Lexus has introduced the brand’s first dedicated EV – the RZ 450e – for the North American market built on the e-TNGA platform. The posher alternative to the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra EVs does not just change badges. It has its own design, trappings, and even some of its tech.
First, on the exterior styling front, compared with its mainstream siblings, the luxury crossover SUV gets less body cladding, a different greenhouse, and the altered shape of the headlights. Furthermore, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e has unique character lines, wheel design, and roof spoiler.
2023 Lexus RZ 450e Interior
Lexus cars are famous for their upscale interiors, and the RZ 450e does not deviate from its traditional standpoint. The Lexus EV gets a big 14-inch touchscreen using the Lexus Interface infotainment system that the automaker lately introduced for the NX and LX.
Thankfully, the new hardware ditches the much-criticized mouse-like multi-controller. Additionally, the buyers can opt for a panoramic roof with the brands-first dimming feature, along with radiant heaters created to keep the passenger’s knees warm.
A Lexus with a yoke-style steering wheel?
Sitting in the cockpit, the first thing drivers would feel different will be a yoke-style steering wheel, the same as we find in the Tesla Model S. It will be accessible in the U.S. at a later date so that the initial models will come with a conventional steering wheel and system.
If you have seen the interiors of the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, you will find subtle differences in the RZ, like fewer quick shortcuts on the center console, different positions of the air vents, horizontal side vents instead of vertical, and fewer controls on the floating console, etc.
New Lexus RZ Power & Range
- Power: 308 horsepower
- Torque: 321 lb-ft
- Cruise Range: up to 225 miles
- Battery Capacity: 71.4kWh
- Electric Output: Front – 150 kW; Rear – 80 kW
- Length: 4,805 mm, 189 inches
- Width: 1,895 mm, 74.6 inches
- Height: 1,635 mm, 64.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 2,850 mm, 1,12.2 inches
- Tire Size: 18/20 inches
The all-new RZ 450e’s powertrain consists of a 71.4-kWh battery pack and two electric motors—the front one generates 150 kW, and the rear one creates 80 kW. Together, these produce 230 kW, which is 93 hp more than the Subaru Solterra AWD and the Toyota bZ4X AWD, which both yield 215 hp.
Lexus RZ vs Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra
The RZ will be an all-wheel-drive-only EV, much like the Subaru Solterra. Lexus calls the AWD system “Direct4”, which can dynamically divide torque to the rear while cornering. Regarding torque, the RZ is better than its two siblings at 321 lb-ft (435 Nm) against 249 lb-ft (336 Nm).
However, the driving range of 225 miles (362 kilometers) is a tad less than that of the bZ4X AWD, which delivers 228 miles (XLE). Similarly, the Solterra can cover 228 miles on the Premium trim. That said, both the bZ4X and Solterra, with their higher-level trims, offer just 222 miles.
The lower mileage for the upper-spec trims is due to the extra equipment they own, making them weightier. Another significant point is the bigger wheels for the high-end trims. The US-spec RZ will come with 18-inch alloys. Here’s a look at our other Lexus SUV reviews and news.
Safety
The 2023 RZ comes with a host of active safety features under the umbrella of Lexus Safety System Plus 3.0. Expect the EV to include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Selecting the optional driver monitor, the luxury crossover can be had with a Pre-Collision System, which keeps an eye on the driver’s behavior and warns them when the system detects their unresponsiveness.
2023 RZ 450e Price
Expect the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e to hit the showrooms in North America before the end of this year. The pricing information will be available before the on-sale date, and we definitely expect to pay more than the bZ4X, which retails between $44,080 and $46,700 in the U.S..
