Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota, has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle (BEV), the RZ 450e, which has been designed to provide a re-invented driving experience. Unlike other vehicles that merely replace a traditional engine with battery power, Lexus has incorporated new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure while maintaining its philosophy of electrification technology to improve fundamental vehicle performance. The RZ has undergone extensive testing at the Shimoyama Centre in Japan, soon to be the new global headquarters of Lexus.
The RZ is a vehicle that retains all the qualities of performance and craftsmanship that Lexus is associated with. The car boasts a powerful lithium-ion battery that is fully integrated into the chassis, and its platform and battery electric drivetrain have allowed for new freedoms in design. The exterior, an evolution of the Lexus “Next Chapter” design, combines the signature Lexus spindle shape with a seamless, emotional design inspired by driving a BEV. The RZ is also instantly recognizable as a Lexus and a BEV with proportions that reflect its dynamic character.
The RZ marks the first application of Lexus’ new e-Axles – compact motor units used at the front and rear that work in conjunction with new DIRECT4 all-wheel drive electronic torque control. The front motor produces 150 kW, and the rear motor produces 80 kW, delivering a maximum output of 230 kW. The RZ achieves excellent energy efficiency, with consumption rated at 16.8 kWh or 18.7 kWh per 100 km in the combined Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, depending on wheel size and car specifications.
Lexus engineers have also ensured that the RZ’s dynamic performance upholds the Lexus Driving Signature, which prioritises confidence, control, and comfort in all driving situations. They have maximised the benefits of BEV-specific qualities, such as fast response and high precision, making the RZ an enjoyable driving experience for everyone, even those not used to driving BEVs.
The RZ will help Lexus towards its goal of carbon neutrality and a sustainable mobility society. New methods have been adopted at Lexus’ Motomachi factory, the RZ production centre, to reduce emissions. Additionally, the RZ will come with an optional by-wire steering system that will provide easier and more precise steering without sacrificing feedback from the road surface.
The RZ 450e has been designed to offer an enhanced driving experience, and it delivers on that promise. With its impressive performance, energy efficiency, and stunning design, the RZ is set to change the electric vehicle market for the better.
