Lexus RZ450e Subtitles
Luxury automotive brands are embracing electric drivetrains for good reasons. They re quiet,
smooth and powerful, attributes premium cars should have. Lexus is finally on board with
this concept, the RZ450e is its first pure battery electric vehicle. The SUV/crossover
design is what sells these days, Lexus is giving buyers what they want. Size wise this
slots in between the RX and the NX, inside and out.
The RZ and the Toyota, BZ4X share an architecture. This should surprise no one there. Wheelbases
are identical, but the Lexus is nearly 5 inches longer almost 2 inches wider and then there
s the price.
As tested this one is $63,400 and is not eligible for the federal tax credit. It s a loaded
Premium model with the Technology package, radiant knee heat panels (RZ has no glove
box) a digital rear view mirror and the optional 20-in wheels instead of 18s. Pro tip, for
some $2,500 more, step up to the Luxury model that replaces the NuLuxe synthetic seating
with grippy Ultrasuede and adds the possibility of photochromatic glass to the standard pano
glass roof. Remember kids, choosing the larger wheels drops the estimated range from 220
miles to 196.
That s with a 71.4kWh lithium-ion pack (63.4 usable) which is positioned in the floor where
you d expect. RZ450e is strictly dual-motor AWD, at least for now. Like the bZ4x, there
s no frunk, the 150kw front motor and 80kW rear unit combine for 308 horsepower, that
s compared 214 for the bZ4X. RZ s estimated total torque is 320 lb-ft. Fire it up (SOUND
UP) and there s a small screen with graphics that ll be familiar to the Lexus faithful.
This is a single speed transmission. The selector is simple and sure. Recuperation drag can
be added or subtracted using these. There are drive modes, Sport burns up the pack fastest.
Range does everything to conserve the battery, including turning off the climate control.
I drove in Normal and Eco.
A large clear heads-up display is part of the Technology Package, and the customizable
menu can be selected with this touch pad. I find it s easy to brush while cornering,
calling up the selections more times than I d like.
The RZ is more powerful than the BZ4X. This is not the fastest EV you can buy, Lexus says
0 to 60 happens in five seconds flat. The reality is this is plenty of power for every
day driving, it really is.
And if you haven t driven an EV before , the instant torque from the electric motors makes
them feel faster than they are.
RZ s main competitors are Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60 and GV70 Electrified,
Jaguar I-Pace (remember that one?) and of course Tesla Model Y.
With recuperation all the way off, this thing will coast like your best Hot Wheels. Dial
it all the way in and there is definitely more drag but you do need to use your foot
to make this come to a complete stop. Not sure if that ll change in the future with
software updates, but for now that s the way it is.
While this is an SUV, I don t see many owners off roading it. For a number of reasons, RZ
is better as a city vehicle. Ground clearance is decent at 7.9 inches, there s the slightly
raised ride height that comes with the form factor
Heavy batteries in the floor means a lower center of gravity so bend this into a corner
hard and it takes it just fine. Just remember this is a Lexus so the suspension is set towards
comforts, that s on point for the brand, come on.
Hit big pavement cracks and those will somewhat work their way into your backside. Don t forget
this is wearing lower profile tires on the larger wheels, so there s less isolation from
nasty stuff. 450e is Lexus hushed. At highway speed, all that s heard is wind off the side
view mirrors, and in Sport Mode a faint performance sound.
Frankly, I m kind of surprised that Lexus hasn t done an EV before because it really
works with the mission of the brand. It s powerful, it s quiet, everything you d expect
a Lexus to be.
Also expected is the Lexus suite of ADAS technology. This list is long, I had no chance to test
automatic emergency braking (that s a good thing). The adaptive cruise and lane keeping
worked well during a 90-mile drive in the rain. Move to the Luxury model for Traffic
Jam Assist.
As far as range goes, Cadillac Lyriq AWD is estimated at 307 miles. Genesis GV60? 248.
I-Pace 246. Tesla Model Y Long Range 330. With 20-inch rubber RZ 450e brings up the
rear at 196.
I did not see that number. In someone of a torture test, all highway miles, in the rain,
temperatures in the low 50s, my average speed around 55 to 60 miles an hour, I saw about
150 miles.
Stick with the 18-inch wheels for 20 more miles of travel. One option for the Lexus
faithful? Both the RX and NX can be had as plug-in hybrids if you want an electrified
Lexus for easy long-distance traveling. I did a second range test with little to no
rain, temperatures in the low 50s, 40 miles of city driving, all in Eco mode and saw 165
miles. If you re wondering.
In the future Lexus plans on offering a yolk in the RZ. Now Tesla simply bolted on a weird
looking steering wheel. Lexus is using steer by wire technology, so you ll never steer
more than 90 . Ever do hand over hand with a yoke? It s really awkward.
Not sure of the availability. I ve talked to other automotive writers that have used
it, they say it s compelling but takes some time to get used to.
The shorter range of the RZ450e isn t helped by its DC fast charging speed. The max take
rate is 150kW, so Cadillac, Genesis and Tesla have the edge there. A fully spent pack can
juice to 80 percent in 30 minutes in ideal conditions. It s why I feel the city is the
RZs natural habitat.
Lexus seems to be well aware of the short coming and offers 30 days of free Lexus car
rental over the span of three years. You know in case you want to road trip and don t want
to deal with stuff like this. Now I have to point out that if you can charge at home and
you don t road trip often then charging speed and range don t matter as much. Know your
needs.
Its onboard charger is rated at 6.6 kW, lower than its competitors. Using 240V/32A home
Level 2, it charges overnight, takes around 9 and a half hours. Effectively, this is much
like the others in class if you typically aim for a full nights sleep. Which is really
good for you.
The ambience of the RZ450e is clean and simple. Formal yet casual. If you, or women in your
life shop at Eileen Fisher, you ll recognize the vibe that Lexus designers were going for.
The gauge cluster positioning is more traditional than the setup in the bZ4x. The leather wheel
is heated, so are the chairs. Vented too. There s a projected pattern on the door cards,
but none of the rich LED ambient lighting found in Cadillac, Genesis or Mercedes vehicles.
There are the usual places to stash things away. The console makes it easy for both driver
and passenger to get into. No glove box but this space makes up for that. Now you know
what I had for lunch on shoot day. The releases are linked to sensors, and doors won t open
if the system detects vehicles or cyclists approaching. It can be overridden by pulling
outward.
If you haven t heard about the new Lexus user interface it s a huge improvement over the
old wonky trackpad it largely uses natural voice prompts. Let s give it a navigation
challenge. You use the phrase. Hey Lexus what do you want to do? Is there any good baba
ghanouj around? I found 15 results one choice is on Fremont Ave North, would you like to
go to that one? Yes, sure, that s actually pretty impressive. Now not everybody wants
to talk to their car but it really does keep your eyes on the road, you don t have to look
for buttons or anything. One thing, this does rely on a data plan and it s free for a year
after that it s a subscription.
Lots of physical controls for those refusing to chat up HAL 9000 s girlfriend. The Qi pad
does a good job of charging my iPhone. And there s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
along with digital key technology. The sound system is okay. Audiophiles, spring for the
Luxury model to get the Mark Levinson upgrade.
Here s a question for you, is the backseat the same size as the bZ4x? Actually a little
roomier. Really? Huh. It s a Lexus, it should be more comfortable. Headroom is up by a couple
inches. Same with legroom. Foot room is good, thigh support is good. Door openings are big
enough so that car seats go in and out no sweat. Drilling into the details, door pockets
are kind of small. There are no built-in sunshades. Both seatbacks get pockets the kids won t
fight. No separate climate zone back here but you can charge your phones here and down
here. Move up to the fancy model for heated seats back here, not available on this one.
The glass roof makes it very airy back here. I like this a lot. The floor is super flat
and the bench is like 4 inches wider than the bZ4X so three average sized adults will
be comfortable back here, even when taking longer trips across town.
My opinion on the RZ 450e styling? It s crisp, clean and purposeful, arguably the best-looking
sport-ute Lexus makes. No waIk-up lighting drama like Lyriq but the kick in the shoulders
is a nice visual. This might be a solid panel but visibility s good. Happy to see the Lexus
designers painted the quarter panels unlike the bZ4X. Here s a concept, normal door handles.
Being an EV, it doesn t need a grille. So the RZ has a spindle schnoz. I get it, the
shape defines the Lexus brand. Like many of its vehicles, the rump has no logo. No wiper
either. And no pretending that airflow from the spoiler clears the back glass because
. there is no spoiler, just these. No sure if they re structurally sound enough to use
as tiedowns for lashing kayaks to the roof.
Like the bZ4x, the more successfully named RZ450e does not have a frunk, all the cargo
space is back here. Any bets on room under the load floor? That s a decent amount, certainly
enough room for the supplied dual voltage charge cord. The e-TNGA architecture does
not support vehicle to load transfer like the Genesis E-GMP platform, that s handy when
camping. Or tailgating. These are good for holding something. No remote seatback releases,
expected on a Lexus? Not too bad of a reach for an average sized guy, petite owners will
want to walk around to the back doors to avoid bumper schmutz. Wearing white is not a good
idea around cars by the way. There s no 40/20 40 split or ski pass though, demerits for
that. Maxed out there s up to 55 cubic feet behind the first row. With them up it s nearly
24 cubes. Same as the GV60. Lyriq and Model Y offer more cargo room. But 7 packs of softness
and absorbency is a decent score for a vehicle this size.
I like this feature, lock the RZ up this way and it ll wait to close until you re clear
of the tailgate. I cannot tell you how many times I ve had that thing come crashing down
on me. Time for Red Light Green Light.
Green Light- The RZ450e is powerful and quiet, as a Lexus should be. I find the clean balanced
styling to be a win. Comfortable but controlled driving dynamics are exactly what this brand
stands for. The user interface keeps getting better, especially compared to the loathsome
trackpad.
Yellow Light- Full functionality of that interface means paying for a data plan. There are high
quality materials in the cabin, in black it feels a bit austere. The RZ is quick, but
don t go racing competitors for pink slips okay?
Red Light- Not only is the estimated range low, I didn t come close to the figure in
my two tests. That combined with a 150kW max charge rate means those 30 days of car rental
will come in handy for road trips. Made in Japan, it does not qualify for any federal
tax credits, check with your state.
OK, that last one isn t really the fault of Lexus. But, by dragging its feet on electric
vehicles, Toyota and Lexus are far behind other manufacturers like Volvo, Polestar,
Kia, Hyundai and Genesis. Those import brands are well on their way to completing US factories
that will build massive amounts of EVs.
I like the design of the RZ, it s quiet it s comfortable it s a useful SUV and electrification
works really well for Lexus. But that said this is a Lexus and it should be held to a
higher standard. Charging speed should be faster. The range should be longer.
Even though this is a new vehicle, it s playing catch-up right out of the gate. The RZ 450e
will be perfect for Lexus loyalists that don t intend to travel cross country on a regular
basis. Others will only see the shortcomings. As always, pay attention to your needs and
the competition.
I m lucky enough to have lived with nearly every EV available in the US and can honestly
say for people who don t take long trips on a regular basis and can charge at home, anything
more than 200 miles of range means you re just paying for a battery that s not needed.
But I will also hammer home that EVs are not for everyone, especially people that live
in apartments and condos without access to overnight charging. So yeah, a plug-in hybrid
version of the RX or NX might a better electrified Lexus choice for some. Those are easy to charge
on standard 120 V electricity since the gas engine always has your back.
Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Rob Callero for doing driving duties. This week Martin
is at a wedding, his daughters wedding. Send money for Martin, he needs it.
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Before I go, I think we all know that Toyota has dragged it s feet when it comes to building
pure electric vehicles. It loves to use the term electrified, but doesn t make very many
BEVs. It has famously said that he can lower its carbon footprint by building a lot more
hybrids and plug-in hybrids using the same battery material as one EV. Things might be
changing. It seems like Koji Sato the new CEO of Toyota is embracing EVs and the reason
might be China, because that is such a huge market and it is going headfirst into electric
vehicles. Toyota has recently teamed up with BYD to build the bZ3, a smaller electric has
sedan. And we ll see how things go there and whether or not it affects EVs here in the
United States. It s one of the reasons why I like this industry, there s so much drama
and things change on a regular basis. Thanks for watching, remember subscribe to this channel,
click notifications, follow me on social media and if you have a question, leave it in the
comments. That s Driven I m Tom Voelk.