One success story in the automotive industry that everyone seems to come back to is Lexus. In the 1980s, Toyota decided to put together their own luxury car division to fight the Germans and dent them where it hurt the most. In 1990, Toyota launched Lexus, as well as the first Lexus model, the original LS. Today, Lexus remains a genuine competitor to all the established luxury car-makers, and their model lineup actually bests the Germans in a lot of ways.
Lexus, along with Toyota, are also pioneers of electrification in luxury cars. It all started in the mid 2000s with the RX400h, and today, you can get all of Lexus' models with some type of electrification. Now, finally, Lexus is ready to launch its first ever full EV, the RZ.
2023 Lexus RZ
- First Lexus EV
- e-Axle
- Direct4 AWD
- Model: RZ
- Engine/Motor: Dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors
- Horsepower: 308 hp
- Torque: N/A
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Transmission: Single speed direct drive
- Range: 225 miles (est.)
- Innovative powertrain
- Striking looks
- Luxury features
- Estimated range not as good as rivals
- Concerns surrounding optional steering yoke
- Two-tone color options won't be to everyone's taste
Overview Of The 2023 RZ
The 2023 Lexus RZ is the Japanese automaker's first ever battery-powered electric vehicle. In addition to launching their first ever plug-in hybrid with the second-generation NX not too long ago, they are now ready to tackle the luxury electric crossover battlegrounds with the new RZ. As you might expect, the first electric Lexus is a compact crossover SUV. While we definitely know that Lexus is preparing to explore a variety of other segments, they're keeping it safe with the first one, and they're entering one of the most lucrative sectors in the auto industry right now.
The RZ rides on Toyota's e-TNGA architecture that's specifically designed for electric cars. This platform also underpins Toyota's own bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. While those two cars are almost identical with negligible styling differences, the RZ strays away and takes on a much more distinctive look. The front has the latest iteration of Lexus' spindle "grille," as well as their signature headlights. The RZ adopts a similar teardrop shape, as well as a floating roofline, a rear light bar, and LEXUS spelled out on the tailgate rather than a simple logo. Lexus is pitting the RZ against the likes of the Tesla Model Y, the Audi Q4 e-tron, which you could say is the luxurious cousin to the VW ID.4, the Genesis GV60, the BMW iX3, and the Volvo C40 Recharge.
2023 RZ Powertrain And Drivetrain
One of the ways the RZ differs from its platform siblings is the powertrain combination. While the bZ4X and the Solterra get a maximum of 215 hp, the RZ gets a much more powerful front motor as standard. This results in 308 hp and AWD across the lineup, much like the Solterra. So far, this is the only powertrain on offer for the RZ, and Lexus has named this model the RZ450e. As of May 2022, there is no confirmation about a more powerful or less powerful powertrain, single motor versions, or performance versions. Lexus calls the AWD system Direct4, and there's also the innovative e-Axle tech. The e-TNGA platform's charging tech is a little behind when compared to rivals, but you will most likely be able to charge the RZ on a compatible fast charger in less than an hour.
In theory, this power figure should give the RZ450e a decent amount of punch, and a 0-60 time of around 5 seconds, which is plenty enough. Lexus models have always been more focused on comfort, and the same would most likely apply to the RZ, but it's also safe to assume that Lexus will whip up some type of F Sport version with stiffer suspension. In any case, the RZ should be a good car to drive.
2023 RZ Comfort And Quality
On the inside, Lexus has given the RZ its own unique design identity, straying it even further from the bZ4X and Solterra. The gauge cluster remains the same, and it's mounted further away from the driver which eliminates the need to glance down while driving. The 12.3-inch infotainment display and the group of capacitive touch controls are gone, and in their place is a giant 14-inch screen that consolidates the infotainment system and all the major vehicle controls.
There's also the signature Lexus climate vent design, and you can also specify the rather controversial steering yoke (pictured). This may take some getting used to, but it does give the interior a futuristic look and it clears the driver's view of the gauge cluster. In terms of reliability, the RZ is too new, and so is the e-TNGA platform, but if old Lexus models are anything to go by, it shouldn't be anything to worry about. The RZ seats five passengers, and while there's no confirmation on cargo space, the other e-TNGA cars are slightly smaller than the competition, so this is a concern with the RZ as well.
2023 RZ Prices And Launch
The 2023 Lexus RZ will go into production and arrive at dealers later in 2022, of course for the 2023 model year. Pricing details are currently unknown, but rough estimates place the price at around $55,000. Trim levels are also currently unknown, but it's safe to assume that the trim levels from Lexus' regular internal combustion engine cars will also carry over. It's still a little too early, but with the styling, technology and powertrain, and simply the fact that it's electric, Lexus could seriously have a winner on its hands here.