The new premium EV upholds Lexus’s promise of ‘confidence, control and comfort’
Lexus hopes to be petrol-free in the UK by 2030, and the RZ is its flagship EV, said Auto Express. It uses the e-TNGA platform, with a single powertrain, a 201bhp motor at the front and 107bhp at the rear, delivering a total of 308bhp. Battery capacity is a relatively modest 64kWh net, and range depends on the spec. The entry-level Premium has 18-inch alloys and an official range of up to 273 miles.
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With rapid charging at 150kW, a 10% to 80% charge takes half-an-hour, which is not bad, but also the minimum you’d expect from a new premium EV, said Autocar. On the road, Lexus’s promise of “confidence, control and comfort” is borne out, the ride is very smooth and quiet; it is a satisfying drive, rather than an exciting one, but owing to its 308bhp, it can out-accelerate quite a few hot hatches.
By 2025 the RZ will have a new steer-by-wire system, One Motion Grip, which promises “more precise steering control”, said Top Gear Magazine. At present, the RZ feels a bit generic, but it is brisk – 0-62mph takes just 5.3 seconds. A huge 14-inch touchscreen comes as standard, plus Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, heated seats and a panoramic roof. There’s plenty of legroom and, at 522l, the boot is decent. Price from £62,600.
In pictures: Lexus RZ 450e
