Review – Lexus RZ, full of surprises?

Lexus RZ review: everything you need to know

Nice of you to read this Lexus RZ review. In this article we update you on all the details of the RZ, from its practical features to all its specifications. We also mention fun facts. To name just one immediately, the abbreviation RZ stands for Radiant Zero. Radiant may translate as “radiant. The term “zero” refers to local emission-free driving.

RZ position in Lexus range

Lexus positions the new RZ between the NX and RX. Below the NX is then the UX, which also comes as the UX 300e, that battery-electric car. For now, the UX is the smallest Lexus. Yep, for now. Because later in 2023, a smaller Lexus model will arrive that will sit below the UX. For example, Lexus is forging ahead in its transition to producer of battery-only electric cars. Starting in 2030, Lexus will be BEV-only.

The Lexus RZ is Lexus’ second BEV model. We already know its building blocks from Toyota. In fact, like the Toyota bZ4X, the RZ is on the Toyota group’s modular e-TNGA platform. This does not mean they are the same cars. Each has its own character, with Lexus placing more emphasis on driving dynamics, more luxury and a more refined driving experience.

Dimensions Lexus RZ

Small the Lexus RZ is not. The SUV is 4.8 meters long, nearly 1.9 meters wide and a thick 1.63 meters high. The car weighs a minimum of 2,055 kilograms. For a BEV of this size, it is not very heavy. How did Lexus accomplish that? These include the use of aluminum for the hood and lightweight steel for the doors. But there is another important reason why the weight is relatively not so bad. Lexus opts for a modestly sized battery pack, more information in this Lexus RZ review.

Lexus RZ, full of surprises? – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

The battery: 71.4 kWh

We are talking about a 71.4 kWh battery, of which 64 kWh is usable (net). That, combined with 18-inch alloys, provides 434 to 440 kilometers of range according to WLTP measurement. With 20-inch, you sacrifice driving range. In this case, you get 395 to 407 kilometers of driving range on a full charge of electricity. Lexus promises that after 10 years, 70 to 90 percent of the battery capacity can still be used.

According to Lexus, this is the best battery size. Feel free to call it the sweet spot. The brand does not want to deliver an overweight car. Moreover, the brand expects the range figures mentioned to be sufficient for buyers of this car. Fast charging can be done with up to 150 kW. Charging then takes about 30 minutes. With an 11 kW charge point, that’s 6.5 hours.

Potty far pee

The RZ’s top speed is 160 km/h and the 0-100 time comes out to 5.3 seconds. Okay, so not the fastest in its segment nor the greatest range. True, but that wasn’t Lexus’ mission either. The Japanese car brand does not do “potty far pee. You either like a Lexus or you don’t. If not, why not choose something else? In terms of power, by the way, the Lexus is not short of power. You have more than enough power to keep up with traffic.

Range in practice

We have not been able to get a good picture of the range in practice. This is because the batteries were not fully charged and the location where we drove the RZ – southern France – is not comparable to the flat Netherlands. Allow for about 300 kilometers under favorable conditions. One thing that really stood out, by the way, was the impact of air conditioning on range. Those who turn on air conditioning sacrifice a solid 80 kilometers of driving range. So go smart with climate control. Lexus has come up with a nice solution for this: interior heat panels. Say what!? We explain in this Lexus RZ review.

Infrared radiation

Unlike traditional convection heating, which heats the air, two interior RZ panels use infrared radiation to heat only the solid objects in their radiation field. This warms the driver and front passenger faster than conventional climate control systems. The radiant heater also uses about 8% less energy by emitting heat only where needed, reducing the load on the air conditioning system. The range is also largely preserved.

Beautiful interior

The interior itself, by the way, looks particularly nice. Lexus uses high-quality materials, and the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system also works nicely and smoothly. Still, we get the impression that certain menus are quite hidden. The driving modes, for example, are hidden in some tabs after opening a menu. Why not a convenient switch? Another criticism: touch controls on the steering wheel allow adjustment of audio and cruise control, among other things, but those touch controls are not intuitive and cause distractions. What’s wrong with the “one function per button” principle?

Driving modes, including Range

By the way, there is a choice of driving modes Sport, Normal, Eco and Range. Range serves purely as a last resort. In this case, you have no A/C, a horsepower limitation, a top speed of 100 km/h and only rear-wheel drive. All to get that charging station. If the trip computer indicates 0 percent driving range then there is no reason to panic yet. The battery charge will still be about 8 percent. Just charge timely and smartly, and you’ll never need that Range mode.

Lexus RZ 450e, the only engine variant

For now, Lexus is supplying only one engine variant: one with a 150 kW/266 Nm electric motor on the front axle and an 80 kW/168 Nm electric motor on the rear axle. Together good for 230 kW (313 hp). Lexus is still investigating whether to bring other engine variants to market. For example, the 150 kW engine also fits on the rear axle without any problems. So a strong variant is quite possible. Omitting the electric motor on the front axle is also technically feasible. That would create a rear-wheel-drive-only RZ, which could give the range a solid boost. But at the time of writing, that means you can only buy the RZ450e.

Direct4

As the first Lexus, the RZ 450e uses the new Direct4 All Wheel Drive Control. This system continuously balances the traction of all four wheels and automatically distributes drive power. The cooperation with the e-Axles allows the drive power to be fully variable. For example, the RZ 450e can switch from front to rear-wheel drive or vice versa in milliseconds; faster than any other mechanical system. The distribution of drive power is even variable per wheel. The system adjusts the distribution based on such factors as speed, steering angle and G-forces. Under normal conditions, the torque distribution is 60:40 (front-rear). But 20:80 is also possible if the situation calls for it.

Useful to know

What else do you need to know about the RZ? That the luggage compartment is 522 liters, making it spacious enough for groceries or suitcases? Or that the car can tow 750 kilograms braked? Much more interesting, as far as we are concerned, are the surprises of the RZ. One of those surprises has to do with the warranty terms, because in this this Lexus is unique from competitors.

Warranty on Lexus RZ

You get up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers of warranty, provided you go through the annual maintenance program at an official Lexus dealer. The battery is even guaranteed for 15 years or 1 million kilometers. Again, the side note: do have it well maintained.

One Motion Grip: tested in practice

In 2025, the Lexus RZ has another surprise up its sleeve. From then on, you are expected to be able to order the One Motion Grip steering wheel at an investment of a “few thousand euros. You get a butterfly-like steering wheel in this case, with no physical connection to the front wheels. Steer-by-wire, in other words.

We have already tested this briefly in practice and what do we find out? It takes some getting used to, but One Motion Grip already steers pretty well. Here and there a few more dots to make it feel even more natural through better interplay between Direct4 drive and One Motion Grip, but below the line, ride comfort increases greatly. One Motion Grip rotates lock-to-lock only 150 degrees. So you don’t have to repackage anymore. Because the system works speed-dependently, you therefore hardly need to steer even at lower speeds. The latter in particular is a mindfuck. With minimal steering movement, steering angle is huge. Lots of potential but still some patience, as ordering is not possible until 2025.

Lexus RZ is just a little different

It is time to conclude this Lexus RZ review. So the RZ does some things a little differently from competitors. It is by no means the fastest BEV at the moment, but it is fast enough. Rather, it convinces with pleasant handling, plenty of sound insulation, a fine chassis, fine workmanship and fine space offerings. Cheap this Japanese is not. Driving can start at 67,495 euros, but most buyers are expected to opt for the absolute top model: the President Line. In that case, we are already talking about a car of just under 80,000 euros.

Lexus RZ 450e President Line

The Lexus RZ 450e President Line – starting at 77,595 euros – does then have Ultra Suede seat upholstery, front and rear seat heating, front seat ventilation, an electrically adjustable steering column and the energy-efficient radiant heater for the driver and front passenger. A 10-speaker Mark Levinson sound system has also been considered. Optionally, the version can be ordered with a dimmable and heat-reflective panoramic roof. This option costs 2,200 euros.