Lexus has unveiled its first all-new EV, the Lexus RZ 450e. This new SUV will sit alongside the full-size Lexus RX SUV in the brand's lineup, and it will share many components with the upcoming Toyota bZ4X.
The 2023 RZ 450e is set to go on sale at the end of the year. Pricing information has yet to be released.
The RZ 450e has a single powertrain that produces 308bhp (201bhp front, 107bhp rear) and 435Nm of torque. The company claims that this is enough to propel the car from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 99 mph. The battery capacity is 71.4kWh, which equates to more than 250 miles between charges; Lexus says it is aiming for a kWh/100km figure of "below 18," which equates to at least 3.4 miles per kWh.
In terms of styling, the RZ 450e takes an evolution of Lexus' spindle grille and extends its effect up through the central part of the bonnet via a color that can also be installed on the roof. The surfacing along the flanks is particularly complex, presumably in the name of aerodynamic efficiency, with a noticeable extra crease that kicks up near the C-pillar. The cabin, according to Lexus, should provide passenger space comparable to that of a car in the class above, and while a boot capacity has yet to be certified, it is expected to be around 500 litres.
To give the wheels a more rugged appearance, they are enhanced with plastic cladding. The RZ gets a sloping roofline and small 'winglets' at the back to make the car as slippery as possible through the air.
A gloss black panel on the C-pillar on the Lexus RZ 450e creates the illusion that the roof is floating. Entry-level models will have 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher-spec vehicles will have 20-inch alloy wheels.
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The interior receives the brand's most recent infotainment system, which replaces the old touchpad setup with a sleek 14-inch touchscreen. This features digitized, physical climate controls, as well as a fully digital instrument cluster for the driver.
The optional 'yoke' steering wheel is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the RZ's interior. Similar to what is found in the most recent Tesla Model X.
