Lexus revealed its new RZ 450e fully electric SUV overnight, the first dedicated EV to be offered by the premium Japanese manufacturer.
The RZ 450e shares plenty of its DNA with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. It’s built on the same e-TNGA platform and comes with similar proportions and design elements.
The new model further shores up Lexus’ plug-in offerings. The brand recently launched its first EV, the UX 300e, as well as its NX 450h plug-in hybrid.
As per the brand’s earlier teaser images, the RZ appears more sculpted and sharp than its Toyota and Subaru siblings. Its contrast black wheel-arch extensions are less prominent, with the duckbill rear spoiler and a version of the brand’s signature ‘spindle’ grille also appearing.
The differences between the premium-leaning Lexus and its more affordable cousins extends beyond cosmetics. The RZ 450e also shapes up as a more powerful and capable SUV.
All models come with dual motors as standard. With the front motors producing 150kW and the rear motors 80kW, Lexus claims an outright output of 230kW and 435Nm. That’s a significant rise over the 160kW/309Nm of the dual-motor bZ4X and Solterra, and helps the model accelerate to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
This powertrain is paired to a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, which Lexus claims is good for a range of up to 450km on the J-WLTC cycle, or a 20km loss relative to the bZ4X. It’s also all-wheel drive; the new nameplate representing the debut of Lexus’ new Direct4 AWD system.
The interior has the same ‘similar but different’ look as the exterior, as the RZ 450e adopts a lot of the same hardpoints and tech elements but with a different layout. As with the bZ4X, a ‘yoke’ ‘One-Motion Grip’ steering wheel is optional.
Cabin creature comforts include a 14-inch touchscreen, a radiant heating system for front occupants, an optional self-dimming panoramic sunroof, and striking ambient lighting in the door cards.
On top of this, Lexus offers the model with its Lexus Safety System 3.0 suite. This active and passive safety package includes a pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control system that share information with the driver monitor system, as well as doors that won’t open if they sense an approaching vehicle or cyclist.
Lexus Australia has told press that it would “love to get” the RZ 450e. However it has yet to formally confirm the model for the market, or name an estimated arrival time. Over the ditch in New Zealand, the RZ 450e is expected to land in early 2023.
