The next chapter of the Lexus Electrified Vision has arrived with the launch of the all-new RZ battery-electric SUV, the first Lexus BEV built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
Following the successful launch of the first Lexus BEV – the UX 300e in late 2021 – the RZ brings Lexus a step closer in its aim of offering a fully-electrified range of Hybrid, PHEV and BEV luxury vehicles in Australia by 2030.
The RZ launches in Australia with the choice of two variants, starting with the 450e Luxury variant from $123,000 plus on-road costs. The flagship 450e Sports Luxury is selling for $135,000 – plus an additional $4,200 if you want it in a two-tone finish.
Both variants are powered by the same compact and efficient 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, deploying 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels and a driving range of 470km.
The RZ breaks new ground as the first BEV from Lexus built from a clean-sheet design. It uses a specific (e-TNGA) platform that allows the batteries and motor to be placed low to the ground for optimal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.
The new all-wheel-drive DIRECT4 control system incorporates electrification technology to take the Lexus Driving Signature to higher levels. Using acceleration, cornering-speed and steering-angle information, it automatically adjusts front-rear torque delivery and braking force to all four wheels to maximise grip, stability and comfort. The RZ accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Customers can expect a single-charge driving range of approximately 470km thanks to the use of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, Lexus-first silicon carbide elements in the inverters and the incorporation of low-loss technologies.
The spacious interior is based on the human-centred tazuna concept of building the cabin around the driver, with intuitive placement of controls for ease of operation as well as welcoming all occupants with thoughtful appointments.
Lexus designers have worked to ensure the all-new RZ maintains the famous Lexus benchmarks of exceptional luxury and dynamic driving faithful to the Lexus Driving Signature. The RZ is the right vehicle for those wanting a luxury SUV evoking the feeling of Lexus driving with the addition of a smooth and quiet battery-electric powertrain.
Generous appointments are found throughout the RZ range, with the Luxury offering 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with static auto-levelling and headlight washers, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler, rear privacy glass and heated side mirrors and driver’s side auto-dimming with auto power folding function.
The strong specification continues inside with NuLuxe upholstery, eight-way driver and front passenger power adjustable seats with two-way driver lumbar adjustment, 14-inch multimedia display, 10-speaker Panasonic® audio with DAB+ digital radio, wired Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, five USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger. plus a smart key card.
Customer assurance is enhanced with a suite of Lexus Connected Services offered as standard, along with a comprehensive range of Lexus Safety Sense+ features.
The flagship Sports Luxury furthers the specification of the Luxury, adding 20-inch alloy wheels, acoustic glass, dynamic auto-levelling headlights with cornering function, Ultrasuede interior trim, heated outer rear seats, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, heated steering wheel and the new radiant front heating feature for front passengers. A black two-tone paint option is also available for an additional $4,200.
Comfort and convenience is furthered with the addition of a 13-speaker Mark Levinson® hi-fi premium audio system, three-position driver’s seat memory, touch sensitive steering wheel controls, head-up display, adaptive high-beam system, intelligent park assist and a dimming panoramic roof.
| Power and performance | |
| Power (hp) | 308 |
| Battery (kWh) | 71.4 |
| Top speed (km/h / mph) | 160 / 100 |
| 0-100km/h (secs) | 5.3 |
| Max range WLTP (km / miles) | c. 470 / 292 |
| Dimensions (mm) | |
| Length | 4,805 |
| Width | 1,895 |
| Height | 1,635 |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 |
Model | Price |
RZ 450e Luxury | $123,000 |
RZ 450e Sports Luxury | $135,000 |
RZ 450e Sports Luxury with two-tone finish | $139,200 |
