Lexus RZ – The Lexus journey towards electrified-only powertrains gathers speed in May when the RZ 450e – the brand’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the first built on a dedicated all-electric platform – arrives in local showrooms.
The all-new, mid-size SUV – first seen in Australia as the star display vehicle at the Lexus Melbourne Cup last November – delivers big on Lexus signature values of refined luxury and takumi craftsmanship, enhanced now with serene driving and zero tailpipe emissions.
With the RZ 450e, Lexus advances towards its aim of only offering Hybrid, PHEV and BEV luxury vehicles in Australia by 2030.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive, John Pappas, said the RZ 450e was designed from the outset to be a Lexus first and foremost; using the benefit of zero-tailpipe emission BEV technology to reinvent the Lexus Driving Signature.
“The RZ 450e is a milestone vehicle for Lexus,” he said. “It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine. It goes much further to realise the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure.
“The Lexus Electrified philosophy is based upon intelligent, engineering-led solutions that add to the joy of luxury car ownership.
“The RZ 450e is ready for customers wanting the best of both worlds from Lexus, without compromise.”
Two RZ 450e grades will be offered initially: Luxury priced from $123,0001 and Sports Luxury from $135,000.
Both are powered by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery unit producing 230kW of power and providing a driving range of 470kms – making the RZ 450e a leader in terms of efficiency in the fully-electric, mid-size, luxury SUV segment.
The RZ 450e is equipped with a compact and lightweight 11 kW on-board charger. Battery recharging when connected to a three-phase power supply takes around six-and-a-half hours; connected to a DC fast-charging system, an 80 per cent recharge can be accomplished in about 30 minutes.
The RZ 450e is the first Lexus built on the e-TNGA platform, designed exclusively for a battery powertrain. Excellent body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and long wheelbase combine to provide high-quality handling and responsiveness.
The RZ 450e employs an advanced electric e-Axle for both the front and rear sets of wheels. Each e-Axle comprises its own motor, gearing and Power Control Unit (PCU) to distribute optimum power and grip to each of the four wheels as required.
The appropriate amount of torque sent to each e-Axle comes from the intelligent Lexus DIRECT4 all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which constantly processes vehicle speed, steering angle and g-forces.
DIRECT4 can adjust torque bias in milliseconds – faster than any mechanical system – enhancing the Lexus Driving Signature with faithful, predictable and confidence-inspiring handling.
The e-TNGA underpinnings also open up new freedoms in design. The exterior evolves the signature Lexus spindle grille into three-dimensional spindle body form, while the interior is a light and open space that is both elegant and luxurious.
Customers selecting the RZ 450e Luxury will notice its sleek and sporting appearance. Standard exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with static auto-levelling and headlight washers, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler, rear privacy glass and heated side mirrors and auto-dimming (driver’s side) with auto power folding function.
The stylish and comfortable interior includes NuLuxe leather trim, 8-way driver and front passenger power adjustable heated seats (driver’s with two-way lumbar power adjustment), 14-inch multimedia display, 10-speaker Panasonic audio with DAB, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ , five USB-C ports and Qi wireless phone charger.
A suite of Lexus Connected Services is standard, along with 10 airbags and a comprehensive range of safety and security features as part of Lexus Safety Sense+.
The RZ 450e Sports Luxury bolsters this already impressive level of standard specification by adding: 20-inch alloy wheels, acoustic glass, dynamic auto-levelling headlights with cornering function, two-tone exterior paint option, Ultrasuede interior trim, heated outer rear seats, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, heated steering wheel and innovative radiant heating for front seat occupants.
Extra comfort and convenience features exclusive to Sports Luxury include: three-position driver seat memory, touch sensitive steering wheel controls, head up display, adaptive high beam system, intelligent park assist, dimming panoramic roof, smart key card and 13-speak Mark Levinson® Premium Audio.
The Lexus commitment to unrivalled customer care includes complimentary home charging (already offered to UX300e BEV customers) to all RZ 450e buyers through Lexus Encore Electrified Platinum benefits11, which also includes Lexus On Demand11 and complimentary Valet Parking.
“Our brand is built on exceptional product quality integrated with unmatched customer service,” said Mr Pappas. “We enact the Japanese omotenashi hospitality principle of anticipating customers’ needs before they even realise what they require by offering complimentary home charging for all RZ 450e owners.”
Looking beyond its initial market introduction, the RZ is set to offer a new-age driving experience with innovative steer-by-wire and yoke steering wheel featuring the Lexus One Motion Grip design.
The new steering control system will provide easier and even more precise steering without sacrificing important feedback from the road surface. Further details will be made available closer to the system’s introduction.
| Model | Price1 |
| RZ 450e Luxury | $123,000 |
| RZ 450e Sports Luxury | $135,000 |
1. Manufacturer’s recommended retail prices provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included. On road costs vary from State to State and can be found by contacting the relevant government authority. Optional colours or features at additional cost.
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