Lexus electrifies 2024 by augmenting its inaugural EV, the RZ crossover, with a new front-drive RZ 300e touting 266 miles of range. Clad in a cutting-edge chassis cloaking a 72.8 kWh CATL battery pack, outputs reach 201 horsepower, hurtling the RZ 300e to 60 mph in a brisk 7.0 seconds.
Based on the all-wheel RZ 450e, Lexus equips both RZ variants with a feistier spindle grille complexion, now adorned in Copper Crest metallic alongside contemporary hues like Eminent White Pearl. Cabins fuse a minimalist yet airy cockpit with a slate of features including cloud navigation, a 14-inch touchscreen, and available options such as a 10-inch head-up display and 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio.
Belying the RZ’s clean sheet EV architecture is Lexus’ exacting focus on driving dynamism. Frequency Reactive Dampers alter shock absorbency to road conditions while a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection enhances active safety. Paired with luxuries like a vehicle lift function and buyers’ access to the Lexus Reserve rental program, the Japanese marque renders a persuasive entrant to the accelerating luxury EV space.
Both RZ variants feature standard fast charging and a dual-voltage portable cable alongside OTA update capability. The DIRECT4 all-wheel platform in the 308-horsepower RZ 450e shuffles torque output between axles to tame slippage, while its 71.4 kWh battery realizes 220 miles of driving range. Alternatively, the RZ 300e’s smoother ride stems from its single-motor FWD layout, epitomizing Lexus’ push towards platform diversity.
With RZ deliveries commencing in December, the crossover spearheads Lexus’ offensive into an increasingly electric automotive landscape. Much like the brand redefined luxury crossovers upon its launch over 30 years ago, the RZ hints at a pivotal period ahead as Lexus charges forward on the road to vehicle electrification. Its infusion of efficiency, elevated design and trademark refinement imbues EV adoption with a distinct tinge of Japanese craftsmanship.
The Lexus RZ 300e starts at $55,150, the 450e at $59,850.
