Lexus’ electric strategy is being implemented step by step with the first milestone being the RZ 450e SUV, which will go on the offensive in dealerships in early 2023. Style, interior layout, let’s take a seat at its, or rather, its steering wheels during of this first static encounter.
In December 2021, Toyota launched its electric offensive with no less than 11 brand new electric vehicles unveiled simultaneously. These were concept cars. For the premium brand Lexus, let’s discover today the first standard milestone of this strategy. The RZ 450e family SUV is inserted in the range between a Lexus NX and a Lexus RX.
RZ: a new era for Lexus?
An electric vehicle at Lexus is not new, remember since the fall of 2019, the Lexus UX 300e has taken on this role in the range. But it is only a watted version of a hybrid model, born in 2018, with a gasoline engine. With the Lexus RZ 450e, the brand changes gear, this model will not have a hybrid version and for good reason, this 4.80 m family size coupé SUV is based on the specific electrical technical platform called e-TNGA and which is not designed to receive an internal combustion engine. To limit development costs, the Lexus RZ 450e shares its underbody, motors and batteries with the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Soltera. But these are not true copies, the differences are notable, starting with the format of the two “generalists”, shorter by about ten centimeters.
313 hp for the Lexus RZ 450e
Premium label requires, the Lexus RZ 450e is not only more imposing than the Toyota and Subaru, but also the best bidder in terms of power. If it also contains two electric machines, the first is 204 hp strong under the front bonnet, the second delivering 109 hp to the rear axle, when they work together, they offer a total of 313 hp against 218 hp for its cousins. In addition, the RZ 450e has all-wheel drive and ultra-fine torque management between the axles, which is already the promise of the most dynamic driving. This technological treat is the prerogative of Lexus. Conversely, the battery, with a capacity of 71.4 kW, shared by the trio Lexus, Subaru, Toyota. It is logical, it is an integral part of the structure of the floor and ensures the torsional rigidity of the vehicle.
“Lexus focuses its speech on a realistic threshold of 400 km achievable in a single charge, and on energy consumption which is below the bar of 18 kWh per 100 km.“
According to the brand, the Lexus RZ would have an appetite 15 to 20% less than that of the competition. Finally, to give customers reassurance, the battery’s durability is guaranteed for 10 years with, after this period, the promise of keeping 90% of the battery’s capacity.
A magnified style… or not
The 100% electric architecture allows Lexus designers to revisit cosmetic codes with a grille still in the shape of an hourglass but now full and framed by air inlets reduced to their simplest expression. The flanks are very worked with welcome suppleness and curves. The SUV coupe spirit is well marked at the level of the inclination of the rear window. An arrangement that counterbalances a line that continues to rise as one advances from the bow towards the stern. We will come back to it.
Seen from the back, a horizontal band gives a seat to the whole and contrasts with a shield whose lower part is very original. And to exacerbate all this, a two-tone livery which is not content with the traditional black lacquered roof?, generalized in all SUVs?, applies this dark tint to the hood – like an Opel Grandland Hybrid – and goes down to the bottom of the shield before. Difficult to bring more customization. However, this two-tone paint has not been retained on the French market where the Lexus RZ 450e will be confined to a more chic and sober monochrome bodywork. But the door is not closed.
Think big
The Lexus RZ 450e has a large wheelbase of 2.85 m specific to electric vehicles. We also spoke to you above of the ascending lines. These two elements combined offer very good access and generous space to the rear seats with a roof guard worthy of that of an MPV. The occupants of the bench seat will travel offshore in a family vehicle as desired. A king size cabin suitable for the North American market, the objective of which is to achieve 20% of sales.
But the Lexus RZ 450e mainly targets China, where half of the production should be sold there, and Europe, which should absorb a quarter of sales. The central square, soft and not encumbered by an easement tunnel, is not a punishment even for an adult. Among the practical aspects, note two USB-C type sockets and just below, a 220V socket to easily recharge your devices and peripherals.
Trick in the trunk
During this first contact with the Lexus RZ 450e, the brand did not indicate the capacity of the trunk. If we base ourselves on that of a Toyota bZ4x, namely 452 liters, it is a little below the average of the segment which claims 100 liters better. Let’s leave the theory and come back to the practice with a threshold that is not perched too high, straight sides except at the entrance, which is cut to accommodate a golf bag. There are also hooks capable of supporting 4 kg each, well placed, and a false bottom concealing the charging cable if necessary. At last, the sun visor-style rear parcel shelf which, if not rewarding, turns out to be compact when folded in half. It’s clever. Flat, on the other hand: it is not possible to fold the benches from zippers in the trunk. Shame.
An SUV: two steering wheels?
Logically, the Lexus RZ 450e uses the layout of the dashboard of the Toyota bZ4x but with an upgrade. In effect, Toyota’s 12-inch touchscreen is replaced by a 14-inch panel – from the Lexus NX – which is eye-catching. A small loan from the world of Range Rover models like the Velar, knobs whose rings cross the slab are used to adjust the air conditioning. Apart from the volume of the car radio and the defrosting controls, everything has gone to the touchscreen. Which purifies the lines of the furniture.
Storage is present above and below the arch which separates the front seats. At the steering wheel, the Lexus RZ 450e offers two possibilities. Primo, one of the most classic circular hoop. Second, to put on a show, a futuristic steering wheel, like an airplane joystick, or even like Tesla’s Yoke. This high-tech steering wheel called One Motion Grip is associated with electronic steering, a world first according to Lexus, but we remember a technology based on the same principle that was offered at Infiniti in 2013 on the Q50 sedan.
At the time it was hardly developed and it therefore did not mark the spirits. Lexus offers this technology which today must be accomplished. Anyway, it immediately has its effect and brings a high-tech touch to the vehicle. The steering will also be more direct with only a 150° angle on each side to turn the wheels as much as possible. There would be enough to take for a Formula 1 driver at the wheel of this SUV!
Moreover, the brand naturally wishes to encourage customers to opt for this exclusive steering wheel by only opening, for the moment, orders for the Lexus RZ 450e which will be equipped with it. The latter will arrive in dealerships in a year, in the spring of 2023. The impatient will have to turn to an RZ 450e with a classic steering wheel which will be available from January 2023 but which it is not yet possible to reserve.
Lexus RZ 450e review
Ultimately very little different from the concept car unveiled last December, the Lexus RZ 450e is therefore not a total surprise even if in the street his very distinct style will not leave anyone indifferent. With its well-calibrated format, the RZ will cleverly complete the range and attack rivals twice. It targets both the Audi Q4 e-tron and Audi e-tron as well as the BMW iX3 and BMW iX. While the Mercedes EQC, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model Y will also be in its sights. Lexus has not yet communicated the prices of the RZ 450e but according to our estimates, they should be around €70,000 with a range reduced to the essentials, namely a single power level and a single battery capacity. Toyota’s winning strategy for saving money.
