The first-ever Lexus RZ has arrived, signaling the start of Lexus's journey to electrification in the midst of the new normal. So, what's it all about Lexus's first original electric crossover that shook the world since its world premiere?
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| 2023 Lexus RZ |
Priced at an ultra-expensive 8.8 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus RZ electric crossover is an all-original electric crossover built from the ground up and ready to take on the new normal like bread and butter. The razor-sharp looks, luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology, and modest performance made the RZ a worthy contender to the likes of Mercedes's EQC and Audi's Q8 e-Tron.
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| 2023 Lexus RZ |
Beginning with the design, the RZ draws inspiration from the LF-Z Electrified Concept, the one that spearheaded Lexus's new design direction that was started with the second-generation NX. Forged by the brand's new design direction, the RZ, as the name implies, is razor sharp and knife edge in every direction, and if looks could kill, the RZ is the last thing you'll ever see on the road. It takes a stealthy approach as an electric crossover until it delivers its second strike.
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| 2023 Lexus RZ interior |
Razor sharp the exterior design is, the RZ features a fully functional interior that combines minimalism, a user-friendly approach, and comforts like a true luxury car should. At the driver's side, the RZ features a conventional steering wheel at launch, a rotary shift selector, a new and compact air conditioning unit, an available digital rear-view mirror, a 14-inch touchscreen with a rather annoying voice activation feature, USB-C connectivity, and more.
On the comfort side, the RZ can accommodate up to five people, and although too expensive to be used as a people carrier or for TNVS purposes, its purpose is to escort VIPs to their desired situation like a boss. As for boot space, the RZ can accommodate 522 liters of luggage with the rear seats present, and when folded down, it can fit up to 1451 liters. Coupled with useful features such as the hands-free power back door, a tonneau cover, and a hidden deck board underneath, there are many ways to make use of the RZ's boot space for keeps.
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| 2023 Lexus RZ |
Running on the e-TNGA platform used by the rental-only Toyota bZ4X, the RZ features eAxle, DIRECT4 AWD system, and the most sophisticated chassis and suspension setup curated to deliver a signature Lexus driving feel no matter where you're going. With its posture, traction, and power distribution, the RZ's dynamics are nearly great to live with and it takes guts to fully understand how it behaves on the open road.
Asked about the steering, the RZ features a conventional rack-assisted electric power steering system that feels above average for an electric crossover like this. However, to bring the most out of the RZ, Lexus is working on a new One Motion Grip steer-by-wire system coming to this mid-decade as a new option. The One Motion Grip system involves the use of an F1-style steering wheel, otherwise known as the yoke, which delivers less stress and more engagement for the drivers. Although controversial, the special steering wheel is worth checking out if Lexus is done experimenting with it and ready for market introduction.
Because of its eAxle, DIRECT4, and its 71.40kWh lithium battery pack, the RZ's electric propulsion system produces a total power output of 313PS and 432Nm of torque output. It has a 0-100kph time of less than five and a half seconds and a top speed of 160kph. The driving range is good for 494km based on WLTC Mode standards.
As an electric crossover built for the new normal, the Lexus RZ features a wide array of advanced safety features such as a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Change Assist, Driver Monitor, Proactive Driving Assist, and more. Such features are worth surprising for the drivers behind the wheel, although some would not be happy about these features.
The first-ever Lexus RZ truly is the start of a new era for Lexus at the age of electrification. Although above average to drive until the yoke is loose, the razor-sharp styling, interior, and tech made the RZ fit for the new normal. This is something to watch out for; stealthy recasting and a second strike.
Available colors: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Copper, and Ether Metallic.
Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation