Lexus was among the first luxury car manufacturers to introduce hybrid vehicles, yet it has been slower to enter the electric vehicle market compared to Chinese and European automakers.
At the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show, Lexus unveiled its first all-electric SUV, the RZ450e. Developed on Toyota's bZ4X platform, this mid-size vehicle slots between the NX and RX models. While the RZ450e excels in many areas typical of Lexus, how does it perform as an electric vehicle?
Exterior
The RZ450e retains the signature Lexus design language, featuring an inverted trapezoid grille, sharp LED headlights, and L-shaped daytime running lights.
Its sides are sleek and dynamic, with well-defined, muscular wheel arches. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4805mm x 1895mm x 1635mm, with a wheelbase of 2850mm.
In contrast to the rounded rear designs of many new cars, the Lexus RZ’s rear end is distinctly angular. The exaggerated design on both sides, coupled with a full-width rear light bar, significantly enhances the vehicle's recognizability. The liftback rear design and an integrated ducktail spoiler, along with a top-mounted airflow spoiler, indeed add a sense of sporty sophistication.
Interior and Comfort
The RZ450e features a minimalist yet elegant interior, with a 14.3-inch touchscreen running the latest Lexus Interface infotainment system. It's user-friendly and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s a rotary knob for the electronic gear shift, uniquely shaped and complemented by a faux wood panel in the surrounding area, creating a refined atmosphere.
The seats are both enveloping and comfortable, upholstered in premium NuLuxe synthetic leather. They also feature unique amenities like radiant knee heaters. The rear seat area, headroom, and legroom are quite spacious, with a notably flat floor.
Engine
The RZ450e is equipped with a front and a rear electric motor, forming an all-wheel-drive system. It delivers a maximum output of 308 horsepower and 400 Newton-meters of torque. The battery capacity stands at 71.4 kWh, supporting a range of 354 kilometers.
The rear badge ‘RZ 450e’ and ‘DIRECT4’ below it indicate that this is an all-wheel-drive model from the e-TNGA architecture.
The DIRECT4 electronic dynamic all-wheel-drive system, based on vehicle wheel speed, accelerator pedal, and steering angle sensors, precisely controls the distribution of drive power between the front and rear wheels. The distribution ratio varies from 0:100 to 100:0. This setup reduces vehicle pitch during acceleration and brings a more direct acceleration feel.
Around corners, the system optimizes power distribution based on curve speed and steering angle among other factors, adapting to driving conditions to enhance handling stability, making the vehicle more poised in curves.
Summary
The fiercely competitive electric vehicle market is filled with innovative models, but manufacturers with a deep automotive heritage are always cautious. The arrival of the Lexus RZ 450e is indeed eye-catching, with its solid pedigree, avant-garde design, futuristic interior, user-friendly features, and advanced platform. Lexus, having once ventured alone into the North American market, might now be set to redefine the electric vehicle landscape.