Fresh from a genuinely epic Lexus brand deep dive experience in Aix-en-Provence, South of France at the magnificent Château La Coste in the Luberon Valley accompanied with Lexus Philippines brand marketing manager Jade Sison, who herself is a very accomplished and energetic powerhouse, and the very popular unflappable social influencer James Deakin, I present to you all the all-new fully electrified Lexus RZ450e crossover. The RZ 450e is Lexus’ very first from-the-ground-up full-EV making it the harbinger for the next generation models to come from the ultra-premium brand.
The RZ 450e’s deep dynamic capabilities and unique characteristics raise the definitive qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature: Comfort, Confidence and Control. The full expansive dynamic review of the RZ 450e after over 350 kilometers of on-location testing will be featured soon in the upcoming C! Magazine issue no. 243. For now, I can share the most important salient points expressed by RZ Assistant Chief Engineer, Yushi Higashiyama and VP Area Operations Division Executive Managing Coordinator of Lexus Asia, Giri Venkatesh.
The Lexus RZ 450e features:
• Lexus’ all-new battery electric SUV is constructed on a dedicated BEV e-TNGA platform
• Introduces new advanced technologies that enhance the Lexus Driving Signature handling and performance
• Lexus-first e-Axles with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive torque control
• Lexus Next Chapter ‘Seamless e-Motion’ design realizes the opportunities of a BEV, including a new Lexus spindle body yielding a slippery .26 cd drag coefficient
• Long-life liquid-cooled, using high-resistance LLC coolant, 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery expected to retain at least 90% of its capacity after 10 years of driving
• The efficient system achieves energy consumption between 16.8 kWh and 18.7 kWh per 100 kilometers in the combined WLTP cycle using permanent magnet motors that have high power density and 17,000 rpm rotation speeds
• Further evolution of the Lexus Tazuna concept for a fully focused driver’s cockpit
• New technologies enhance life on board, including heat reflecting/insulating panoramic roof, radiant heaters and new Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system
• Full suite of safety and driver assistance features, including Lexus’ exclusive Safe Exit Assist preventing door opening into the path of vehicles and cyclists approaching from the rear
• Lexus to introduce breakthrough One Motion Grip steer-by-wire system with steering yoke on RZ
• Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD) are outfitted to the RZ’s suspension, altering the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input
• New Active Hydraulic Booster-G (AHB-G) braking system that works with the DIRECT4 system, RZ’s regenerative motors, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• New climate control system that maintains cabin air quality using nanoe X technology
• New bespoke rolling stock for maximum performance and refinement
The sharp-looking 5-seat Lexus RZ 450e shares its platform with the significantly more modest Toyota bZ4X and the more off-road-oriented Subaru Solterra. The proportional footprint of the RZ sits between the RX and the NX crossover models but with a more saloon-like orientation. The RZ measures 4,805mm long, with a 2,850mm wheelbase and short overhangs – 995mm front, 960mm rear. Overall height is 1,635mm and the width is 1,895mm (excluding door mirrors). The front motor produces 150 kW and the rear 80 kW, unified delivering the equivalent of 308hp and approximately 320 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is governed at 160 km/h while acceleration from 0-100 km/h is accomplished in 5.3 seconds.
With multiple safety redundancies in all dynamic control parameters, the Lexus exclusive DIRECT4 intelligent system constantly and seamlessly balances the drive torque between the front and rear axles. The RZ has four drive modes; Sport being the most tactile and entertaining while the polar opposite Range mode maximizes precisely that by curbing enthusiasm and climate control. The torque bias of the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system is adjusted in milliseconds – swifter than any mechanical system.
Using the onboard 11kW charger on a completely depleted battery, the RZ can charge fully in 6 hours and 30 minutes using a 3-phase AC charger, 10 hours in a 1-phase AC charger, and 30 minutes in a high-speed DC charger. Maximum range is approximately 407-kilometers on 20-inch alloys and 440-kilometers on 18-inch alloys.
With the second row in its upright position, the trunk will hold 522 liters; when folded the maximum volume increases to 1,451 liters. There is an additional 58 liters of storage underneath the floorboard, which also stores the BEV charging cable. There will be two bespoke infotainment audio systems offered to support the crisp 14-inch display, a 10-speaker system and a rocking 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround system, both of which feature tasteful Acceleration Sound Control to reflect the RZ’s state and behavior which can be switched off if you want the eerie silence.
Of course, the RZ has all the new updated charging points, an excellent stable wireless smartphone charger, and the standard Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto connectivity on top of an abundance of very desirable standard equipment from the very customizable instrument displays, unique progressive ambient lighting, to the sharp information-rich HUD system, rich materials, to the thoughtful physical switchgear.
The all-new soon-to-be-released Lexus RZ 450e crossover offers so much more in every way; it promises to elevate both EV and luxury standards while increasing driving immersion and the joy of clean mobility. The attention to expected fine details and the wonder of the unexpected only makes the revolutionary crossover even more desirable. The very attractive Lexus RZ with its very cool rear winglets and real-world usability doesn’t just promise a bright new future to be enjoyed one day soon but with a conscience and environmental responsibility today. When the time comes that the all-new Lexus RZ450e is available in our domestic market, discerning buyers will be beyond satisfied with its performance and packaging.
