Lexus was never going to offer a carbon-copy facsimile for its first ever ground-up designed battery electric vehicle. The new RZ 450e succeeds in solidifying all the attributes that ensure the luxury brand continues to stand apart from the crowd.
Such has been its push towards fossil fuel alternatives in recent years, it almost comes as a surprise to learn that the new Lexus RZ 450e is the premium Japanese carmaker’s first ground-up designed battery electric vehicle.
The brand boasts hybridised powertrains in almost every model it sells in the Kiwi market and, with regard to some of its line-up, has done so for several model generations. Now though, as with every other manufacturer intent on making a profit, the race is on to electrify fully.
By 2050, Lexus is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the lifecycle of its entire model range. That’s not just at the ‘tail pipe’, but from the manufacturing of materials and parts, vehicle logistics, to the final disposal and recycling of older vehicles. The manufacturer has also stated 100% of its range will be EVs by 2025.
All those component parts of the ‘Lexus Electrified’ plan can’t happen without rolling up the sleeves and getting started. And putting the Lexus UX 300e to one side (as it is a full battery EV addition to an existing model, not a ground-up new vehicle), the RZ 450e is the first stepping-stone along that path.
But rather than just swap out fossil fuel running gear for electric motors and batteries and tick the box, Lexus’ approach is to get back to basics, adding all the hallmarks of what the company holds dear into the mix for this brand-new model.
Cutting through the superlatives, Lexus’ mantra can effectively be boiled down to this: a desire to engineer serious comfort and refinement, but not at the expense of engaging the driver, whether at standstill or out on the open road.
Viewed through that lens, the RZ 450e brings everything to the party.
By pure dint of the powertrain underneath its distinctively ‘Lexus’ looks, it is instantly the carmaker’s halo model for the ‘Lexus Electrified’ approach. Thus, it arrives on the showroom floor with every signature aspect of what makes it a Lexus dialled up to 11.
The RZ 450e (there are two grades to choose from – more on that in a minute) is unmistakably a Lexus, even from afar. Outside, it showcases all the sharply creased design language that translates through every model Lexus makes. The recognisable ‘Spindle’ grille is, of course, blanked out here, without the need for conventional cooling hardware within. Yet there remains no end of intricate detailing in the nose – and indeed the rear – of the new EV that carries forward the sleek design approach of other Lexus models.
Built on a new e-TNGA platform, the RZ’s high-precision motors and 71.4kWh battery are placed to help achieve ideal weight distribution. Coupled with the highly response acceleration inherent in an electric vehicle, where the normal torque delay experienced in a petrol or diesel vehicle is completely mitigated, this makes Lexus’ new halo EV super-fast off the line and responsive on the open road. Its side profile might describe that of a crossover, but in practice the RZ 450e unleashes all the traits of a hunkered down coupe at speed.
More new engineering under the sheet metal helps with this. Lexus’ new DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system controls front and rear drive force according to driving style and road surface conditions. Together with a newly developed high-output electronic axle (eAxle) motors, DIRECT4 is designed to continuously control the drive force of the RZ’s wheels. It works according to the ground contact load of the vehicle regardless of road surface and driving conditions, ensuring a responsive drive for anyone behind the wheel.
How far can you go? Our quick sprint for 66 Magazine along State Highway 8 between Clyde and Queenstown through the Kawarau Gorge didn’t test the upper limits of the WLTP tested 430-plus kilometres, but the RZ certainly presents longer road trip capabilities well beyond the city fringe.
Lexus New Zealand is launching the RZ 450e in two variants: Core and Dynamic.
Both versions offer up 230kW total output (150kW front and 80kW rear motor). While as a base the $141,600 (plus on-road costs) Core grade RZ arrives with plenty of comfort and convenience spec as standard, the Dynamic variant adds two dozen more features. These include 20” machined alloy wheels (up from 18” on the Core), a power dimming panoramic roof, adaptive high-beam headlights, Ultrasuede seat fabric and a head-up display.
The $151,600 (plus on-road costs) Dynamic trim RZ also provides the owner with the option of specifying a fetching two-tone exterior paint finish, with three colour combinations to choose from.
One aspect of owning Lexus’ first clean sheet EV that doesn’t differ from the rest of the range, is the comprehensive after sales support owners receive. Lexus’ Full Maintenance Service Plan accompanies the RZ and covers all parts and labour costs associated with the Lexus recommended service schedule for a period of four years and unlimited kilometres. Additionally, Lexus New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) have designed Lexus Plus, a special nationwide emergency service for Lexus owners offering a range of motoring and travel protection.
But there’s also even more cover for the RZ in the form of Lexus’ High Voltage Battery Warranty. The RZ 450e’s Lexus Electric Drive Motor High Voltage Battery is warranted for eight-years or 160,000 kilometres from the date of first registration. The warranty covers the battery against failure or abnormal capacity degradation above 30% and forms an extension to the new vehicle warranty.
These are exciting times for the automotive industry as a whole. And with Lexus bringing credible, premium, beautifully designed options to the EV market like the RZ 450e, the future looks equally exciting for us, the drivers.
