April 21, 2022
Blog Admin
Lexus unveils its first global BEV : 2023 Lexus RZ 450e. Study A to Z
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e breaks cover as the brand’s first-ever global battery electric vehicle
Under the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision, the Japanese brand has unveiled the new 2023 RZ BEV. It is the first all-electric model from the brand and marks a strong push of the brand towards its electrification targets as Lexus aims to go fully electric by 2030.
Platform : Based on the e-TNGA platform, the 2023 Lexus RX achieves an optimal weight distribution via an intelligent placement of motors and battery. Furthermore, the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system and steer by wire mechanism make the Lexus RX a dynamic performer .
The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive. DIRECT4, the core technology of ‘Lexus Electrified,’ is all-wheel drive system that achieves quick and linear response according to driver input.
Design : The all-new RZ uses a familiar design language. Thus, it cannot be mistaken for anything other than a Lexus. The design concept is called “Seamless E-Motion,” and it showcases the seamless acceleration curve of the BEV. The distinction between the ICE models and the company’s first-ever BEV comes in the form of a BEV Spindle Body, which replaces the Lexus’ identifiable spindle grille.
Loaded with Features : The 2023 Lexus RZ is loaded with advanced safety tech, like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Emergency Driving Stop System. This tech comes as standard. Talking of performance, the front motor puts out 150 kW, whereas the rear motor puts out 80 kW. The battery capacity stands at 71.4 kWh, while it has a claimed range of 362 km.
Compared : Lexus had more or less fully revealed the all-new 2023 RZ 450e a few months ago, giving us a great look at the manufacturer’s first electric vehicle built on a bespoke EV platform. It is mechanically related to the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, but it is more powerful than either of the two, both of which have just 215 horsepower from their two electric motors.
The Lexus RZ 450e makes around 308 horsepower (almost 100 more than the Toyota and Subaru models). Lexus did not mention torque, but since power has increased, it’s safe to assume twist was increased too – in the bZ4X and Solterra, combined peak torque is rated at 249 pound-feet (336 Nm).
The battery pack that powers the RZ 450e is identical to the one in the other two models, and it has a usable capacity of 71.4 kWh. Lexus expects this EV to be able to drive up to 225 miles (362 km) on one charge, which is more or less the same as the other two – the Toyota has a claimed range of 228 miles (367 km), while the Subaru gets 222 miles (357 km), putting the Lexus in between
Inside Richness : Inside, while the Lexus may look like it’s very different to the Toyota and Subaru, all the major points are exactly in the same place and the steering wheel (at least the yoke-like one in cars with the optional steer-by-wire). It also looks like its digital gauge cluster is in the same place, which means it will cause problems for some drivers; if you’re driven a new Peugeot, with its small wheel and high-set dials, you will know what we’re talking about…
Other features unique to the RZ are radiant infrared heaters positioned at knee level in the front, a dimmable panoramic roof (which you can turn opaque in an instant) and Direct 4, which is an intelligent traction system exclusive to the Lexus model thanks to the use of the brand’s proprietary e-Axles for propulsion (this is the reason why it’s more powerful than the Toyota and Subaru).
Price :The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will hit American showrooms in Q4 of 2022, and it will ,probably be more expensive than the bZ4X or the Solterra; the former starts at $42,080 . It could therefore cost from around $50,000, but we will have to wait a few months for the official pricing information to be revealed.
“We believe that Lexus, an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society,” said Takashi Watanabe, chief engineer, ‘Lexus Electrified,’ Lexus International.