Photo : Lexus | Toyota
If you’re in the car market looking for a Lexus electric vehicle (EV), you’ll love to hear this.
Lexus recently unveiled the details of its new “RZ,” the vehicle brand’s first globally-available pure battery EV (BEV) model.
As the EV is still in its prototype stage, Lexus didn’t mention a specific or even an estimated date of the car’s release.
Lexus RZ Specifications
According to Lexus’ announcement, The RZ marks the brand’s transition into a BEV-centered brand while embodying its unique vehicle design and driving experience brought on by advanced electrification technology.
The BEV is said to be 4.8 meters long, around 1.9 meters wide, and approximately 1.6 meters high. It has a 71.4kWh battery capacity and a cruising range of approximately 280 miles. It also comes equipped with Toyota’s DIRECT4, a new all-wheel-drive force distribution system that supports “predictable and faithful driving performance” based on the driver’s intentions.
Additionally, the front of the car will have a 150 kW output while the back part has an 80 kW output.
The car comes with a stronger, “human-machine connection,” which is a new feature made possible through a Steer-by-Wire system.
Furthermore, the car is said to achieve an excellent driving performance and a balance between sound generation and very quiet interior space, which is said to be the DNA of Lexus.
Speaking of interior space, Engadget mentioned that the car is a manifestation of “omotenashi,” or the Japanese concept of overwhelming one’s guests with hospitality. Aside from the quiet interior, future car owners can expect lots of interior space and plenty of comfort for themselves and their passengers.
This particular finding is evidenced by the seemingly decent legroom rear passengers can enjoy, along with a dimming panoramic roof that makes the front and rear seats feel a little more spacious. In fact, Lexus claims its cockpit is human-centered which maximizes driving pleasure and has ambient illumination and interior colors for a comfortable interior.
Finally, the car has advanced preventative safety technology called the Lexus Safety System +. It also has Lexus Teammate for comfortable mobility and Omotenashi functions that create a comfortable space within the car.
What Lexus RZ Means To The Brand
The addition of the Lexus RZ to its portfolio is a step toward its goal of realizing “a sustainable global society.” As such, the brand wants to contribute to the future of a carbon-neutral society by offering a full lineup of BEVs in all categories by 2030. The brand also plans to attain 100% BEV sales globally by 2035.
“We believe that Lexus, 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 Takashi Watanabe, Lexus’ Chief Engineer. “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.”
Watanabe also added that the brand will continue to challenge itself to provide customers with new experiences and a uniquely Lexus BEV driving experience.
Keyword: Lexus Unveils Its First EV, the RZ — When is it Expected to Come Out?