The battery-electric era is here for the Japanese luxury giant.
- The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is the first battery-electric Lexus that’s headed for production.
- Lexus says the dual-motor EV should hit dealers before the end of 2022.
- The Lexus RZ 450e rides on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X.
Amid Toyota’s push for a deeper investment into the electric future, Lexus is hitting the heart of the marketplace with its first battery-electric vehicle. As we expected, the new Lexus carries the RZ name and the 450e badge, effectively making this the RZ 450e. This all-electric Lexus might not be the first EV to market, but it is part of Toyota’s bigger picture of expanding its presence in the EV space.
As expected, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will ride on the same structure that underpins Toyota’s bZ4X. This e-TNGA platform carries the same 71.4-kWh battery that you’ll find in the less luxurious Toyota. The motors, too, are similar if not the same. Lexus hasn’t revealed combined figures but says the front motor sends 201 hp to the front axle and the rear motor can send 107 hp to the rear.
With two motors, Lexus is using its creative eAxle and Direct4 system to send power where the car needs it most. This system is capable of splitting power completely to the drive axle it deems appropriate and takes input from wheel speed, steering angle, and throttle position to help make those decisions for you. Though, the sheer performance might be less important than the advertised range, which Lexus estimates at 225 miles on a single charge.
Keeping the tires in contact with the ground, Lexus is using a MacPherson strut style front suspension with a trailing arm double-wishbone setup at the rear. While the suspension design isn’t uncommon for Lexus, the team opted to use frequency response dampers for the first time. These dampers can alter the damping force on the extension stroke and should help give drivers a better sense of control.
Wrapping all of this is new sheetmetal bespoke to the RZ lineup. Despite having no engine, Lexus stuck with its familiar spindle grille at the RZ 450e’s front. This grille is more of an aesthetic choice than a necessary one but does keep the Lexus in line with its other products. As you’d expect with an EV, Lexus played close attention to how the RZ 450e’s shape affected the aerodynamics. Using an underbody pan and a ducktail spoiler at the rear help manipulate the air and make the SUV better fight through the air.
Interior of Lexus RZ 450e.
Lexus
On the inside, things will get interesting. Even though Lexus keeps the steering wheel instead of opting for the psychokinetic solution, the RZ 450e eventually will go wireless for its steering in the US. It’s unclear if Lexus will stick with the traditional round wheel, or replace it with the steer-by-wire yoke design found on its Toyota cousin (expect the yoke), but Lexus is getting the system.
The overall interior design is relatively minimalist. Sure, there’s a massive 14-inch screen placed in the dash that handles your infotainment needs and a digital gauge cluster that relays important driving information, but it doesn’t leap into the future like the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen. Sitting at the base of the media screen is a series of dials that control the radio volume and the climate controls.
Lexus RZ 450e.
Lexus
Like most modern luxury cars, this Lexus RZ 450e will come with a suite of active safety and convenience features as standard equipment. Packing the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, this RZ 450e will come with a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and Emergency Driving Stop Systems included at no extra charge. Also included is an adaptive cruise control system, which should make your commute a little easier.
Lexus confirms the RZ 450e is coming before the end of the year, but hasn’t mentioned the price. With the Toyota bZ4X starting at $43,215, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this Lexus start north of $50,000.
Keyword: The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Ushers In a New Age for Lexus