Lexus has presented the new RZ, its first BEV model that will be available worldwide. The electric SUV is based on the e-TNGA platform and is thus a sister model of the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra.
The powertrain is already known from the two models mentioned: As in the bZ4X, the mid-size SUV RZ 450e will be available with either a 150 kW front-wheel drive or an all-wheel-drive combining two electric drives with 80 kW each. Lexus calls the all-wheel-drive “Direct4”, but it is likely to be similar in essence to the Toyota system.
The battery has an energy content of 71.4 kWh and should enable WLTP ranges of around 450 kilometres. Lexus does not specify the maximum DC charging power; Toyota’s is given as 150 kW. Charging to 80 per cent should take around 30 minutes.
Instead of individual technical data, the Japanese company emphasises the character of the RZ and what influence the pure BEV platform has on the vehicle. The e-TNGA is said to enable “outstanding driving performance”, the drive uses the “technology cultivated over many years with HEVs”, says Lexus. In addition, the special BEV design with its aerodynamics should contribute to the driving performance.
Also important, according to Lexus, the RZ has achieved “a balance between sound generation and a very quiet interior” – which is “the DNA of Lexus”. A sound generator is said to “seamlessly communicate changes in vehicle state to the driver”. Like the bZ4X, the Lexus RZ will also be offered with a steer-by-wire system, which is said to enable a “new, stronger human-machine connection”. The extremely flattened steering wheel is said to feel like the reins of a horse in the hand: The cockpit has been designed around the new concept of “Tazuna”, the Japanese word for “reins”.
“We believe that Lexus, an established luxury car manufacturer, should continue to pursue the development of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a CO2-neutral society,” says Takashi Watanabe, chief engineer for Lexus’ electrified vehicles. “The RZ was developed with the aim of creating a unique Lexus BEV that feels safe to drive, feels comfortable to drive and is exciting to drive.”
The RZ is 4.81 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.64 metres high. Lexus gives the wheelbase as 2.85 metres, which is now rather average for an electric vehicle of this size – shorter cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 come in at a smooth three metres wheelbase. However, this gives the Lexus RZ classic SUV proportions rather than the Hyundai’s novel look with extremely short overhangs. The RZ, on the other hand, has a rather long front bonnet and also longer overhangs.
According to Lexus, the side and rear design is meant to “express the dynamics of electrification technology”, while the exterior colours are meant to reinforce the BEV character. Nevertheless, the RZ is immediately recognisable as a Lexus – the designers have dispensed with the usual large radiator grille, but the trapezoidal shape is still clearly visible in the front design.
Lexus has not yet given any information on boot capacity or a possible towing capacity, and prices are also not yet known. However, the Lexus is likely to be positioned above the bZ4X, which can be reserved in Germany at prices starting at 47,490 euros before environmental bonus.
After the debut electric car UX 300e, which was only available in selected markets, the RZ 450e is the second battery-electric car from Lexus. However, the RZ is the first electric Lexus based on an all-electric platform and does not have to make such compromises as the combustion-based UX 300e.
Moreover, as mentioned, the RZ is to be sold worldwide – and thus be a harbinger of the electric future for Lexus. Toyota’s premium brand is known to want to offer only electric cars from 2035. “We believe that the Battery EV will become the future symbol of Lexus,” said Koji Sato, Chief Brand Officer at Lexus, when presenting the plans in December.
global.toyota, discoverlexus.com
Keyword: Lexus presents its first globally available BEV