Over the past few years, Lexus has rolled out its ‘Lexus Electrified’ concept series, a sometimes daring design extravaganza intended to keep alternative fuel powertrain models in the public eye. But, aside from a single urban getabout, the UX 300e, mainly marketed in China, the company focused more on development of non-ICE models than production.

Last December, Lexus finally introduced its first luxury battery EV, the RZ 450e, by way of a holiday teaser. Last month the company delved into the new model, revealing a figurehead for a lineup that is only beginning to take shape. The RZ isn’t just another virtual; the model is the current actual representative for the ‘Lexus Electrified’ brand spinoff and falls close to the LF-Z concept introduced last year. It will be produced for the 2023 model year, and available in dealerships in another seven or eight months.

The two-motor, 300-horsepower crossover features a bevy of eye-catching technological features. ‘Steer By Wire’ is one of them; the system makes calculated compensatory alterations according to electrical signals; the result is a greater sense of control, and a more acute sense of connection with the car and the landscape it moves through. A related feature, DIRECT4, further improves handing stability, while the company’s ‘Lexus Driving Signature’ further connects driver and car for better performance.

Lexus indicates that the RZ will be followed by additional BEV models, as well as PHEV and HEV models, as ‘Lexus Electrified’ continues toward full realization of its promise.