After years of pushing hybrid as their preference, Toyota and LEXUS are introducing fully electric vehicles to their fleets. LEXUS RZ 450e arrives in May, joining the UX 300E, the brand’s first EV

The dedicated all-electric platform is shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. This follows from the long-lived partnership between LEXUS’ parent brand, Toyota, and Subaru. The BRZ/GR 86 has been a hit for both brands, but is by no means unusual in the automotive industry. Collaborations of one kind or another are commonplace.

LEXUS RZ 450e was first seen in Australia at the Lexus Melbourne Cup last November, and continues the takumi craftsmanship ethos. While LEXUS and Toyota have been slow to take up the EV push, the second EV is part of the plan for Hybrid, PHEV and BEV luxury vehicles in Australia by 2030.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive, John Pappas, said the RZ 450e was designed from the outset to be a Lexus first and foremost; using the benefit of zero-tailpipe emission BEV technology to reinvent the Lexus Driving Signature.

“The RZ 450e is a milestone vehicle for Lexus,” he said. “It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine. It goes much further to realise the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure.

“The Lexus Electrified philosophy is based upon intelligent, engineering-led solutions that add to the joy of luxury car ownership.

“The RZ 450e is ready for customers wanting the best of both worlds from Lexus, without compromise.”

Two RZ 450e grades have a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, 230kW of power and a range of 470kms. An 11 kW on-board charger fills the RZ in 6.5 hours, while DC fast-charging gets to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

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RZ 450e, the first LEXUS on the fully electric e-TNGA platform, offers good body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and long wheelbase combine to provide high-quality handling and responsiveness.

Each e-Axle has a motor, gearing and Power Control Unit (PCU, giving all RZ vehicles AWD. DIRECT4 is able vary torque to the axel in milliseconds, far faster than any mechanical system.

As with most EVs designed from the ground up, the e-TNGA platform allows for a more spacious cabin.

RZ highlights:

  • three-dimensional spindle grille
    18-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights with static auto-levelling and headlight washers
  • LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler
  • rear privacy glass
  • heated side mirrors and auto-dimming (driver’s side) with auto power folding function.
    NuLuxe leather trim
  • 8-way driver and front passenger power adjustable heated seats (driver’s with two-way lumbar power adjustment)
  • 14-inch multimedia display
  • 10-speaker Panasonic audio
  • DAB
  • Wireless Apple CarPlayand Android Auto
  • five USB-C ports
  • Qi wireless phone charger
  • Lexus Connected Services

Sports Luxury adds:

  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • acoustic glass
  • dynamic auto-levelling headlights with cornering function
  • two-tone exterior paint option
  • Ultrasuede interior trim
  • heated outer rear seats
  • ventilated driver and front passenger seats
  • heated steering wheel
  • radiant heating for front seat occupants
  • three-position driver seat memory
  • touch sensitive steering wheel controls
  • head up display
  • adaptive high beam systemi
  • ntelligent park assist
  • dimming panoramic roof
  • smart key card
  • 13-speak Mark Levison Premium Audio.Encore Electrified Platinum benefits includes Lexus On Demand and complimentary Valet Parking.”Our brand is built on exceptional product quality integrated with unmatched customer service,” said Mr Pappas. “We enact the Japanese omotenashihospitality principle of anticipating customers’ needs before they even realise what they require by offering complimentary home charging for all RZ 450e owners.”

    Future RZ implementation will introduce steer-by-wire and yoke steering wheel featuring the Lexus One Motion Grip design.

    The new steering control system will provide easier and even more precise steering without sacrificing important feedback from the road surface. Further details will be made available closer to the system’s introduction.

Model Price1
RZ 450e Luxury $123,000
RZ 450e Sports Luxury $135,000

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