The next chapter of the Lexus Electrified vision has arrived with the launch of the RZ SUV. It’s the first fully electric vehicle the Japanese car maker has build on a dedicated EV platform and follows the success of the UX 300e.
The RZ brings Lexus a step closer in its aim of offering a fully-electrified range of Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full EV luxury vehicles in Australia by 2030. It features a new electric powertrain with e-Axle electric motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive.
The RZ launches in Australia with the choice of two grades, starting with the 450e Luxury variant from $123,000 plus on-road costs. The flagship 450e Sports Luxury asks $135,000. Both variants are powered by the same 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery.
It’s good for 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels, and offers a driving range of 470km. Instant torque and all-wheel traction allows the RZ to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.
All RZ grades come as standard with an 11kW on-board charger, which can recharge the vehicle in approximately 6.5 hours when connected to a three-phase power supply. With a DC fast charger, it can hit 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
The RZ is underpinned by the rigid and sophisticated e-TNGA platform designed exclusively for electric vehicles; providing a low centre of gravity, excellent handling balance and a long wheelbase.
Nearly two decades of Lexus expertise in battery and hybrid technology has been poured into the RZ 450e, resulting in a battery designed to perform at the highest levels and backed with a leading 10-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
A pair of electric e-Axles are mounted at the front and rear of the RZ; each comprising a motor, gearing and power control unit. The e-Axles operate in harmony with the Lexus DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system.
The combination constantly processes information including vehicle speed, steering angle and G-forces to best deploy motor torque. DIRECT4 makes precise adjustments in milliseconds for an electric take on the Lexus Driving Signature.
The result is a new dynamic benchmark where the vehicle responds faithfully to driver inputs and inspires confidence. On the outside, the RZ offers generous appointments, with the Luxury offering 18-inch alloy wheels.
It also scores LED headlights with static auto-levelling and headlight washers, LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, rear privacy glass and heated side mirrors and driver’s side auto-dimming with auto power folding function.
The strong specification continues inside with NuLuxe upholstery, eight-way driver and front passenger power adjustable seats with two-way driver lumbar adjustment, 14-inch multimedia display, and 10-speaker Panasonic audio with DAB+ digital radio.
You’ll also find wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, five USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger and a smart key card. Customer assurance is enhanced with a suite of Lexus Connected Services offered as standard.
A comprehensive range of Lexus Safety Sense+ features are also included. The flagship Sports Luxury furthers all that by adding 20-inch alloy wheels, acoustic glass, and dynamic auto-levelling headlights with cornering function.
Inside, the range topper grabs Ultrasuede interior trim, heated outer rear seats, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, heated steering wheel and the new radiant front heating feature for front passengers. A black two-tone paint option is also available.
There’s also a 13-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi premium audio system, three-position driver’s seat memory, touch sensitive steering wheel controls, head-up display, adaptive high-beam system, intelligent park assist and a dimming panoramic roof.
As part of Lexus’ dedication to top-tier customer care, each RZ comes with complimentary home charger installation, three years of complimentary charging with the Chargefox DC rapid charging network and a subscription to the Encore Platinum owner’s program.
Five years of capped-price servicing is also included. In the future, Lexus will showcase further innovative technology on RZ too, with the introduction of a state-of-the-art steer-by-wire and yoke steering wheel system.
This setup combines to form the Lexus One Motion Grip system, offering precise steering inputs and feedback without ever needing to pass the steering wheel between the hands. More information will be available closer to its Australian introduction.
To find out more, contact your local Lexus dealer. If you’re keen on one and need finance, talk to CreditOne.
