Lexus RZ450e pricing revealed
The Lexus RZ 450e is Lexus’ completely new, designed from the ground up, battery electric vehicle, and New Zealand pricing has now been confirmed.
Mar 29, 2023
The Lexus RZ 450e is Lexus’ completely new, designed from the ground up, battery electric vehicle, and New Zealand pricing has now been confirmed.
Lexus is accelerating its Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) development with a new approach as the marque continues to lead the charge when it comes to electrified options. Specifically, it will develop next-generation BEVs by 2026, with a focus on optimising everything in the car for the battery electric powertrain.
To be driven by a 150kW front motor and 80kW rear motor with the power sourced from a lithium-ion 71.4kWh battery, the forthcoming RZ 450e will be the halo model of Lexus' new approach. The vehicle will feature a new design, sleek, sharp lines and an aerodynamic silhouette to help express the vehicle’s athletic personality.
Lexus says the manufacturer's all-wheel drive system, DIRECT4, will deliver a refined, human-centered driving experience that heightens the senses.
While the side profile of the RZ will be unmistakably Lexus, 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 e-TNGA platform, which gives Lexus the flexibility to create a range of vehicles with different motor sizes, battery types and drive systems.
In production now and due in New Zealand in May 2023, the RZ 450e will be available in New Zealand in two variants – Core and Dynamic – with an optional two-tone exterior colour scheme available for the Dynamic variant. The RZ 450e Core will be priced at $141,600 plus on-road costs, while the RZ 450e Dynamic will be priced at $151,600 plus on-road costs. The two-tone colour option will cost $2000.
The Dynamic variant adds two dozen more features including 20” black and machined faced alloy wheels (up from 18” for the Core), a power dimming panoramic roof, adaptive high-beam headlights, Ultrasuede seat fabric (Synthetic Leather for the Core) and a head-up display.
Lexus New Zealand says six exterior colour choices will be available – Ether Metallic, Sonic Copper, Graphite Black, Sonic Shade, Sonic Quartz,
and Sonic Iridium – as well as three two-tone choices for the Dynamic grade RZ.
Both variants adopt new eAxle technology integrating the transaxle, motor generator, and inverter with 230kW total output (150kW front and 80kW rear motor). The DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system controls front and rear drive force according to driving and road surface conditions. All variants include a 750kg tow rating.
The approximate driving range is 470km (NEDC).