The all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e
What would you expect?
The world looks at the Lexus RZ 450e as the marque’s first and supposedly rather late entry to electrified vehicles. You could argue though that it was there before everyone else in many many ways. And that perhaps is why its product is going to be the defining example for a good percentage of buyers.
For one thing, Lexus created the “SUV” market with the RX in 1998. They created a vehicle that answered needs and desires that consumers didn’t understand they wanted and other brands didn’t believe should exist.
For another thing, Lexus was aimed at smoothness from day one, with a V8 engine that stunned the world with its operational steadiness. Interestingly, that car had the internal code name of “F1” before it became what was known as the Lexus LS 400 in 1989.
Why is this all important? Because that smoothness of power plant is arguable the key point that the new Lexus RZ 450e brings to the automotive table. That, combined with the rock-solid Lexus reputation. And in case you think that they are late to the electric vehicle (EV) game, remember that they basically began that game (Lexus and Toyota) with hybrids, and that hybrids are more complicated because they need to integrate the two rather different systems of internal combustion and electric power, both of which have different transmission requirements.
So yes, the new RZ 450e should be pretty dialed in.
Which it is.
Hopping into the RZ is welcoming and familiar, it doesn’t feel overly modern or techy even though it does have that rather large center screen. Before things start up, everything looks somewhat normal, only with more space. The ability to use space more flexibly is one of the key advantages of battery power that people should really focus on. The RZ takes full advantage, having been designed from a blank sheet to be battery only, looking sleek from the outside (exterior dimensions between the NX and the RX) but with nice roominess inside. Take a look at the doors before you go in, they look a bit more squared-off than you might expect because they can be designed more for actual human use. Especially from the back, the way the doors open up to the space of the rear and the flatness of the floor is surprising. Before you hop in though, look between the doors at the pillars. They have a level of finish you wouldn’t usually see in something that would normally be hidden by the doors.
Starting the vehicle is of course push-button, with a fob that is familiar where you might expect something more futuristic perhaps? Lights tell you that the vehicle is ready to go, needed because there is no rumble or anything. Choosing drive means you need to push down and turn the round selector ring on the center console.
Driving off is smooth and quiet, pretty much exactly what you would expect. Lexus builds in the same calm and efficiency it always does, so no real spiciness to the experience. You can choose sport mode if you want that, it even then, it is more elegant than crazed enthusiast.
Power is provided by two new e-Axles, the motors that are positioned front and rear and work with the new DIRECT4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control system. The motors are fed by the batteries that sit beneath the cabin floor.
They have chosen technology in service to the experience. If you hit the pedal hard, you will suddenly and quietly be moving seriously faster. The RZ is built for travel, not for serious carving. The body is stable as you make sudden direction changes or wheel movements, not rigid or stiff, but not bouncy or bobbly either. Confidence inspiring but don’t be too stupid.
A very useful heads-up display when you realize it is there, easily controlled by a touch pad just off the wheel. And yes it is a wheel. The much-discussed yoke that is planned isn’t in the cars. Yet. I kind of like it this way. Speaking of the wheel, it has paddles but not for gear choices. They allow you to on-the-fly adjust energy recuperation with four levels of deceleration strengths, in other words, how the car feels and acts when you get off the accelerator pedal. In Sport mode, deceleration is stronger. This is supposed to promote more confident driving, it also obviously harvests more power that you are using up more quickly.
The RZ has the same (and expected) strengths as other models of the marque, confidence and consistency with a higher level of comfort, and a design aesthetic that is more zen than edgy. Attention to material and detail for those that appreciate it. It will come with a charger you can put in your house. Stated estimated range is 470km, acceleration to 100 kph is 5.3 seconds. Don’t think you can achieve both at the same time.
LEXUS RZ AT A GLANCE
Front Motor:
Max Output 150kW
Max Torque 66.3Nm
Rear Motor:
Max Output 80kW
Max Torque 168.5Nm
For battery and charging, Lexus quotes estimates dependent on energy amounts, outside temperature and charger specs.
The Long Life 71.4 kWh Lithium Ion Battery is expected to retain at least 90 percent of charging capacity after 10 years
AC Charging time:
Approximately 10 hours with 7kW
Approximately 6.5 hours with 11kW
DC Charging time:
Approximately 30 minutes
