First safety rating using new test criteria gives Lexus RZ BEV top score

The battery electric Lexus RZ gained a five-star Australasia New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating – the first vehicle model to undergo the test under expanded 2023-2025 criteria.

It recorded 87% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 84% for vulnerable road user protection, and 84% for safety assist.

Score thresholds of 80% (adult occupant protection, and child occupant protection) and 70% (safety assist) continue to apply for a vehicle to be eligible for a five-star rating in 2023, however the breadth of safety aspects and test scenarios assessed under the new protocols has expanded, says ANCAP, adding that crash protection remains its safety ratings’ foundation.

ANCAP is now placing a greater focus on vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility through an increased penalty of eight points (previously four,) improved restraint design, a vehicle’s ability for motorcyclist detection, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in head-on and intersection crossing scenarios, cyclist protection (including anti-dooring), child occupant (systems which notify the driver of a child inadvertently left inside a vehicle) and child pedestrian protection (reversing), vehicle submergence egress capability, and driver monitoring systems.

From 2023, the five-star threshold for vulnerable road user protection has also increased to 70% (from 60%) while threshold increases for all other star rating levels within the vulnerable road user protection pillar have also been introduced.

The Lexus RZ satisfied the cyclist anti-dooring requirements, demonstrating its ability to warn occupants of an approaching cyclist when exiting both the front and rear doors, and to prevent door opening if needed. 

Vehicle submergence requirements for door and window opening were also met, says ANCAP.

The RZ demonstrated good performance in each of the new lane support and autonomous emergency braking scenarios including those with the stationary and braking motorcycle and in intersection turning scenarios involving an oncoming motorcycle. 

Click here for more details on the Lexus RZ safety performance and visit here for more about ANCAP’s new requirements.