In a bid to achieve a carbon-neutral society by 2030, the Japanese luxury carmaker unveiled its first global BEV, the 2023 RZ 450e. The EV is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2022.
Built on Toyota’s dedicated EV platform, the e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, the utility vehicle measures 4,805 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, 1,635 mm in height, and has a 2,850 mm wheelbase.
It gets going with dual motors with a combined output of 312 hp of power and 435 Nm of peak torque and gets powered by a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The SUV comes with a claimed range of 362 km on a single charge. It also comes with a special ‘Range’ mode that switches off the climate control and limits the power to extract some extra miles from the battery.
In terms of design, it is pretty similar to the other models from the luxury carmaker. The RZ gets a big single-piece blanked out grille up front, while at the rear, it gets two fins on the roof while retaining the design language from the recently launched second-gen NX. Furthermore, it gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard; however, 20-inch wheels are also available as an optional extra.
While for the interior, the company has gone for a minimalistic design language with fewer buttons. Following the tazuna concept, it gets a Head-Up Display (HUD), a 14-inch touchscreen with loud-based navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a ‘Hey Lexus’ voice-activate assistance along with an option for steering yoke instead of a normal wheel.
In terms of safety, it gets the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 with Pre-Collision Warning System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Emergency Driving Stop System.
Takashi Watanabe, Chief Engineer, Lexus Electrified - Lexus International, said, “The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive. We will continue to take on the challenge of providing customers with new experiences and a uniquely Lexus BEV driving experience.”
The company under the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision, aims to broaden its portfolio of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 by offering a full lineup of BEVs in all categories, a press release from the company stated.