Of course we know the UX300eLexus’ first 100% electric SUV. But until now, the premium subsidiary of Toyota had never dared a car with watts that was not the adaptation of an existing thermal model. With this RZ it is now done. However, if this car is a real novelty in the Lexus range, it is not completely unknown, as it is a reinterpretation of the Toyota BZ4X with premium sauce.
Video Presentation – Lexus RZ: A Simplified Line for a First Electrified SUV
Still, this RZ is nothing like the BZ4X. Surprisingly, he is even much more level-headed than his less fortunate companion. With this model, Lexus is driving the nail of its style revolution. We had already found the new one NX free of the signature quirks of that bumpy, ultra-angular design. The Japanese does it again with a much quieter style RZ. But when he’s in line, he’s not unspeakable to all that.
It is clear that the grille succumbs to the fashion for the gigantism of the moment, but this effect is mainly linked to the hood and roof of the same color which seems to extend it and which, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on the taste, does not will be available in France. Not a two-tone color for the hexagon, but the brand’s signature X-effect is still de rigueur at the front, as is this desire to create a curious mix between SUV, station wagon and fashionable coupe that is furiously reminiscent of the Volkswagen ID5 True Skoda Enyaq coupe†
An SUV? Not quite
Despite everything, the Japanese pencil line is quite successful and gives this RZ a certain dynamism that is not obvious with a 4.80 m machine. This dynamic effect is also due to a very measured height, since it does not exceed 1.63 m. It’s like looking at a very traditional sedan, were it not for the fact that these large 20-inch wheels and these black plastic wheel arches remind us that this is indeed an SUV.
But if Lexus has lost its spectacularity, to the point where this RZ seems more austere than its generalist cousin BZ4X, there are more surprising elements hidden in the interior. Starting with this steering wheel called one move grip† In fact, it’s not even a steering wheel anymore, but one that’s more like an airplane than a car. Not a matter of applying multiple strokes like with a traditional hoop.
A half turn of this third type steering wheel, similar to Tesla’s Yoke, is enough to place itself at the stop (ie two and a half turns with an ordinary steering wheel), the whole is obviously connected to a speed controlled computer, the whole operating by means of cables, without any steering column. The system will therefore be tested as soon as the car is on the road in September or October.
The steering wheel arch without steering wheel is one of the novelties of this new Japanese SUV. For the rest, we find a Lexusian frugality. The controls are perfectly sized and in place, with no unnecessary buttons, most of these controls are grouped on the central 14-inch panel that faces the driver. In front of it too, a second digital panel brings together the most important information needed to drive.
Also in this cabin is a large floating console, the fashion of the moment, to separate the passengers in the front. As for the rear, they are particularly well treated and have demonic legroom, made possible by the large wheelbase of 2m85.
An impeccable quality of materials and an assembly that is just as much: we are in a Lexus cocoon, with the desire to spend time there. If it weren’t for this austere atmosphere and this darkness on all the floors. Fortunately, there is a large panoramic roof (not opening) to give the whole some light. A roof that is hidden thanks to a simple button that does not activate a roller blind, but makes the glass opaque thanks to photoelectric cells.
Obviously, this rather very high-end interior is completely different from the Toyota BZ4X, and the same goes for the engine of the first version of the RZ to hit the road: the 450th. If the e T-NGA platform is similar, and so is the battery size (71.4 kW), the same is not true for the power. That of the Toyota peaks at 217 hp divided between two engines at the front and rear.
313 hp divided over two engines
With the same architecture, Lexus produces 313 horsepower. 150 kW (204 hp) is delivered to the front axle and 80 kW (109 hp) to the rear. A system that allows him, using a computer, to regulate the force to be applied to each of the four wheels, depending on the car’s grip. In addition, this system is able to increase the power from front to back (or vice versa) from 0 to 100% in milliseconds. A unique system in the world, even if it comes close to what the Porsche Taycan†
Side autonomy, it’s the mystery for the moment. Lexus announces that it will be more than 400 km, without the risk of delivering the weight of its car. On the other hand, and this is even more surprising, the Japanese already dares to confirm that his machine should be able to achieve quite economical consumption, since it is announced at 18 kWh per 100 km in the WLTP combined cycle.
An element that, like so many others, should be checked this fall. It is also at this time that the prices of this new SUV will be known, even if the reservations are open today. the bill is probably high of course, we’re at Lexus damn. But to comfort its future customers, the brand offers a 10-year warranty on its batteries, in any case, it promises that they should still be 90% efficient after this period.
