Lexus Australia has confirmed its RZ 450e SUV – the luxury brand’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV) will be sold in Australia from next year.
According to Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas the zero-emission RZ SUV will be in local showrooms from mid-2023.
Guests attending the Lexus pavilion at this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup will enjoy an exclusive preview of a static display vehicle, with the RZ making its local debut at the Australian cultural and sporting event.
“Our customers have been excited by the RZ ever since its global reveal back in April,” Pappas says.
“I am delighted to confirm the RZ as the next offering in the Lexus Electrified portfolio in Australia. This is a luxury SUV for customers wanting the latest in zero-emission technology and innovative design.
“The RZ expands our portfolio of electrified vehicles, moving closer to our ultimate goal of a sustainable society.
“This zero-emission Lexus also evolves the Lexus Driving Signature of intuitive, smooth and faithful driving performance, now with exceptional refinement and quietness,” he says.
The RZ 450e showcases advanced technologies and innovation developed through more than 15 years of Lexus expertise in electric motor, battery and energy management.
Lexus was the first carmaker to imagine an electrified luxury SUV when it launched the pioneering RX 400h, sold in Australia from 2006.
The RZ breaks new ground as the first BEV from Lexus built from a clean-sheet design. It uses a specific (e-TNGA) platform that allows the batteries and motor to be placed low to the ground for optimal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.
The new all-wheel-drive Direct4 control system incorporates electrification technology to take the Lexus Driving Signature to higher levels. Using acceleration, cornering-speed and steering-angle information, it automatically adjusts front-rear torque delivery and braking force to all four wheels to maximise grip, stability and comfort.
Customers can expect a single-charge driving range of approximately 450km1 thanks to the use of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, Lexus-first silicon carbide elements in the inverters and the incorporation of low-loss technologies.
The spacious interior is based on the human-centred tazuna concept of building the cabin around the driver, with intuitive placement of controls for ease of operation as well as welcoming all occupants with thoughtful appointments.
The RZ 450e takes the Lexus Electrified portfolio to nine vehicles, joining six hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV) and the fully electric UX 300e (BEV).
Lexus Australia leads the way in sales of luxury cars with electrified powertrains, with almost half (47.3%) of Lexus sales in the first nine months of 2022 being either HEV, PHEV or BEV.
Final RZ Australian specification and pricing will be announced closer to its introduction next year.
