2023 Lexus RZ is the Japanese Luxury Carmaker’s first bet getting into the EV game with the RZ450e. This shares a platform with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. Being a Lexus, it features a much posher and premium cabin to go along with its more upscale exterior design. Although it shares its 65.6-kWh battery pack with the bZ4X, the Jap’s powertrain is a more powerful dual-motor setup that’s good for pumping out 308-hp. The Japanese brand calls this powertrain Direct4, which offers all-wheel drive as standard. The RZ’s exterior styling is sharp with a floating roof, a ducktail spoiler, and aggressive headlamps. The cabin is more minimal in its design if the thought of approaching, with most controls being operated through a large 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
Contents
What’s New?
The RZ will be an all-new shirt in the Lexus lineup for 2023 and the Japanese brand’s first all-electric vehicle. A minimalist interior design in the RZ’s interior has removed many buttons and switches from the dashboard and doors and relocated those things to the large infotainment display. The cabin looks spacious for a small crossover and quite upscale, with most surfaces covered with faux suede or synthetic leather.
Battery & Performance
The RZ is powered by an all-electric powertrain that the brand calls Direct4. This arrangement consists of dual-motor pumping out 308-hp and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. Acceleration is brisk enough, but not as goosebumps giving rivals such as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo C40 Recharge. The Jap estimates that the RZ450e will make it to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. A steer-by-wire system is standard, and Lexus has confirmed that a yoke-style steering wheel is optional. Whereas, a regular circular wheel is standard. The RZ uses the same 65.6-kWh battery pack as the bZ4X and Solterra which after its mechanical twins, with an estimated range of delivering around 225 miles of range per charge. A 6.6-kW onboard charger is weaker than most competitors, while the DC fast-charging capabilities are limited to 150-kW connections.
Fuel Economy
The official fuel-economy estimates for the RZ haven’t been released yet, but stay tuned to this for the updates on this as well. But, expect a lower mileage rating from the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Lexus RZ Dimensions | |
| Length | 189.2 in |
| Width | 74.6 in |
| Height | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 26 ft3 |
| Airbags | 10 Airbags |
The dashboard houses a large 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which looks similar to the screen found in the ICE NX SUV. Lexus claims, that the driver can interact with the system by touching the screen and also by using voice commands. A digital gauge display and a HUD are also included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity is standard.
Pricing
| 2023 Lexus RZ Trims | Price (USD) |
| RZ450e | $55,000 (est) |
| RZ450e F Sport | $60,000 (est) |
The pricing here is estimated, but we guess Lexus will offer the RZ450e in standard and also, with an F Sport trim. Lexus hasn’t released pricing yet, but we know that a host of desirable features will be standard, including a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and more.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Lexus RZ Specifications | Specs |
| Motor | permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 308 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.5 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | N/A |
| 1/4 Mile | 14.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph |