2024 Lexus RZ 450e Electric SUV

The RZ series sits on a lightweight e-TNGA platform, which along with the placement of the battery pack, contributes to a low center of gravity and high body rigidity, enhancing stability and ride comfort. Technologies like Laser Screw Welding and high-tensile steel panels further this rigidity, while Frequency Reactive Dampers in the suspension system improve handling stability.

Aesthetic upgrades include the addition of Copper Crest as an exterior color and a spindle body design that replaces the traditional grille, emphasizing the vehicle's aerodynamics and performance identity. The RZ comes in Premium and Luxury grades, with distinctive wheel designs and additional color options for personalization.

The interior of the RZ models is minimalist yet luxurious, with a focus on space and comfort. The layout benefits from the electric powertrain's compact nature, featuring a low hood for improved visibility and an available panorama glass roof for a more spacious feel. The tazuna-inspired cockpit centers on the driver, with intuitive controls and shift-by-wire technology that complements the minimalistic space.

Technology is at the forefront in the RZ, with features like a 14-inch touchscreen for the Lexus Interface, cloud navigation, Intelligent Assistant, and the Digital Key. It also offers multiple USB ports, wireless device charging, and comprehensive connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety takes precedence with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, providing features like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and more. The RZ also facilitates convenient charging with a new dual-voltage cable standard on all models, and fast-charging capabilities, ensuring that the vehicle is ready for both home and on-the-go charging scenarios.

The MSRP for the Lexus AWD RZ 450e begins at $59,850 for 18-inch wheels, $61,090 for 20 inches, and tops out at $65,580 for the luxury model. These prices include a $1,150 fee for delivery, processing, and handling.

In its side profile, the RZ's design language conveys dynamism, with front fenders that embrace the wheels and stretch backward, infusing the vehicle with a sense of motion. The rear fenders are robustly sculpted, highlighting the width and contributing to a powerful road presence. The vehicle's sculptural doors enhance this visual momentum with contrasting and engaging surfaces.

The absence of an internal combustion engine has led to a lowered hood, contributing to a sleek and reduced frontal area, further aiding aerodynamic efficiency. This is reinforced by an adjustable grille shutter that closes when less cooling is needed, thus minimizing air resistance. The rear design maintains a clean and horizontal theme that emphasizes the RZ's wide stance and performance-oriented nature.

The RZ's front "L" emblem is not merely decorative; it illuminates to indicate the vehicle's charging status and houses a radar sensor for advanced driver assistance systems. At the rear, the full-length LEXUS lettering is underscored by a distinctively shaped lens, enhancing the car's visual sharpness.

The RZ is available in two distinct grades, Premium and Luxury, each offering different wheel designs – 18-inch in a Dark Gray Metallic finish for the Premium and 20-inch wheels with a Black and Machined finish for the Luxury. The palette of exterior colors for 2024 includes the newly introduced Copper Crest, available in both mono- and bi-tone options, alongside a selection of sophisticated hues such as Caviar, Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Eminent White Pearl, and Ether. These choices allow for personalization while maintaining the vehicle's elegant and contemporary aesthetic.

Within this interior, images showcase the tazuna-inspired cockpit, a design philosophy that emphasizes the connection between driver and vehicle, akin to the rapport between horse and rider. The layout is driver-focused, with accessible steering wheel-mounted controls, an optimally positioned instrument panel, and an optional 10-inch head-up display, all within easy reach for improved ergonomics and visibility.

The shift-by-wire technology is another feature evident in the interior images, with a dial-type shift knob that enhances the cabin's minimalist aesthetic while providing an intuitive method for selecting drive modes.

The concept of oto-kukan, or "sound space," is integral to the RZ's interior design. It addresses noise control through several measures: slim A-pillar construction, continuous hood seals, and sound-dampening materials, all depicted in interior images. The Active Sound Control system further refines the acoustic environment by canceling unwanted noise, ensuring that the only sounds reaching the cabin are those that enhance the driving experience.

Interior images also highlight the RZ's functional aspects, such as the radiant heaters that replace a traditional glovebox, offering direct warmth to front passengers and freeing up space for personal storage. The rear cargo area is generously sized, accommodating golf bags or suitcases, with additional storage beneath the cargo floor for smaller items and the included dual-voltage charging cable.

The RZ's interior images illustrate a choice of three color schemes and ambient lighting options, with the Luxury grade offering an array of colors and themes for personalized ambient illumination. The door trim features a new Shadow Illumination pattern, adding a decorative touch to the interior's design.

The interior images detail the materials used throughout the cabin, with NuLuxe trim in the Premium grade and sustainable Ultrasuede in the Luxury grade. The Luxury grade also offers the unique Tsuyasumi film on the center console, creating a textured, modern look that complements the overall design ethos of the RZ's interior.

Charging infrastructure for the RZ series is robust, with all models featuring a dual-voltage charging cable suitable for both 120V and 240V outlets. Additionally, a CCS1 socket has been standardized across the range for convenient at-home and public charging options. The charging time is competitive, with the vehicle being able to reach a full charge within approximately 9.5 hours using a Level 2 charger, and achieving an 80% charge in about 30 to 35 minutes with a DC fast charger under ideal conditions.

Lexus facilitates home charging by offering the option to purchase a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger, which is ENERGY STAR certified and capable of charging up to nine times faster than a standard 120V outlet. This home charging solution is complemented by the services of Qmerit, which assists customers with the installation process, ensuring a seamless integration of the RZ into the customer’s daily routine.

In terms of driving dynamics, the RZ benefits from a front MacPherson strut and rear trailing arm multi-link suspension setup, both fine-tuned to deliver a balanced and comfortable ride. The suspension system includes Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD) that adapt to road surface variations, ensuring consistent handling stability. Active Hydraulic Booster-G (AHB-G) braking system complements the regenerative motor capabilities to provide responsive braking, while the Vehicle Braking Posture Control program enhances handling and stability during braking and turning maneuvers. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is designed to minimize effort and noise, contributing to a more engaging driving experience.

Technologically, the RZ is equipped with an array of features that cater to modern connectivity and convenience needs. A 14-inch high-definition touchscreen serves as the centerpiece for the Lexus Interface, which provides access to cloud navigation and a comprehensive suite of multimedia functions. Connectivity is a strong suit, with five USB ports, wireless charging, and the capability for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The inclusion of a Digital Key allows for ease of access and sharing, while the Lexus App enhances vehicle control, including remote charging capabilities.

Safety is a paramount concern, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 offering a suite of driver assistance technologies, including the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist, to name a few.

As for performance, the RZ 450e's 71.4 kWh battery is instrumental in delivering a system horsepower of 308 and enabling brisk acceleration, taking the vehicle 0-60 mph in approximately 5.0 seconds. This powertrain specification underlines the RZ 450e's capacity for combining efficiency with performance. The price structure for the RZ model will reflect its advanced engineering and luxury positioning within the electric vehicle market.

The MSRP for the RZ 450e Premium AWD with 18" wheels is priced at $59,850, with a slight increase to $61,090 for 20" wheels. The RZ 450e Luxury AWD is valued at $65,580. These figures include a Delivery, Processing, and Handling fee of $1,150, clearly indicating a structured price range that reflects the luxury and performance of each model.