle (EV) platform. It is somewhat smaller than the popular Lexus RX SUV.
performance, range and charge
The new RZ 450e SUV can travel 220 kilometres with a full battery. This car has 18-inch wheels. The maximum range is reduced to 196 miles when the 20-inch wheels are used.
On a DC fast charger, charging the lithium-ion battery pack in the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e takes about half an hour to go from nearly empty to 80%. This does not classify it as one of the fastest-charging electric cars. Tesla cars and electric cars from Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis are all faster. A 240-volt home setup can add about 25 miles of range every hour, with a full recharge taking approximately 9.5 hours.
Lexus says the 2023 RZ 450e goes from 0 to 60 mph in precisely five seconds.
Driving the 2023 Lexus RZ
The RZ 450e, like most electric cars today, is incredibly fast and effortless. With a basic twin-engine arrangement producing 308 horsepower and the added grip of all-wheel drive, you’ll accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds without breaking a sweat or even waking the neighbours. While we found the RZ to be sporty enough to manage that much power, it is, above all else, a quiet and comfortable Lexus SUV.
The optional steering system with a yoke-style “steering wheel” takes some time. However, it is a more sensible approach to controlling direction than the relatively high-performance manual hand dance we have performed for over a century. Lexus doesn’t expect many buyers to choose the Yoke, but we’ll consider it. We also wish the RZ had a one-pedal drive option, which would show how our driving tastes change as we spend more and more time in electric vehicles.
Inside
The inside of the RZ is comparable to any current Lexus passenger compartment. We believe that many people would prefer the familiarity to some of the rougher, more futuristic interiors seen in electric vehicles.
Although most SUV purchasers like the raised driving position, the front seats of the RZ 450e seem higher than usual. However, there isn’t much room beneath the seats for back passengers to hide their feet. However, this isn’t a significant concern since passengers in both rows will have plenty of space to roam. A stowage compartment that is big enough to store three sets of golf equipment is behind the rear seats.
A panoramic sunroof with a blackout function and radiant heaters that can warm the front area without placing too much pressure on the battery are options for this five-seater interior.
Usual Lexus exterior, but with a twist
Because there is no combustion engine to cool, the new RZ 450e doesn’t need a radiator grille up front, but Lexus included a gigantic spindle design instead. The Lexus name appears in block letters on the back, which is more appealing than the company’s standard emblem, and a tail wing completes the image. A two-tone paint job is offered, with solid black over the front fascia, hood, and roof.
The RZ 450e 2023 is 3.3 inches shorter than the midsize RX, 5.7 inches longer than the compact NX, and has a lower roofline than both.
Technology and features
infotainment system with a touchscreen
It’s not the most prominent display in the premium electric car market, measuring 14 inches diagonally, but it’s still huge. It allows Lexus to keep the remainder of the RZ 450e’s interior neat by transferring several tasks that formerly needed physical buttons.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.
The entry-level Premium model has standard cable-free phone integration, wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and five USB-C ports.
Panorama presentation
This is sometimes an option on other vehicles, but it comes standard on the new RZ 450e electric SUV, giving you a 360-degree view of your surroundings.
Mark Levinson provides the voice.
The RZ 450e, like every other new Lexus, comes with an optional Mark Levinson audio system, which is one of the most stunning in the automotive industry. A 13-speaker, 1,800-watt surround sound system is available.
Park Advanced
This optional function handles the steering, acceleration, and braking when driving into and out of tight parking spots.
Dampers that respond to frequency
They are an innovative shock absorber that gives exceptional handling stability without the traditional trade-off where ride quality suffers. They were first used on a Lexus car.
Transmission and engine
Two electric motors, one for each axle, provide primary electric all-wheel drive (which Lexus refers to as Direct 4). They produce a total of 308 horsepower when combined. The front engine produces 196 lb-ft of torque, while the rear produces 124 lb-ft and 320 lb-ft.
Power may be transferred between the front and rear wheels depending on the circumstances and needs. For example, the outriggers get 80% of the traction and efficient acceleration while leaving a bend. For maximum efficiency, the front wheels sometimes perform most of the work. The driver is unaware of what is going on. Transitions are seamless.
Dual electric motors
308 total horsepower
320 pound-feet of combined torque
The EPA estimates city/highway fuel efficiency at 115/98 mpg (18-inch wheels) and 102/87 mpg (20-inch wheels).
EPA: 220 miles on 18-inch wheels; 196 miles on 20-inch wheels.
More information about the scope and efficiency is accessible on the EPA’s website. The warranty period of 4 years or 50,000 miles
Lexus’ standard new-car warranty is four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first—a typical arrangement among premium vehicles. The warranties are six years or 70,000 miles, longer than many European premium brands. An 8-year, 100,000-mile guarantee covers the battery of the RZ 450e.
