Second Lexus SUV priced from $141,600

Toyota’s premium Lexus brand has confirmed its second electric vehicle, the RZ, will be here in May, with the order books opening now.

The RZ 450e will launch in two options, the Core from $141,600 and the Dynamic at $151,600. A bi-tone paint option costs $2000.

Sharing the e-TNGA platform with the upcoming Toyota BZ4X, the RZ is the brand’s second electrified effort, following the UX300e small SUV launched here last year. Unlike the IX, the new model is a ground-up EV development, not an adaption of an ICE platform.

Toyota says Lexus will now ‘lead the charge’ for its electrification. Specifically, it will develop next-generation BEVs by 2026, with a focus on optimising everything in the car for the battery electric powertrain.

Vice president of Lexus New Zealand, Andrew Davis, says Lexus is working towards the goal of 100% BEV models by 2035, with a full range of BEVs across the entire Lexus range by 2030.

“The new electrified Lexus RZ is our future of electrification and will continue to accelerate our carbon reduction journey,” Davis explains. “From the brave design through to the exhilarating performance it will be a delight to drive. And of course, being a Lexus, the build quality and luxury interior will be second to none.”

Both variants adopt new eAxle technology integrating the transaxle, motor generator, and inverter with 230kW total output (150kW front and 80kW rear motor). The DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system controls front and rear drive force according to driving and road surface conditions. All variants include 750kg braked/unbraked towing.

A thin, high-capacity 71.4kWh battery pack is placed flat under the floor, to achieve a low centre of gravity. RZ includes an 11kW internal charger and is three-phase charging capable. The RZ is rare for a Japanese vehicle in that it uses the CCS2 charging protocol, with a healthy 150kW charging speed.

In its launch material Toyota NZ quoted a 470km NEDC range for the vehicle, while the more accepted WLTP range is 400km.

In production now and due in New Zealand in May 2023, the RZ 450e will be available in New Zealand in two variants – Core and Dynamic – with an optional two-tone exterior colour scheme available for the Dynamic variant.

The Dynamic variant adds two dozen more features including 20” black and machined faced alloy wheels (up from 18” for the Core), a power dimming panoramic roof, adaptive high-beam headlights, Ultrasuede® seat fabric (Synthetic Leather for the Core) and a head-up display.

There are six exterior colour choices – Ether Metallic, Sonic Copper, Graphite Black, Sonic Shade, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Iridium – as well as three two tone choices for the Dynamic.

Lexus dealerships are now taking orders.