The Lexus RZ450e is the brand’s first pure electric vehicle and shares its e-TNGA (electric–Toyota New Global Architecture) architecture with the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra. A tandem that is seriously lagging behind its direct competitors in the electromobility niche. That’s why the Lexus RZ won’t appear until March 2023, when the competitors in the electric SUV segment, whether from high-end or general brands, are already well established.
At first glance you can see that the RZ’s looks are very familiar and that it looks a lot like Toyota’s bZ4X and Subaru’s Solterra. The external dimensions are very similar, the wheelbase is exactly the same for all three vehicles. The RZ is characterized by its slim headlight assemblies, its spindle-shaped front end, whose ribbed sides evoke a certain association with the grille of the brand’s combustion engine models, and the possibility of a two-tone body finish. That’s pretty much it.
It’s a shame, especially considering what Hyundai has done with its three electric vehicles from a common platform. In fact, the Genesis GV60 stands out completely from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as well as the Kia EV6 as these three vehicles have different identities. In the case of the Lexus RZ, we’re dealing with a generic look shared with Toyota and Subaru that doesn’t really symbolize luxury.
Photo: Jeroen Peeters
A familiar cabin
On board we also notice a great kinship with the Toyota and Subaru models. The quality of assembly and finish of the Lexus is there, but the style is mundane. The 14-inch digital panel is tactile, Lexus has finally forgotten about its keyboard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities are on the agenda. The RZ is also available with a panoramic roof, the opacity of which is variable on the Executive version, which can block the intensity of the sun and reduce the hassle of air conditioning.
Its efficient radiant heating system reduces the heat requirement in the cabin. The space available for the rear passengers is satisfactory thanks to the car’s long wheelbase, and the center rear-view mirror is able to reflect the images from the reversing camera, thus ensuring a good view to the rear, even when the second-row rear seats are occupied.
Photo: Jeroen Peeters
Two steering wheels and two directions
The RZ is equipped with a multifunction steering wheel and conventional steering as standard. However, it will also be possible to opt for a steer-by-wire type steering, which does not involve a mechanical connection between the yoke steering wheel and the wheels, this connection will be replaced by electronic actuators. Note that this direction is not available from the start of the vehicle and will be offered later.
However, we had the opportunity to drive two models of the RZ on the occasion of its launch, one with conventional steering and the other with this steer-by-wire steering, the inclination of which is variable since the connection between the steering wheel and the wheels is electronic. The purpose of this new steering is to reduce the amplitude of steering wheel movement during low-speed maneuvers so the driver doesn’t have to cross his hands on the steering wheel and can keep them at all times at the nine o’clock and three o’clock positions on that truncated steering wheel.
Photo: Jeroen Peeters
The steer-by-wire steering tilt is similar to normal steering when the RZ is going 100 km/h, but this steering gets a little quicker each time the speed is reduced by 5 km/h. This means that the steering is significantly faster at a speed of 15 or 20 km/h than at a speed of 70 km/h. This almost constant variation means that the driver has to constantly adjust the steering wheel angle as the steering reacts differently depending on the driving speed.
With a smooth driving style and relatively constant cornering speed, this is not a problem. On the other hand, when decelerating to cross a roundabout, you have to reduce the steering angle a bit when decelerating, which is not natural. Another consideration common to both RZ steering types is that the turning radius is too large, making certain maneuvers like turning difficult.
313 hp and electronic all-wheel drive
The RZ450e is powered by two electric motors, one with 150 kW (201 hp) to drive the front wheels and the other with 80 kW (107 hp) for the rear wheels. This equates to a total power equivalent of 313 hp with a maximum torque of 320 lb-ft. The RZ is therefore more powerful than the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, a claim backed up by a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. It is also an electric SUV with electronic four-wheel drive, called Direct 4 by Lexus, which constantly varies the torque distribution.
This sprocket has proven to be particularly efficient and flexible, allowing the RZ to be very neutral in corners. The RZ weighs between 2,070 and 2,095 kilos depending on the version, but when driving you don’t feel it that heavy, the Direct 4 gear copes very well with the mass of the RZ taking into account the longitudinal and lateral acceleration forces, wheel speed and steering angle, to continuously calibrate vehicle handling.
Photo: Jeroen Peeters
Rather limited autonomy
The battery capacity is 71.4 kWh, of which 64 can be used. This limited capacity, as well as the weight of the RZ, directly affects the autonomy, which varies from 315 kilometers for the RZ with 20-inch rims to 354 kilometers with 18-inch rims, according to figures determined by Natural Resources Canada .
Another weak point, a full charge at a level 2 terminal takes 9 hours and 30 minutes, with the RZ only equipped with a 6.6 kW on-board charger. However, Lexus announces that a fast charging station can charge up to 80% in thirty minutes. This is a disadvantage as multiple competing vehicles can charge faster than the RZ.
Available now in Canada, the RZ will be marketed in three versions, namely Signature, Luxury and Executive, with standard equipment changing depending on the version. The price range is significant as it varies between $64,960, $73,550 and $80,950.
Photo: Jeroen Peeters
In conclusion, we expected more from Toyota and Lexus in particular to make a first foray into the battery electric vehicle niche. As Toyota/Lexus are the pioneers and leaders in hybrid powertrains, it would have been logical that these brands would be at the forefront of the transition to 100% electric mobility, but exactly the opposite has happened.
Who would have thought 5 years ago that Toyota would be beaten by Hyundai and that Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 were so different from each other despite their common architecture? In short, the Lexus RZ450e is an SUV that lacks panache, is unassuming in design, and fits into its niche without much conviction and without marking a major milestone. Damage…