Lexus has fully revealed the RZ, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. The crossover is scheduled to go on sale at the end of 2022 as a 2023 model. There’s only gonna be one variant at launch: RZ 450e.
For the uninitiated, the RZ is a Lexus-ized version of the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, which are already on sale in several markets around the world. The exterior styling of the vehicle was revealed in December 2021, so we are not gonna talk about it again here; if you like the modern Lexuses, you’ll like this one too.
The vehicle measures 4,805 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,635 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. 18-inch wheels come standard while the range-topping trim gets 20-inch ones. One of the key features of the RZ is something called Frequency Reactive Dampers, a Lexus first, which are frequency-sensitive absorbers that alter the dampening force in response to road surface frequency inputs.
Inside, the cockpit design is also pretty unique compared with that of the bZ4X and Solterra. However, you do get the same optional yoke-like steering. Other key features include an e-Latch system (one-touch electronic door release) with Safe Exit Assist; a 14-inch touchscreen; dimmable panoramic roof; radiant heaters (positioned at knee-level) for front passengers, and active sound control which uses the car audio speakers to produce artificial powertrain sound.
Standard assistance systems include Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Emergency Driving Stop System. The optional Advanced Park with remote function expands support for parallel parking.
As with the bZ4X and Solterra, the RZ 450e is also an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a motor at each axle. However, the combined figures are more than those of the cheaper siblings, I guess for obvious reasons: 230 kW (313 metric hp) and 435 Nm (321 lb-ft). The battery pack is the same 71.4 kWh, which is estimated to offer a WLTP combined range of over 400 km (248.5 mi); for the U.S. market, the estimate is 225 mi (362 km) with 18-inch tires.
As for the official performance figures, for those who care, Lexus claims a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments that are unrelated to the post above get automatically filtered into the trash bin.
