Lexus RZ 450e revealed with more power than Toyota/Subaru siblings

Following an extended campaign of teasers, Lexus unveiled its new RZ 450e fully electric SUV overnight, the brand’s first dedicated EV.

The RZ 450e shares plenty of its DNA with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, being built on the same platform and sharing some of the same styling traits. However, it’s evident that Lexus has worked to differentiate the new model in several ways.

The new model further shores up Lexus’ plug-in offerings. The brand recently launched its first EV, the UX 300e, as well as its NX 450h plug-in hybrid.

“Lexus is on a journey towards carbon neutrality through a varied portfolio of sustainable powertrain options for customers,” said head of Lexus New Zealand Andrew Davis, during the recent launch of the new NX range.

“Over the past 12 months, we have seen more than a 20% increase in Lexus Electrified product sales, and this is expected to continue as we also increase our Lexus Electrified product range.

“ will obviously come to our shores as soon as it can, will be likely be the start of next year. It is absolutely chock-a-block full of new tech. It shows that next chapter in design for Lexus.”

As per the brand’s earlier teaser images, the RZ appears more sculpted and sharp than its Toyota and Subaru siblings. Its contrast black wheel-arch extensions are less prominent, with the duckbill rear spoiler and a version of the brand’s signature ‘spindle’ grille also appearing.

The differences between the premium-leaning Lexus and its more affordable cousins extends beyond cosmetics. The RZ 450e also shapes up as a more powerful and capable SUV.

All models come with dual motors as standard. With the front motors producing 150kW and the rear motors 80kW, Lexus claims an outright output of 230kW and 435Nm. That’s a significant rise over the 160kW/309Nm of the dual-motor bZ4X and Solterra, and helps the model accelerate to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

This powertrain is paired to a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, which Lexus claims is good for a range of up to 450km on the J-WLTC cycle, or a 20km loss relative to the bZ4X. It’s also all-wheel drive; the new nameplate representing the debut of Lexus’ new Direct4 AWD system.

The interior has the same ‘similar but different’ look as the exterior, as the RZ 450e adopts a lot of the same hardpoints and tech elements but with a different layout. As with the bZ4X, a ‘yoke’ ‘One-Motion Grip’ steering wheel is optional.

Cabin creature comforts include a 14-inch touchscreen, a radiant heating system for front occupants, an optional self-dimming panoramic sunroof, and striking ambient lighting in the door cards.

On top of this, Lexus offers the model with its Lexus Safety System 3.0 suite. This active and passive safety package includes a pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control system that share information with the driver monitor system, as well as doors that won’t open if they sense an approaching vehicle or cyclist.

The RZ 450e is expected to land in New Zealand in early 2023, with pricing and spec expected to be announced closer to launch.