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2023 Lexus RZ Specifications and Details
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e shares its platform with Toyota and Subaru. Boasting a luxurious cabin and upscale exterior, the RZ offers a more powerful dual-motor setup, generating 308 horsepower with its Direct4 powertrain. Standard all-wheel drive ensures enhanced performance. The RZ’s striking exterior showcases a floating roof, a sleek ducktail spoiler, and aggressive headlamps. Inside, a minimalist design prevails, centered around a 14.0-inch touchscreen display for seamless control. As a new addition to Lexus’ lineup and their inaugural electric vehicle, the RZ signifies a significant milestone. Opting for the entry-level Premium trim grants desirable features like a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control, while the Luxury trim introduces a Mark Levinson stereo and ambient interior lighting, albeit at the expense of reduced driving range due to larger wheels.
2023 Lexus RZ Features
With a simplicity-focused interior design, the Lexus RZ removes physical buttons and switches, relocating controls to the large infotainment display. This approach, also seen in Tesla and Polestar EVs, enhances the cabin’s spaciousness and upscale feel. Faux suede and synthetic leather envelop most surfaces, while a 14.0-inch touchscreen, reminiscent of the NX SUV, takes center stage. Interactions can be done through touch or voice commands, complemented by a digital gauge display and head-up display. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer wireless connectivity. Safety-wise, the RZ excels with standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, while additional features are available as options, including automated parking.
2023 Lexus RZ Performance, Battery and Range
Powered by the all-electric Direct4 system, the RZ450e boasts 308 horsepower and all-wheel drive as standard. Equipped with a 65.6-kWh battery pack shared with the bZ4X and Solterra, the RZ450e offers a driving range of up to 220 miles with 18-inch wheels, but that estimate drops to 196 miles with larger 20-inch wheels. Our testing recorded a range of only 120 miles with the larger wheels. The RZ450e features a steer-by-wire system, with the option of a yoke-style steering wheel, and its handling benefits from this technology. The onboard charger is weaker than competitors, and fast-charging is limited to 150-kW connections. Official fuel economy estimates show higher efficiency with the standard 18-inch wheels, achieving EPA ratings of 115 MPGe city and 98 MPGe highway, while the optional 20-inch wheels lower those figures to 102 MPGe city and 87 MPGe highway. On our highway test, we recorded 68 MPGe.
| Power | 308 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft |
| Battery | 65.6 kWh |
| Range | 220 miles |
| 0-60 mph | 4.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 103 mph |
Pricing
Lexus finds itself in a challenging position with the RZ’s pricing, which is considerably higher compared to its competitors. The base RZ 450e Premium starts at $58,500, while the RZ 450e Luxury goes up to $64,000, excluding destination and handling charges of $1,150. Unfortunately, the RZ does not qualify for federal tax credits and misses out on complimentary charging, adding to its drawbacks.
Conclusion
The 2023 Lexus RZ embodies Lexus’ foray into the electric vehicle segment, showcasing a blend of power, luxury, and innovation. The Direct4 powertrain delivers impressive performance, while the sleek design and thoughtfully crafted interior create a captivating driving experience. Despite its higher price point and absence of federal tax credits, the RZ offers a compelling option for those seeking a refined electric crossover.