LEXUS is set to release its first ground-up electric vehicle, based on the e-TNGA platform shared with Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. As such, it shares many of the same attributes such as battery, motors, and range. Even the look and feel mirrors the Subaru and Toyota offerings but LEXUS will no doubt add its customary poshness to the mix.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the stunningly designed zero-emission Lexus SUV will be in local showrooms from mid-2023.

Visitors to LANDMARK by Lexus pavilion at this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup be able to see the RZ at its first local outing.

“Our customers have been excited by the RZ ever since its global reveal back in April,” Mr Pappas said.

“I am delighted to confirm the RZ as the next all-new offering in the Lexus Electrified portfolio in Australia. This is a luxury SUV for customers wanting the latest in Lexus zero-emission technology and innovative design.

“The RZ expands our portfolio of electrified vehicles, moving Lexus ever closer to our ultimate goal of a sustainable society.

“This exciting zero-emissions luxury Lexus also evolves the Lexus Driving Signature of intuitive, smooth and faithful driving performance, now with exceptional refinement and quietness.”

The RZ 450e follows on from the RX 400h, sold in Australia from 2006. It was unique for the time, with a part-electric driveline. Because RZ is the first LEXUS BEV, sharing the e-TNGA platform means  the batteries and motor are low to the ground giving the cabin a flat floor.

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ABOVE: 2023 LEXUS RZ 450e, Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra

The DIRECT4 AWD system is claimed to take Lexus Driving Signature to higher levels. The control system uses data from acceleration, cornering-speed and steering-angle to automatically adjust front-rear torque delivery and braking force to all four wheels to maximise grip, stability and comfort.

Range is around 450km using a high-capacity lithium-ion batterie, as well as silicon carbide elements in the inverters and the incorporation of low-loss technologies.

Without the limits of an ICE drivetrain, the interior feels capacious and is based on the human-centred tazuna concept of building the cabin around the driver. Anyone the new LEXUS NX has seen the subtle changes bringing the  controls to a better place to make use easier for drviers.

The RZ 450e joins the UX300e in the electric range, with a further six hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV).

Although mother brand Toyota has championed the hybrid drivetrains for over 20 years, they have stubbornly refused to go full electric. The bZ4X will be the first, meaning LEXUS is already ahead with the UX300e being on sale for some time. See our review of the UX 300e HERE.

Lexus sales are 47.3% hybrid or electric for the first 9 months of 2022. LEXUS promises further RZ detail closer to launch.

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