Otis Singleton
Lexus, the luxury car brand owned by Toyota, has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the 2023 RZ 450e SUV. The RZ is the brand's inaugural EV-first offering and its first globally available dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV) model. The RZ 450e is expected to have a driving range of roughly 450 kilometres and will start at under $60,000, with higher trim levels offering more options.
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What You'll Learn
Lexus RZ 450e: the first Lexus EV
Lexus has finally entered the electric vehicle market with its first-ever EV, the Lexus RZ 450e. The RZ 450e is a significant milestone for the luxury automaker as it transitions into a BEV-centred brand, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The Lexus RZ 450e is an all-electric SUV that combines luxury and performance. It offers a smooth, quiet, and fun driving experience, with responsive handling and brisk acceleration. The RZ 450e can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which is comparable to other electric SUVs in its class. However, its limited range of between 196 to 266 miles has been noted as a drawback.
In terms of design, the RZ 450e embodies the unique Lexus vehicle design aesthetic, with athletic proportions and dynamic side and rear designs that express the performance capabilities brought about by electrification. The interior features a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, similar to the gasoline-powered NX SUV, which can be controlled by touch or voice commands. The RZ also includes a digital gauge display and a head-up display, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity.
The Lexus RZ is offered in two trim levels: Premium and Luxury. The Premium trim starts at $59,650 with 18-inch wheels, while the 20-inch wheel variant starts at $60,890. The Luxury trim, with additional features such as a Mark Levinson stereo system and multi-coloured ambient lighting, starts at $65,150. These prices are significantly lower than many other luxury electric SUVs, making the RZ 450e a competitive option in the market.
The Lexus RZ 450e represents the brand's evolution and commitment to a carbon-neutral future, providing customers with a unique Lexus BEV driving experience that combines luxury, performance, and sustainability.
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Lexus UX 300e: the second Lexus EV
Lexus has ventured into the electric vehicle market with the launch of its first globally-available pure Battery EV (BEV) model, the RZ 450e. However, the Lexus UX 300e is another all-electric offering from the brand.
The Lexus UX 300e is a compact SUV that combines world-class Lexus refinement with an exciting Lexus Electrified experience. It is designed to evoke the original fun of driving in the city, offering a uniquely smooth and quiet experience for drivers and passengers alike. The UX 300e is a breakthrough in the electrification chapter for Lexus, showcasing unique details inside and out while maintaining the distinctive design of the UX Compact SUV.
The UX 300e features a lithium-ion battery pack that strikes a balance between optimal range and dynamic driving performance. The battery technology is so advanced that Lexus offers a 10-year (or 1 million km) EV Battery Extended Care scheme. The electric motor/generator powers the front wheels and employs regenerative braking to produce electricity when braking or coasting. This makes the UX 300e incredibly efficient, especially in urban environments with frequent stop-start driving.
The UX 300e also boasts advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including a Driver Monitor that checks for driver fatigue and Proactive Driving Assist, which prepares the brakes and steering to maintain a safe distance from other road users and objects. The vehicle's low centre of gravity and all heavier components concentrated in the middle enhance cornering enjoyment and provide class-leading steering precision.
The Lexus UX 300e is priced between £39,995 and £50,995, making it a fairly priced premium SUV. It offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, electrically adjustable seats, and LED headlights. The suspension, however, can be a bit unsettled by broken surfaces.
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Lexus' electrified future
Lexus has been at the forefront of electrification in the luxury market since 2005, when it launched the RX400h, the world's first premium hybrid electric SUV. The brand has now unveiled its roadmap to the future, introducing its next-generation Sports BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and spiritual successor to the Lexus LFA, the "Lexus Electrified Sport".
The Lexus RZ, featuring the e-TNGA platform, DIRECT4, steer-by-wire, and more groundbreaking technologies, delivers a driving experience unique to Lexus. The e-TNGA platform dedicated to BEVs has been designed with inbuilt flexibility to enable Lexus and its partners to create a range of vehicles, each optimized to suit their customer needs. This includes a range of motor sizes and drive types, and includes both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. The DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, the core technology of Lexus Electrified, achieves quick and linear responses according to driver input, enabling vehicle control that is faithful to the driver's intention.
The Lexus UX 300e is the result of 15 years of expertise in Lexus Electrified technology. The UX 300e maintains the distinctive design of the UX Compact SUV, but showcases unique details inside and out – combining to create a uniquely electrifying presence. Lexus is committed to a sustainable future of driving, with the goal of 100% BEV models worldwide by 2035. The Lexus range will include a full BEV lineup across all categories by 2030.
Lexus' first globally-available pure BEV model, the RZ 450e, starts at under $60,000. The base model will start at $60,000, with higher trim levels offering more options. The Premium version with all-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels starts at $59,650, including delivery charges, while the 20-inch variant starts at $60,890. The Luxury trim with AWD starts at $65,150.
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Lexus' electric vehicle charging
Lexus has a range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and all-electric models. The Lexus RZ is the company's first globally available pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) model. The Lexus RZ 450e, starting at under $60,000, is the company's first electric vehicle. The Lexus RZ has an all-electric driving range of 266 miles.
When it comes to charging your Lexus electric vehicle, you have different options for charge time and location preference. There are at-home charging solutions and public charge stations. The charger types include:
- Level 1 charger: This can be used with a 120V AC standard outlet, providing around 3 miles of range per hour of charging. This is the slowest charging option, with a full charge taking around 30-40 hours.
- Level 2 charging: This is a middle-ground option in terms of charging time and can be used at home or at public charging stations. It provides around 15 to 48 miles of range per hour of charging. A full charge can be achieved in around 8-12 hours.
- Level 3 charging or DC fast charging: This is the fastest charging option, providing around 75% charge in less than an hour. These chargers are currently only available at public charging stations.
You can charge your Lexus electric vehicle at home in two ways:
- EVSE cable: This is a Level 1 charger that can be plugged into any standard 120V wall outlet.
- Wall-mount charger: You can contact a professional electrician to install a wall-mounted charger in your home. This option provides a faster charge time and can be either a Level 2 or Level 3 charger.
There are several factors that can affect the charging time for your Lexus electric vehicle, including the temperature outside, the battery level, vehicle speed, usage of HVAC and accessories, and driving style. To preserve the life of your battery, it is recommended to maintain a target charge between 25% and 75%. While Level 3 charging is the quickest option, minimising its use can help extend the life of your battery, especially in extreme temperatures.
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Lexus' electric vehicle maintenance
Lexus has unveiled its first globally available pure battery electric vehicle (BEV), the RZ 450e, which starts at under $60,000. The RZ has been meticulously engineered to take full advantage of its Lexus-first, dedicated BEV platform (e-TNGA). It combines peerless quality with energetic performance and agile dynamics, harnessing over 15 years of Lexus expertise in electric motor, battery, and energy management development.
Lexus Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Lexus offers prepaid maintenance plans for its electric vehicles, providing customers with convenience and peace of mind. These plans are designed to keep Lexus electric vehicles running at peak performance and include a range of services to ensure a seamless ownership experience.
The plans are tailored to meet different needs, with options ranging from 2 years or 20,000 miles to 5 years or 90,000 miles. Coverage includes essential services such as oil and filter changes, multi-point inspections, tire rotations, and any additional services included in the Scheduled Maintenance Log of the Lexus Warranty and Services Guide.
Lexus Luxury Care, a part of the prepaid maintenance offerings, goes above and beyond. It covers services available at participating Lexus dealerships, providing exceptional convenience and ensuring that Lexus electric vehicles continue to perform at their best. The coverage period is determined by the selected plan's timeframe or mileage limit, whichever comes first.
For those who prefer a more traditional payment method, Lexus also offers maintenance services on a pay-as-you-go basis. These services are performed by factory-trained technicians and can be conveniently accessed by presenting your Lexus vehicle at an authorized dealership.
In summary, Lexus electric vehicle maintenance is made easy with the availability of prepaid maintenance plans, Lexus Luxury Care, and the option for traditional maintenance services. By prioritising customer satisfaction and vehicle performance, Lexus ensures that its electric vehicles remain a reliable and enjoyable choice for drivers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lexus has revealed its first all-electric vehicle, the 2023 RZ 450e SUV.
The Lexus RZ 450e starts at under $60,000. The Premium version with all-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels starts at $59,650, while the Luxury trim with AWD starts at $65,150.
The Lexus RZ 450e has an estimated range of 225 miles (362 km) or 450 kilometres, depending on the source.
The Lexus RZ 450e offers a spacious interior, user-friendly tech, dual electric motors, and Lexus' Direct4 AWD system. It also has a unique design that aligns with the current Lexus SUV lineup while incorporating the spindle motif throughout the body.
Lexus electric vehicles can be charged at home by plugging into a wall or at public charging stations. The Lexus Charging Network provides access to over 520,000 public charging points across Europe.
