Lexus Reveals More Details about the 2023 RZ 450e—Its First Luxury EV

Lexus just unveiled more details about the luxury brand’s first battery-electric vehicle, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e.
Written by Andrew Kidd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Lexus
just unveiled more details about the luxury brand’s
first battery-electric vehicle
: the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e.
The automaker
made public
some more details about its first global battery electric vehicle model on April 20, which the automaker said marks its transition to an EV-centered brand.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 540e will offer 308 horsepower and 225 miles of range

The automaker said the RZ will produce 150 kW and 80 kW from its front and rear electric motors, respectively. That converts to just over 201 and 107 horsepower for a combined output of 308 horsepower. The Lexus RZ 450e will have an estimated 225-mile range from its 71.4kWh battery.
These figures are a little disappointing, given that other automakers have been able to post better numbers in their
non-premium models
. For instance, the Volkswagen ID.4 produces 300 horsepower and can manage an EPA-estimated range of 280 miles, while the Mustang Mach-E Premium can do 346 horsepower with an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles.
The RZ 450e will share the same platform as its non-premium counterpart, the
Toyota bZ4X
.
To be fair, luxury vehicles are much more than their performance numbers. They’re meant to be an experience—and Lexus seems to be advertising that with the RZ 450e.
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Lexus offers a luxury experience

Lexus notes that while the exterior of the RZ 450e conveys the vehicle’s performance capability, the minimalist interior is intended to amplify the car maker’s commitment to sustainability with “mindfully sourced” materials complemented by a panoramic roof.
And it looks pretty good inside, too; the RZ’s interior seems spacious and is accented by suede door trim, seats and an upper wood-grain console creating what the automaker calls a refined “omotenashi”—anticipatory hospitality—space.

A unique steer-by-wire feature

One feature touted by the automaker is its available “steer by wire” system, which the automaker said will sever the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Instead, much like a “fly by wire” system on modern aircraft, the system will enable electronic steering control.
Lexus notes that its new steering system will create an improved driving experience, eliminating the need for hand-over-hand motions from the driver by setting the system’s steering angle at 150 degrees.
Consequently, the automaker said it was able to focus on how quickly driving information is communicated to the driver. By doing away with the physical feedback of a normal mechanical steering system, Lexus said its system will create a more confident driving experience.

Is Lexus playing catch-up?

While Lexus states it “has been a pioneer of electrification” among luxury brands since the launch of its RX400h in 2005, the unveiling of the first EV from Toyota’s luxury marque sees the company playing catch-up compared with its competitors to electrify its lineup.
The company reiterated last year’s commitment to bring 20 new vehicles to market by 2025, with just half of those being electric, hybrid or hydrogen-powered, with the automaker producing electric-only models by 2035.

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