A fully charged battery can last approximately 225 miles.
The build-up to the RZ’s reveal was quite generous by Lexus, as the teaser campaigns pretty much revealed the entire thing. We’ve been waiting to see the details of the more expensive alternative to the Toyota Z4X. It’s not just about swapping badges, as the upmarket version of the Toyota bZ4X has its own visual identity.
We need to start somewhere. The bZ4X has significantly less plastic body cladding than the Solterra . Because there is no fixed glass at the rear doors, the greenhouse is unique. Lexus instead chose to install a glossy black panel that would allow for a floating roof effect. All the pillars and side mirrors are black. They are also lower than the counterparts on the SUVs.
Closer inspection reveals that the headlights are different in shape, and that the RZ has unique upper character lines. The wheel design, which is housed in shiny black arches, could be said the same. The Lexus version is the most aerodynamic of the three and has a unique take on the dual-piece roof spoiler. It’s also the smallest compared to the Subaru EVs and Toyota EVs. The badges of those two cars are on the tailgate, while the luxury version proudly displays the “LEXUS” lettering at the top of the light bar.
The familiar yoke of the 2023 RZ is still present, but the dashboard that lies behind it is unique to Lexus’ electric SUV. The digital instrument cluster, for example, is placed at a normal distance to the driver as opposed to being mounted further back like it is on the Solterra and bZ4X. The touchscreen of the 14-inch model is larger than the 12.3 inch infotainment on the other models. The center console has fewer shortcuts, as the air vents are located above the display and not below it.
Some people will find the location of the start/stop buttons, which are located to the left side of the central air vents, a little odd. The side vents are placed horizontally, rather than vertically. Additionally, the console between the seats is smaller than the ones found in the Toyota and Subaru models. Overall, the RZ’s cabin is a little more comfortable to sit in.
The RZ, much like the Solterra is all-wheel-drive and uses a set called “Direct4”. The 450e is more powerful thanks to a front-mounted, 150 kW electric motor and a rear-mounted e-motor of 80 kW. The two combine to produce 230 kW which equals 308 horsepower. This is a significant increase of 93 horsepower over the Subaru and AWD-equipped Toyota bZ4X, which together produce 215 hp.
The smaller electric SUVs are lighter at 249 lb-ft (336 Newton-meters), but the RZ has 321 lb-ft (435Nm). Lexus estimates that the 71.4-kWh battery pack can be carried over, and it should last for approximately 225 miles (362 km). The AWD-equipped bZ4X can travel 228 miles in the XLE trim, and 222 miles if it is upgraded to the Limited. The Solterra offers 228 miles in the Premium model, and 222 for the Limited and Touring models.
Because the most expensive models come with more equipment, the range varies depending on the trim level. They are therefore slightly heavier. The higher-spec models have larger wheels. The estimated 225 miles for Lexus’ US-spec RZ with 18-inch alloys is 225.
North America will see the 2023 RZ 450e on sale by the end of this year. Although pricing details are still to be revealed, you will pay more than the $44,080 bZ4XX XLE with all-wheel drive. The Toyota Limited trim, which is better equipped and has dual motors, retails at $46,700. This means that a fully loaded RZ could reach $50,000 before incentives.