Premium take on Toyota bZ4X sits on the same platform but gets sharper looks and high-grade cabin
Lexus has provided more images of its incoming all-electric 2022 Lexus RZ 450e ahead of its official launch next year that will see it challenge the likes of the Tesla Model Y for the first time.
Heavily inspired by the Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept that was unwrapped in March, the production RZ 450e was seen for the first time earlier this week as the Japanese brand announced it would become a full-electric brand by 2035.
But with fresh photographs released overnight, we can now get a better look at the production RZ, which has toned down some of the show car’s looks.
There’s a wider pair of conventional headlights, a less rakish silhouette, a pair of conventional door mirrors, regular door handles and smaller wheels.
The production car also misses out on the concept’s race car-style rear diffuser.
What does remain is an enclosed take on the firm’s trademark spindle grille, a coupe-style roofline and high-mounted full-width rear LED tail-lights.
Since it was developed alongside both the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, the RZ 450e also sits on Toyota’s e-TNGA architecture that has been created specifically for battery-electric cars.
As standard, the Lexus comes with dual electric motors and will be equipped with Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive system that employs torque vectoring to enhance agility.
Lexus has yet to confirm official specs for the production car, but it’s thought the RX 450e might match the LF-Z Electrified’s 90kWh battery that provides up to 600km between top-ups.
There’s no word on power, but range-topping versions could produce as much as 300kW, with a 150kW electric motor mounted on each axle.
The RZ 450e is expected to go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2022, with an Australian launch likely late next year or in the first half of 2023.
Keyword: Electric Lexus RZ 450e shown in full