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Lexus RZ450e Specifications & Features
The 2023 Lexus RZ450e, which shares a chassis with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, is Lexus’ entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Being a Lexus, it has a much more upscale interior to match its more upscale external style. Although the Lexus and the bZ4X share the same 65.6 kWh battery pack, Lexus’s powertrain is a more potent dual-motor arrangement with a higher output of 308 horsepower. This all-wheel-drive powertrain, known as Direct4 by the luxury brand, comes standard. With a floating roof, a ducktail spoiler, and sharp headlamps, the RZ has a slick exterior design. The appearance of the inside is more understated, and the majority of the controls are located on a sizable 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
What’s New?
The RZ is the brand’s first all-electric vehicle and a brand-new addition to the Lexus portfolio for 2023. Many of the dashboard’s and doors’ switches and buttons have been transferred to the RZ’s spacious infotainment display as part of the interior’s simplicity-focused design. Similar strategies have been used, with varied degrees of success, in EV models from Tesla and Polestar. In any case, the RZ’s interior appears roomy for a tiny crossover and is surprisingly expensive, with the majority of its surfaces covered in imitation suede or synthetic leather.
Lexus RZ450e Motor, Battery, Range & Performance
The RZ450e is propelled by an all-electric drivetrain known as Direct4 by Lexus. This dual-motor setup has a 308 horsepower rating and includes AWD as standard. Although acceleration is fairly quick, it isn’t as startling as that of competitors like the Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo C40 Recharge. The RZ450e reached 60 mph during testing in 4.6 seconds. A yoke-style steering wheel will be available as an option; a traditional circular wheel will be standard, so if you’re not ready for a yoke, you can opt out. A steer-by-wire technology is standard, and Lexus has confirmed that a yoke-style steering wheel will be provided as an option. The steer-by-wire system takes some getting used to, but once we did, it was helpful for handling.
The 65.6-kWh battery pack that powers the bZ4X and Solterra will also power the RZ450. The larger 20-inch wheels reduce that estimate to 196 miles, while the base 18-inch wheels are estimated to give up to 220 miles of driving range. With the wider wheels, it only had a range of 120 miles during testing. The RZ’s onboard charger, at 6.6 kW, is less powerful than many competitors, and its 150 kW connections are the maximum for DC fast charging.
Lexus RZ450e Mileage
| 2023 Lexus RZ450e Mileage | City | Highway |
| 18 in wheels | 115 MPGe | 98 MPGe |
| 20 in wheels | 102 MPGe | 87 MPGe |
With the standard 18-inch wheels, the RZ450e achieves EPA ratings of 115 MPGe city and 98 MPGe highway, indicating that it is more efficient. These estimations decrease to 102 MPGe city and 87 MPGe highway with the optional 20s.
Dimensions & Space
| 2023 Lexus RZ450e Dimensions | |
| Length | 189.2 in |
| Width | 74.6 in |
| Height | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 48/35 ft3 |
| Airbags | 10 Airbags |
The RZ’s dashboard is dominated by a big 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that resembles the one in the NX SUV with a petrol engine. According to Lexus, the driver can use voice commands in addition to touching the screen to communicate with the system. There is also a head-up display and a digital gauge display. It comes with wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pricing
| 2023 Lexus RZ450e Trims | Price (USD) |
| Premium | $59,650 |
| Luxury | $65,150 |
A panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, all-wheel drive, a power-adjustable steering column, and other desired equipment are standard on the base Premium grade. The Mark Levinson music system and multicolored ambient inside lighting are added when upgrading to the Luxury trim, but the RZ’s driving range is reduced by the Luxury’s wider wheels, so we recommend sticking with the somewhat less expensive Premium model.
Specifications, Quarter Mile, 0-60 Mph & Top-Speed
| 2023 Lexus RZ450e Specifications | Specs |
| Motor | 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 308 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 13.8 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 13.5 sec |
| Top-Speed | 103 mph |
Conclusion
Spry handling, a well-decorated interior, and a comfortable ride. Less range than competing EVs, slower charging technology, and a learning curve for the steer-by-wire system. The RZ is a good first electric vehicle from Lexus, but competitors provide more power, a longer range, and faster charging.