Unveiling the Lexus RZ 450e: Could This Be Your New Electric Ride?

The new Lexus RX 450e hits the market as the first-ever all-electric Lexus SUV. Could this be the right EV for you to drive? Maybe.

Toyota and Lexus are slowly entering the EV market with new models. The new RZ 450e marks this movement for the luxury brand with an SUV that’s a little larger than the NX and nearly the same size as the RX. The RZ 450e continues the brand’s quiet, comfortable, and high-quality standards that have been set by previous Lexus SUVs. With that said, here are several things you want to know before heading to your nearby Lexus dealer to buy this electric SUV.

Lexus style is apparent in this new EV

Lexus has a way of letting us know the vehicle comes from their brand with the signature hourglass-shaped grille. Although the new RZ 450e doesn’t require an actual grille for airflow, it has this signature spindle item, making it easy to understand that you’ve found an electric Lexus SUV. From this point back, you’ll see impressive character lines that sweep from the front wheels to the rear, giving this EV the style and appearance desired. Toss in the LED lights, and you’ve got a luxurious EV with excellent style.

Two trims give owners some options

You might yearn for more trim levels, but Lexus habitually changes powertrains with trims. The new Lexus RZ 450e is offered in the Premium and Luxury trims, giving owners some great features. The Premium trim is the lower of the two, and it comes with:

• AWD
• Panoramic sunroof
• Adaptive cruise control
• 14-inch touchscreen
• Various interior color combinations

Moving up to the Luxury trim gives you some additional features, including:

• Upgraded interior materials
• Mark Levinson audio system
• Advanced tech features

The RZ 450e includes enough power for your drive

The dual-motor layout of this all-electric Lexus SUV delivers 308 horsepower and 321 lb-ft of torque. This is more than enough power to give this SUV the desired drive on any road. Whether you load it with people or simply choose all of the available features, you’ll be pleased with the smooth ride and easy power delivery of this silent and useful luxury electric SUV.

How fast do you need to go?

Even if top speed isn’t that important, the acceleration to 60 mph could be useful when you’re trying to get up to highway speeds. The Lexus RZ 450e can reach this mark in only 4.6 seconds, making it easy to rocket off the line from a standstill. This sprint time is better than what you’ll find in the Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance. The batteries are located in the floor, which gives this Lexus SUV a much better center of gravity than most others in the market.

The driving range leaves something to be desired

One area where Toyota and Lexus haven’t hit the EV world right is driving range. This new Lexus EV offers an estimated 220 miles of driving range when equipped with 18-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels reduce this figure to 196 miles. This distance isn’t quite enough compared to many other EVs in the market. Thankfully, charging only takes about 30 minutes to reach 80% of the full charge when using a DC fast charger. The RZ 450e isn’t the best choice for long commutes and road trips.

This Lexus SUV has lots of room in the cabin

The new Lexus RZ 450e is about three inches shorter than the RX, but it rides on the same wheelbase and has a large and spacious cabin. The electric drivetrain enables Lexus to build a bigger cabin with more comfortable measurements in both rows. The cargo room behind the second row is 34.9 cubic feet, which is more than what you find in the RX, which only offers 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row of seats.

Advanced tech makes this Lexus more enjoyable

The RZ 450e features wireless integration for connectivity and an interesting steer-by-wire system that feels a lot different from your normal steering system. The yoke-style steering wheel can be ordered for this electric SUV, offering a new look that’s an upgrade from the traditional wheel. You’ll also find a 10-inch Heads-Up Display to offer the readings and information desired. The RZ includes automated parking and a Phone as a Key feature to make it much simpler to share your vehicle or put more into your phone.

Could the new Lexus RZ 450e be the first electric vehicle for you to enjoy? If you’re looking for a good SUV with luxurious comfort and plenty of power, this Lexus has what you want.