Lexus Philippines is entering the electric age with their first-ever battery electric vehicle: the Lexus RZ 450e. Priced at P 4,828,000 for the single variant and inclusive of a wall box charger, it’s now available for orders at Lexus Manila or Lexus Mitsukoshi BGC.
Built on a dedicated BEV platform, e-TNGA, the Lexus RZ features advanced manufacturing techniques such as laser welding and short-pitch welding. Combined with an extensive use of structural adhesive and copious amounts of ultra-high-strength steel, it delivers a high degree of rigidity.
From there, Lexus engineers placed e-Axles—a compact, modular package that places the motor, gearing, and ECU between the driven wheels. With e-Axles on both ends, the Lexus RZ has Direct4 all-wheel drive. This system continuously evaluates several factors including vehicle speed, steering angle, and G forces to apply the appropriate amount of torque to each axle maximizing the grip and traction available faster than any mechanical system can.
In terms of power, the Lexus RZ produces 204 horsepower at the front (1XM permanent synchronous motor) and 108 horsepower at the rear (1YM permanent synchronous motor) for a combined 313 horsepower and 435 Nm of torque. With a 96-cell 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, it can go up to 450 kilometers on a single charge (hence the model designation). Equipped with an on-board 11-kW charger, it can charge up in 6.5 hours (three-phase) or 10 hours (single-phase). Using a DC fast charger, (CCS2 Plug) can be done in as little as 30 minutes.
The battery itself is fitted with a long-life, high-resistance LLC coolant that regulates the BEV system’s temperature keeping it at optimal levels. This guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70 percent of its capacity even after 10 years. Lexus though is so confident that the actual capacity after a decade should be at least 90 percent.
Featuring the “Next Chapter” of Lexus design, the Spindle Bodied Lexus RZ has short overhangs and a long wheelbase (2,850 mm) for its compact length (4,805 mm). Like the RX, the RZ’s grille is now more deeply integrated into the frontal design. And with BEVs requiring less cooling compared to a combustion engine vehicle, the familiar grille has been closed off and turned into a body-colored design. At each corner are standard dark metallic 20-inch alloy wheels with 235/50R20 tires, while at the back is an elongated LED lightbar with the “LEXUS” script on the back door panel.
For the Philippine market, the Lexus RZ is available in two new colors: Aether Metallic and Sonic Copper. Other colors are Sonic Chrome, Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, and Graphite Black. All models have a bi-color design with a contrast black finish that spans the hood, pillars, and roof.