Lexus Division

Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Corporation

 

Pretty much everyone in the auto industry is focusing on electric power nowadays and Lexus was never going to stay behind, of course. In fact, the noble Japanese is one of the pioneers in terms of electrification. As early as 2005, Lexus launched a hybrid with the RX 400h. The first all-electric Lexus, the UX, followed in 2018.

And now, they came up with the Lexus RZ450e. While the compact crossover is also on the list with a combustion engine, the RZ 450e is the first Lexus that was developed from scratch exclusively on an electric platform, which will only be available as an SUV.

The RZ, which shares its E-TNGA platform with the Toyota BZ4X, will not be available at dealerships until early 2023, but Lexus has already presented it.

 

 

The Design

RZ 450e

Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Corporation

 

In terms of size, the RZ 450e, with a length of 4.80 meters, ranks between the SUV siblings NX and RX and is intended to be a role model for the entire group. Lexus wants to be 100 percent electric in Europe by 2030 and worldwide by 2035.

The first thing you’ll notice about the design is the dynamic line. The side profile is characterized by the long wheelbase and high doors, which take up two-thirds of the area, with a third remaining for the flat windows, which rise slightly towards the rear.  Wheels up to 20 inches in size fit in the oval wheel arches.

At the front, the crossover reinterprets the typical diabolo grille, alongside narrow LED headlights. The roof, hood, grille, and wheel arches have two-tone paintwork on the RZ and it makes it look aggressive and stylish.

The short, high rear with its continuous light band, the new Lexus lettering in capital letters, and the small, pointed tailfins shooting out of the roof reflects the new design philosophy of "seamless E-Motion" most clearly, which serves as a blueprint for all those to come Lexus E models should apply.

 

 

The Interior

Toyota Motor

Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Corporation

 

When it comes to the interior, Lexus isn’t always a stylish option. However, it is not the case here in the RZ450e. It looks really futuristic and it is really spacey with the optional yoke as the steering wheel.

The yoke looks as if it was removed directly from a Cessna or a games console. In principle, it is the logical further development of the Peugeot idea. The idea behind it is less distraction.

Lexus is also taking a bold approach to the steering itself. The new steer-by-wire system (known as fly-by-wire in aviation) transmits steering movements via sensors, so it has neither a steering column nor a mechanical connection to the wheels. The Toyota subsidiary promises faster reactions with more precise control.

The 14-inch multimedia touch display with two mechanical rotary knobs for volume and heating will be on board as standard, the ambient light can be illuminated in 64 colors. A heat-insulating, large panorama roof is available for an extra charge, the transparency of which can be dimmed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.

The new "Radiator Heater" is recommended for people who feel slightly chilly in the winter months. The radiant heater is supposed to wrap itself around the legs of the front passengers like a warm blanket.

 

 

The Power

crossover

Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Corporation

 

The technical details of the compact crossover are already largely set. It has a lithium-ion battery with 96 cells, which lies completely flat in the chassis under the vehicle floor and thus ensures a low center of gravity.

The capacity is 71.4 kW/h, the range in the “range driving” mode should be over 240 miles. With consumption of fewer than 18-kilowatt hours per 60 miles, the RZ 450e claims to be up to 20 percent more economical than its competitors. Long-term tests have also shown that the battery will still have at least 90 percent of its original performance after ten years.

Lexus will only offer the RZ 450e as an all-wheel-drive vehicle. An electric motor with 150 kW is used at the front and one with 80 kW at the rear axle. The total output is 230 kW/313 hp.

The power is variably distributed via the new E-Axle drive, a modular component consisting of an electric motor, transmission and control unit, and an all-wheel-drive control that is also new. Depending on the driving situation, up to 100 percent of the power can be continuously directed forwards or backward.

The individual wheels also receive their drive power in milliseconds, depending on the speed, steering angle, or G-forces. This allows the system to react to driving situations at lightning speed. This should minimize the body movements of the body in curves and ensure more stability.

 

Conclusion

How expensive the luxury Lexus will be when it rolls into the dealers in early 2023 can only be speculated at the moment. However, we know that it won’t be a cheap ride. So, if you buy one, we recommend you take care of it well. 

If you want to protect your car, regardless of which one you are driving, Coverking is a name that should be on your mind. They custom build everything out of the best materials and they can create pretty much anything you’ll ever need to protect your vehicle!

 

 

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Tankut Basar

Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.

 

 

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