We can not reduce the presentation of the new Lexus RZ 450e at the wheel, but this innovation challenges. Lexus wants to breathe new life with its new 100% electric RZ.
The Lexus RZ 450e, presented on April 20, 2022, is not the Japanese brand’s first electric model. On the other hand, it is the first to have a platform dedicated to electricity, and this changes the technical approach of the model. The RZ 450e begins Lexus’ transition to a 100% electric range, planned for Europe by 2035.
Lexus needs to prove with this novelty that the brand can offer a premium, electric and high-performance model. A vehicle that must meet both the requirements of the Japanese manufacturer’s regular customers, but also convince new customers.
A steering wheel that is not round and captures attention
With the delays announced for the arrival in Europe of the new Tesla Model S, equipped with the famous Yoke steering wheel, it is Lexus which could well be the first to deliver in 2023 models equipped with this type of steering wheel.
Beyond the shape of the steering wheel, the entire steering system is innovative. Between the steering wheel and the wheels, there is no mechanical link or traditional steering column, but an electronic connection called One Motion Grip. Lexus communicates instant steering response and increased precision. If the steering wheel can take this “butterfly” shape, to use the elements of the brand, it is because you don’t need to put a lot of angle on the steering wheel to turn. There remains the question of maneuvers at low speed which inevitably intrigues, as long as we have not tested these new steering wheels in practice.
It remains an option, you can perfectly order a Lexus RZ without this Steer-by-Wire steering wheel, if you fear being too confused.
The premium cousin of Toyota’s BZ4X
Even if the aesthetic style moves away from what the Toyota BZ4X and the Subaru Solterra offer, the Lexus RZ shares the same electric platform (e-TNGA) as these models.
We find on the Lexus RZ, the “e-Axles” engines developed for the Lexus UX 300e. The combination of the two engines offers up to 230 kW (313 hp) of power, with 150 kW (204 hp) at the front and 80 kW (109 hp) at the rear. Both engines are mated to intelligent all-wheel drive (DIRECT4) which should bring both performance and safe behavior to this model.
The RZ is equipped with a 71.4 kW battery, which should offer up to 400 km of autonomy, for a consumption of less than 18 kWh/100 km depending on the brand. Information regarding charging capacities is not yet known at the time of the announcements.
An element concerning the battery is interesting to know. Lexus promises that the batteries will still offer at least 90% of their capacity after 10 years of driving. While other manufacturers have lower ceilings, around 70 or 80% capacity, and over shorter periods, Lexus seems to mark the difference.
A premium indoor environment
Prices are not yet communicated, but do not expect an affordable SUV. Lexus targets a premium clientele, offering a refined interior environment.
This requires extensive work on the soundproofing of the vehicle and its road behavior. It’s also a whole way of thinking about the driver’s environment with a cockpit that offers good comfort to the person behind the wheel.
Lexus also takes care of certain details, such as the blackout panoramic roof, which allows the click of a good button to reflect some of the sun’s rays. In summer, this prevents the car from being overheated by the glazed roof wall, and therefore leads to excessive air conditioning consumption. It is also a radiant heating system that provides comfort for the occupants, while being less energy-intensive than more traditional solutions.
Technology, comfort, innovations, this new Lexus RZ piques curiosity. While waiting to learn more about its next electric sports car, which currently has no equivalent, one might think that Lexus is trying to divert the attention of German premium buyers in its favor with its RZ.