Newly revealed Lexus RZ accelerates brand to fully electrified future
The all-new battery electric Lexus RZ 450e has been unveiled, revealing the next stage in the brand’s electrified future.
Apr 22, 2022
Under the Lexus Electrified banner, the premium Japanese carmaker plans to offer a full line-up of battery electric vehicles by 2030.
With an anticipated battery range of approximately 450km from a full charge, the RZ 450e is expected to launch in the New Zealand market in early 2023.
With the global reveal of the all-new battery electric Lexus RZ 450e, Lexus has given the world a glimpse into the future of Lexus Electrified as it accelerates towards a full line-up of BEVs by 2030.
Newly designed and developed from the ground up, the new Lexus RZ will be the first completely new battery electric vehicle from Lexus and prefaces the future direction of the Japanese luxury brand.
The reveal of more details of the RZ follows the announcement in December 2021 that Lexus is working towards the goal of 100% BEV global sales by 2035, with a full range of BEVs available across all categories by 2030.
Revealed to international media earlier in the week, the Lexus RZ heralds a new direction in Lexus’ signature design elements, a new powertrain, and a leap forward in dynamic performance that, says the company, delivers a palpable connection between driver and the road.
The car debuts new DIRECT4 technology, which Lexus says achieves an unparalleled driving experience that intuitively responds to the driver’s intentions while effectively controlling the drive force of all four wheels in a variety of driving situations.
The new design of Lexus electrification product allows the transition from the grille concept to a ‘spindle’ grille architecture expression that uses the entire vehicle body. The BEV's unique packaging enables it to achieve the comfort and cabin volume of an SUV, while still offering a sleek design. While the side profile of the RZ will be unmistakably a Lexus SUV, the RZ front and rear will feature a new Lexus Electrified look with sleek lines and sharply angled lights.
The RZ is built on a new dedicated BEV e-platform called e-TNGA. This gives Lexus the flexibility to create a range of vehicles with different motor sizes, battery types and drive systems.
Driven by electricity and featuring new safety technology, the Lexus RZ will also stay true to the Lexus brand concepts of brave design, omotenashi (hospitality) and takumi craftsmanship.
More details about the Lexus RZ will be available closer to the new electric model's New Zealand launch in early 2023
Lexus New Zealand General Manager Andrew Davis says the new RZ BEV is an evolution of the Lexus Driving Signature using full battery electrification technology.
"As Lexus' first dedicated BEV, the Lexus RZ embodies our vision for the future of electrification," he says. "The RZ revealed today is the first of an all-new line up of battery electric vehicles that combine all new electrified power trains with the exhilarating Lexus driving experience."