OVERVIEW
The RZ450e, which shares a base with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, is Lexus' entry into the EV market. Being a Lexus, it has a much more upscale interior to match its more upscale external style. Although the Lexus and the bZ4X share the same 65.6 kWh battery pack, Lexus's powertrain is a more potent dual-motor arrangement with a higher output of 308 horsepower.
This all-wheel-drive powertrain, known as Direct4 by the luxury brand, comes standard. The RZ has a slick exterior design with a floating roof, a ducktail spoiler, and aggressive headlamps. The design of the cabin is more understated, and the majority of the controls are located on a sizable 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
What Has Changed For 2023?
The RZ will be the first all-electric model from Lexus and a brand-new addition to the lineup for 2023.
2023 Lexus RZ: EV Motor And Performance
The RZ450e is propelled by an all-electric drivetrain known as Direct4 by Lexus. This dual-motor setup has a 308 horsepower rating and has all-wheel drive as standard. Although the acceleration is fairly quick, we noticed during our first test drive that it isn't as startling as that of competitors like the Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo C40 Recharge.
The RZ450e will reach 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, according to our calculations. A yoke-style steering wheel will be available as an option; a traditional circular wheel will be standard, so if you're not ready for a yoke, you can opt out. A steer-by-wire technology is standard, and Lexus has confirmed that a yoke-style steering wheel will be provided as an option.
The steer-by-wire system takes some getting used to, but once we did, it was helpful for handling. We'll update this story with the results whenever we have the chance to test the RZ at our test track.
2023 Lexus RZ: Battery Life, Charging, And Range
According to Lexus, the RZ450's 65.6-kWh battery pack, which is also used in the bZ4X and Solterra, should provide about 225 miles of driving range per charge. The RZ's onboard charger is less powerful than many competitors at 6.6 kW, and its 150 kW connections are the maximum for DC fast charging.'
2023 Lexus RZ: Interior And Comfort
Many of the dashboard's and doors' switches and buttons have been transferred to the RZ's spacious infotainment display as part of the interior's simplicity-focused design. Similar strategies have been used, with varying degrees of success, in EV models from Tesla and Polestar. In any case, the RZ's interior appears roomy for a tiny crossover and is surprisingly expensive, with the majority of its surfaces covered in imitation suede or synthetic leather.
2023 Lexus RZ: Connectivity
The RZ's dashboard is dominated by a sizable 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that resembles the one in the NX SUV with a gasoline engine. According to Lexus, the driver can use voice commands in addition to touching the screen to communicate with the system. There is also a head-up display and a digital gauge display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including wireless connectivity, are anticipated to be commonplace.
2023 Lexus RZ: Pricing
The starting MSRP for the new Lexus RZ 450e is predicted to be around $55,000 for the 450e Premium model. There are also plans for a higher-end 450e Luxury trim, which should be available for about $60,000.
Which One To Purchase?
About pricing, we can only speculate, but we believe Lexus will offer the RZ450e in both standard and F Sport trims. Although Lexus hasn't yet disclosed pricing, we do know that several desirable features, such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and more, will come standard.