The first all-electric vehicle from Lexus, the 2023 RZ 450e, is now on sale in limited quantities, starting from $59,650.
2023 Lexus RZ 450e
The RZ is the brand's first vehicle to ride on Toyota's new dedicated e-TNGA platform and follows its sibling the Toyota bZ4X which we recently reviewed. The RZ, with standard all-wheel drive, delivers a range of up to 220 miles depending on the wheel size.
Photo Credit: Lexus.
Horsepower, Range and MPGe
The RZ's all-electric powertrain delivers 308-horsepower thanks to its 71.4 kWh battery. Lexus estimates a 0-60 acceleration time of 5.0 seconds. All RZ models come standard with DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system that Lexus introduced on the new 2023 Lexus RX.
There are two different wheel sizes and which ones you have impact range and MPGe.
- The 18-inch wheels come with an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 220 miles, along with an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined).
- You'll lose some range and MPGe with larger wheels. When equipped with 20" inch wheels, the RZ has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range of up to 196 miles.
Looks
At launch, the 2023 RZ is offered in two grades, Premium and Luxury. The Premium trim rides on 18-inch Dark Gray Metallic aluminum wheels, while the Luxury is equipped with 20-inch wheels in a Black and Machined finish. There are single or bi-tone paint options.
Check out the image gallery below for pics of the RZ 450e taken at the 2023 North Texas Auto Show.
Lexus’ spindle grille is replaced by the Lexus spindle body, first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, showcasing a distinctive roof spoiler designed to suppress aerodynamic force. The roof, trunk and undercover are shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag and allow air to flow smoothly across the vehicle. Up front, the RZ features a low hood design with an available illuminated front “L” badge that indicates charging status.
In the rear, a spelled-out LEXUS logo stretches across the horizontal rear blade tail lamp.
Interior
Lexus says the interior, that comes in three color options, is based on the concept of tazuna, or a horse’s rein, and is thus inspired by the relationship between horse and rider. Lexus points to key tazuna elements as the steering wheel-mounted switches, optimally positioned instrument panel for improved field of view and an available 10-inch head-up display.
Below, check out more pics from the 2023 North Texas Auto Show. Note, Lexus will not offer the yoke steering wheel (pictured in the slider gallery) at launch. In fact the yoke Steering-By-Wire feature won't reportedly be available until 2025. So for now, models hitting the road are equipped with a traditional steering wheel.
On the range-topping Luxury grade ambient Illumination is standard and features a Lexus-first Shadow Illumination that projects a unique pattern of light onto the door trim ornament.
The RZ also introduces a new Shift-by-Wire technology with includes a dial-style knob controller on the center console where you select drive modes.
Lexus RZ models will launch with a traditional steering wheel. Photo Credit: Lexus.
Premium grade interiors have NuLuxe trim, while Ultrasuede trim is standard on Luxury grade. In addition, Luxury grade also has available all-new Tsuyasumi film, which brings a shiny charcoal effect to the center console. The film overlays layers of individual veins and a natural cinder-like black color to create the final highly textured, modern expression.
14-inch Touchscreen
The RZ features a standard 14-inch high-definition touchscreen. The system offers HD Radio, Bluetooth and supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 4G WiFi is available. RZ offers available Wi-Fi Connect with 4G connectivity for up to five devices.
Five USB Ports
The RZ is equipped with five USB ports in the cabin. Three USB Type-C ports are up front along with a wireless charger. There are two Type-C USB ports in the second-row.
Available Features
Available RZ features include:
- A Mark Levinson Surround Sound system with 13-speakers
- A Head-Up Display
- Advanced Park helps drivers with perpendicular parking/exiting and parallel parking/exiting.
- An optional dimming Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof allows you to control how much light enters the cabin from above.
- Available Radiant Heaters placed at the bottom of the front console quickly and directly heat front passengers’ legs and feet.
Cargo Capacity
There's not a traditional glove box in the RZ since that area is now reserved for the radiant heaters. But passenger can stow their stuff underneath the center console, in a two-way opening console box, in the front tray, or doors’ storage pockets. Cargo capacity can fit three golf bags, or a combination of one large (31” x 21.5”x 13”) and one medium (29” x 20.5” x 12.5”) suitcase. There's more space under the cargo deck for smaller items, and that's where you'll find the Level 1 charging cable that comes with the vehicle.
Cloud Navigation - Subscription Required
With a Drive Connect trial or subscription you can access the cloud to utilize features like Google points of interest (POI) data to provide faster and more up-to-date search results, more accurate directions and alternate routes based on current traffic conditions.
Photo Credit: Lexus.
You'll also need Drive Connect to use the "Hey Lexus" Intelligent Assistant. Lexus says the system features dual microphones, enhanced noise cancellation and seat detection capabilities for greater voice-recognition accuracy.
Lexus digital key is also available with an active Remote Connect subscription. It allows drivers to remotely lock and unlock doors, adjust the climate control, check vehicle health and more.
Safety
The RZ comes standard with Lexus' latest driver assistance technology bundled as Lexus Safety System 3.0+. New features for LSS+ 3.0 include:
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – helps support collision avoidance with certain detectable objects within the lane by applying gentle braking and steering operation under certain daytime conditions.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking – designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.
- New Curve Speed Management feature added to All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control - aids to manage speed in curves when cruise control is engaged and may lower vehicle speed if needed.
Proactive Driving Assist brakes for you in curves or between vehicles when operating conditions are met.
Standard Digital Latch and Safe Exit Assist can detect a vehicle or bicycle approaching from the rear and help prevent the occupant from opening the door if it senses danger.
Charging
Lexus says the RZ can charge from 0-100% in approximately 9.5 hours with a Level 2 charger and from 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes with a DC fast charger.
Some dealers will offer an option to buy a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger at the dealership or from ChargePoint. This will charge your Lexus at home up to nine times faster than a standard home outlet. The home charger can charge up to 25 miles of range per hour and fully charge the battery when plugged in overnight.
Remote charging capabilities are included with a Remote Connect subscription, which includes the ability to check charging status, start/stop charging with a vehicle that is already plugged in and even edit charging schedules.
Braking and Steering
Lexus is introducing new braking and steering innovations with the RZ. They include a new Active Hydraulic Booster-G (AHB-G) braking system. Lexus says it works with the DIRECT4 system and RZ’s regenerative motor capability to reduce vehicle speed while helping to improve vehicle posture. With a new Vehicle Stability Control actuator and on-demand pressurizing system using a high-performance pump motor, this braking system provides a natural and responsive brake pedal feel.
In addition, Lexus says it's improved handling and body posture while braking and turning with all-new Vehicle Braking Posture Control program which adjusts front-to-rear brake force distribution according to a driver’s braking input as well as the suspension’s vertical inputs.
While not available yet, Lexus says an all-new Steer by Wire system will be available at a later date.
Pricing and New Reserve Program
RZ 450e owners and lessees have access to a concierge guest experience with a dedicated team available via phone to answer BEV questions. RZ guests will also be the first to experience the all-new Lexus Reserve program, which provides an exclusive complimentary rental service to anyone who purchases/leases the 2023 RZ 450e. The 2023 RZ 450e is built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan.
Pricing is as follows including desination:
