300hp+ Lexus RZ BEV breaks cover, boasts over 400km range

lexus-rz-450e

Lexus has finally unveiled its first battery electric vehicle, the 2023 RZ 450e, revealing more details about the highly anticipated fully-electric SUV from Toyota’s luxury division.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What battery powers the RZ 450e?

    The Lexus RZ 450e is powered by a 71.4kWh high-performance battery.
  • When will it go on sale?

    Per Lexus, the RZ 450e is expected to go on sale later this year.
  • In a recent press release, Lexus reveals that the all-new electric SUV will be powered by two motors, working in conjunction with a 71.4kWh battery. The one at the front end makes a hair over 200 horses while the one at the rear puts out a little over 100 for a combined maximum power output of more than 300 horsepower.

    Compared to its cousin, the Toyota bZ4X, or its distant relative, the Subaru Soltera, the Lexus RZ 450e offers more power. Toyota’s BEV packs 201 horses while Subaru’s take on an electrified SUV boasts 215 horses at best.

    lexus-rz-450e-2

    In terms of range, the Lexus RZ 450e is at par with the two abovementioned models with the US-spec BEV SUV clocking in at around 255 miles (410 kilometers) on a single charge.

    Complementing the powerful electric motors and the decent EV range is a Lexus-branded all-wheel-drive system dubbed Direct4. According to the Nagoya-based car brand, the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system contributes to improved start-up acceleration, handling stability, and low power consumption.

    Per Lexus, the Direct4 system allows the RZ 450e to deliver superior handling and stability in most driving conditions.

    lexus-rz-450e-4 lexus-rz-450e-3

    With Lexus being a luxury brand, it’s somewhat expected for the RZ 450e to offer upscale interior amenities. Its list of features includes a voice command-capable 14-inch infotainment system, a panoramic roof equipped with dimming function, radiant heaters to comfortably warm the passenger’s knees, seats finished with Ultrasuede (an upholstery material made using 30 percent bio-based sustainable materials), and an interior illumination technology that changes the shade of light projected on to the door trim ornament when the doors are opened and closed.

    Similarly, Lexus also gave the RZ 450e a relatively strong suite of advanced safety technologies and driving nannies. These include standard pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and emergency driving stop system, among others.

    “We believe that Lexus, an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society. The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive. Direct4, the core technology of ‘Lexus Electrified,’ is an all-wheel-drive system that achieves quick and linear response according to driver input. We will continue to take on the challenge of providing customers with new experiences and a uniquely Lexus BEV driving experience,” said Lexus International Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe.

    lexus-rz-450e-1

    The pricing for the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is yet to be revealed but is expected to be announced soon as the BEV SUV is scheduled to go on sale towards the end of 2022.

    Photos from Lexus

    Also read: 

    2022 Lexus NX ushers in brand’s next chapter

    WATCH: Lexus kicks off ‘No Moment Too Big’ campaign for 2022 LX 600 SUV

    Lexus shares images of BEV concept vehicle lineup

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Lexus Cars

    Lexus Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • WATCH: Lexus highlights TX SUV in new ‘Wicked’ short video
      WATCH: Lexus highlights TX SUV in new ‘Wicked’ short video
      Paulo Papa . Oct 30, 2024
    • Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jan 31, 2024
    • Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jan 31, 2024
    • Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jan 31, 2024
    • Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Lexus global sales more than doubled in 2023
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jan 31, 2024
    • Experience luxury customer service and Omotenashi with the Lexus Accredited Dealership program
      Experience luxury customer service and Omotenashi with the Lexus Accredited Dealership program
      Roy Robles . Mar 07, 2023
    • Spec-checking the stylish and luxurious all-new Lexus NX
      Spec-checking the stylish and luxurious all-new Lexus NX
      Dylan Afuang . Jun 30, 2022
    • Luxury liners: Toyota Alphard vs. Lexus LM 350
      Luxury liners: Toyota Alphard vs. Lexus LM 350
      Dylan Afuang . Jan 20, 2022
    • Evolving elegance: The history of the Lexus ES
      Evolving elegance: The history of the Lexus ES
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Sep 20, 2021
    • How the Lexus IS became the definitive sport sedan
      How the Lexus IS became the definitive sport sedan
      Hazel Nicole Carreon . Aug 20, 2021