What are the prices for the Lexus RZ?

The definitive pricing for the Toyota bZ4x is yet to be revealed; however, if we take the US market as a reference, where it starts at $42,000, we might anticipate it to be around AUD 65,000 in Australia.

As a more luxurious alternative, the Lexus RZ offers additional features and enhancements synonymous with the Lexus brand. This model also exhibits superior speed and power, courtesy of the e-TNGA platform it shares with its Toyota sibling.

With these factors in mind, the Lexus RZ may be a potential six-figure investment in the Australian market. However, the exact pricing remains to be determined.

What’s under the bonnet? 

Lexus RZ's power derives from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, yielding 230kW of power. The system is energized by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

On combined cycle testing, which uses the NEDC protocols, the RZ is claimed to have a range of 470km. However, real-world usage may result in a range between 300km and 400km, contingent on driving conditions.

Each RZ features an in-built 11kW charger and utilizes a CCS Type 2 plug. An 11kW recharge takes approximately 6.5 hours under three-phase power. The fastest DC fast-charging speed peaks at 150kW, allowing the vehicle to replenish from near depletion to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

How does the Lexus RZ drive? 

Under the hood of the Lexus RZ450e, you'll find a 150kW front electric motor paired with an 80kW rear motor, enabling all-wheel drive. This combination produces a total output of 230kW and 435Nm, which adequately handles its 2.1-tonne mass. Lexus assures that the RZ will sprint from 0–100km/h in an impressive 5.3 seconds.

There's really no room for complaint regarding the vehicle's performance. The Lexus RZ drives just as one would expect from a substantial, electrically propelled luxury SUV. It's silent and refined. The ride is cushioned by the adaptive suspension, without compromising on engagement. The dual motors deliver power and torque instantly and effectively, and its steering strikes a perfect equilibrium between responsiveness and ease of use.

Though the base Sport model is equipped with 18-inch wheels, in contrast to the Sport Luxury's 20-inch ones, the disparity in ride comfort is minimal due to the 60-profile tires on the 18-inch wheels and the 50-profile on the 20-inch ones.

Steering is effortless and responsive, and forward visibility is outstanding, thanks to the slim A-pillars, small quarter-light windows, and door-mounted side mirrors. The rearward visibility, although a bit narrower, is still adequate.

The front motor's higher power output compared to the rear is palpable, leading to a front-biased torque distribution. It's perplexing that a luxury brand would adopt a front-wheel-drive blueprint, especially when most brands are leveraging the dynamic benefits of rear-wheel-drive in their EVs. This is especially odd for a brand looking to enhance its reputation for dynamic driving experiences.

The RZ offers four levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted using steering wheel paddles. While there's no 'one-pedal' mode akin to many other electric models, the strongest regenerative setting gets you roughly halfway there and should be satisfactory for most drivers.

What is the Lexus RZ like on the inside? 

Both RZ models come equipped with an impressive 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes satellite navigation, wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, and various in-car functions.

The system is fundamentally intuitive, featuring high-resolution graphics and user-friendly menus. Though largely reliable, there were a few isolated hiccups during our initial test drive, such as unanticipated resets and momentary freezes.

The Lexus RZ also integrates Lexus Connected Services, which enables remote access to the vehicle through a linked smartphone. This feature allows owners to monitor charge levels, lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, find routes with charging stations, contact emergency services after an accident, and enable tracking in case of theft. This service is included free of charge for the first three years.

A 10-speaker premium sound system comes standard in the Luxury model, while the Sports Luxury model upgrades to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system for superior audio clarity and power.

For convenience, five USB-C ports are dispersed throughout the cabin; three situated under the infotainment screen and two behind the armrest, adjacent to the air vents.

The vehicle boasts a fully vegan interior, which despite its affordability, mirrors the look and feel of high-end upholstery.

The roof, charged electrically, facilitates an almost instantaneous switch between transparency and translucency, similar to the BMW iX.

Lexus is renowned for its exceptional seating, and the RZ doesn't disappoint with its front seats. The steering wheel is notably luxurious, while the lush, deep-pile floor mats could easily conceal your phone — a testament to Lexus' mastery in crafting top-tier floor mats.

The back seats offer a generous amount of space, thanks to the long wheelbase, providing ample knee and headroom. However, toe room could feel a little tight, a common occurrence in EVs due to the placement of batteries beneath the floor.

Unlike many other EV models, the RZ doesn't offer under-hood storage.

The much-discussed Formula One-inspired Lexus steering 'yoke' is an innovative replacement for the traditional wheel. It employs steer-by-wire technology — without any mechanical linkage to the front wheels — allowing maneuvers such as U-turns to be performed effortlessly. While this feature is expected to arrive in Australia within 12-18 months, it will be an additional cost option for the RZ.

Overall, the RZ presents an inviting and enjoyable interior experience.

Is the Lexus RZ safe? 

The Lexus RZ has not yet undergone ANCAP testing. However, it does boast an array of standard safety features:

Ten airbags

Autonomous emergency braking

Lane-keep assist

Adaptive cruise control

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Moreover, there's an added cyclist detection system that warns the driver against opening the door when a cyclist is approaching after parking.

How much does the Lexus RZ cost to run? 

The Lexus RZ offers a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, and the high-voltage EV battery is covered for up to ten years, contingent on the completion of an annual EV system health check prescribed by Lexus. The first five years of capped-price servicing are set at $395 per visit, conducted annually.

Given the novelty of the RZ in the market, there's no data available for insurance quotes. It's advisable for potential buyers to allocate approximately $2,500 per year for comprehensive insurance, which may vary based on individual driving records and circumstances.

All Lexus RZ models in Australia come with complimentary home charging and exclusive access to the Lexus Encore Electrified Platinum program. This membership includes valet parking at certain shopping centres and the Lexus On Demand service, offering up to four periods of eight days of access to other Lexus models (petrol or diesel) within the first three years of ownership.

Yeecar’s Take on the Lexus RZ 

For those in search of a Lexus electric vehicle, the RZ won't let you down. By substituting a traditional combustion engine with a quiet, efficient electric one, Lexus has outdone itself. The RZ's driving experience is impressively balanced, especially with regard to handling. The Sport Luxury trim offers an elegant interior, which further enhances its appeal. Should you decide to invest in this high-priced vehicle, it's unlikely that you'll be left wanting.

However, the RZ may not entice current EV owners to switch, as it doesn't provide any groundbreaking EV advancements - aside from the elevated price point.

While the Lexus RZ is a solid entry, there was room for more. Its 400km claimed range is not exactly at the forefront of the class, and the absence of a glovebox seems like an overlooked detail. For an automobile built on an entirely new electric platform, the RZ doesn't significantly push the boundaries of electric vehicle development.

Notable features like vehicle-to-load capability are missing, and the 150kW DC fast-charging falls short of the 350kW offered by cheaper E-GMP platform EVs from Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. The rear seating could be more accommodating for adults, and the absence of external speakers for pedestrian warning feels like a safety misstep.

More progressive, innovative electric models are readily available in the market.

For instance, a Tesla Model Y or a Kia EV6, both built on dedicated EV platforms and comparably sized to the RZ, offer significantly more storage space. It prompts the question as to why Toyota, the world's largest automaker, couldn't achieve a similar feat with its e-TNGA platform.

In the beginning, we mentioned a myriad of competitors. However, we intentionally left out the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y, since they don't compete in the luxury SUV category. Despite that, they represent affordable alternatives for similar interior space.

The RZ, much like the BMW i3 and Jaguar I-Pace, is likely to be a limited phenomenon in the broader EV transformation, mainly due to its price.

Admittedly, Lexus is not known for ground-breaking innovation, but rather for delivering a meticulously crafted luxury experience. The Lexus RZ does just that, yet luxury is about excess, not merely sufficiency.