The electrification of the automotive landscape is rapidly picking up steam, and such evidence is illustrated by Lexus’ first all-electric model to hit its dealerships, the 2023 RZ. Riding on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, the all-new RZ furthers Lexus’ longstanding affair with hybrids to offer a fully electric crossover with a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive.
The RZ joins an expanding list of compact, luxury EV crossovers where it will aim to continue Lexus’ M.O. of comfortable and quiet cruisers that are rich with tech and creature comforts while undercutting some rivals on price.
And given many of Lexus’ crossover models have been offered with hybrid powertrains for several years, it shouldn’t be too extreme of a pivot for the brand’s faithful to go full-EV. Of course, the RZ also opens the door to those looking to make the switch to an EV, or get into a new one, with a Lexus badge.
2023 Lexus RZ
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Available Steering Yoke
- Direct4 All-Wheel Drive
- 14-Inch Touchscreen
- Heated And Ventilated Front Seats
- 35-Cubic-Feet Cargo Hold
- Model: 2023 Lexus RZ
- Engine:: Dual Electric Motors
- Power Output: 308 HP
- Torque: 320 LB-FT
- Range: 220 Miles
- Transmission: 1-Speed
- Driveline: AWD
- MSRP: $59,650
- Spacious For Passengers And Cargo
- Generously Equipped
- Sharp Exterior Design
- Range Lacks Some Competitors
- Charging Rates Are Middling
- Not Eligible For Federal EV Tax Credit
2023 Lexus RZ Performance And Capability
For its debut year, the Lexus RZ will be available in two trims — Premium and Luxury — and both models are fitted with the same drivetrain and battery pack. The 2023 Lexus RZ is powered by a dual-electric motor setup with a 150kW front motor and 80kW motor at the back for a total system output of 308 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor setup pairs with a 65.6kWh, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. Lexus claims the RZ will run from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
The EPA has yet to rate the RZ’s driving range, but Lexus claims the RZ will offer 220 miles with 18-inch tires. Twenty-inch wheels are optional, so expect models fitted with the larger versions to get slightly less overall range, likely in line with an AWD bZ4X, which returns 196 miles of range.
The RZ is fitted with a 6.6kW onboard charger, which is less potent than many rivals. Lexus hasn’t revealed charging times for the RZ, but they should be similar to its Toyota cousin. The bZ4X will rejuice from “Low Battery Light” to fully charged in about 9.5 hours at 240V, and from “Low Battery Light” to 80 percent charged in about 60 minutes for AWD models at a max DC Charging Rate of 150kW.
The RZ incorporates Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive system with a new “high output” electronic axle motor that continuously controls drive force. According to the automaker, Direct4 uses speed, acceleration, and steering angle inputs to distribute power, either sending all the grunt to the front or rear wheels or at 40/60 or 60/40 ratio under certain conditions.
The RZ is also fitted with Lexus eAxle which integrates the motor, transaxle, and inverter within one unit. The RZ uses a steer-by-wire system, which MotorTrend commended for its tracking, feel, and feedback while testing and driving a prototype model.
Like some relative newcomers to the EV fray, drivers can adjust regenerative braking settings using paddle shifters. However, the RZ will not combine regenerative and friction braking, providing a more natural braking feel.
Exterior Design
The RZ will not only make a splash as Lexus’ first full EV, its looks will certainly grab attention. Though outwardly similar to the NX model, the RZ sports its own design character, including the dubbed “spindle body” design. Lexus’ hourglass grille has been replaced by a more minimalistic front grille that uses shutters to open or close dependent on cooling needs, flanked by all-LED exterior lighting.
In profile, a curving character line swoops upward to meet the rear quarter panel, which then moves slightly downward and wraps around the rear glass to form a quasi-shelf over the short rear overhang and slightly angular rear fascia. Lexus says the ducktail and vortex generators on the rear end of the trunk reduce aerodynamic drag and generate downforce. In keeping with the times, the tailgate comes with a full-length light bar.
Interior Quality And Technology
The interior of the RZ will be fairly familiar to Lexus drivers, especially those who have piloted the NX. The touchpad control for the infotainment system has been replaced by a rotary control and more traditional switchgear. The RZ is fitted with a sizeable 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity lifted from the NX. Some common controls, like radio functions, will be controlled using the large center display in lieu of traditional knobs and buttons. Of course, models with the yoke will set the interior apart from the NX.
Lexus has also confirmed it will offer a yoke steering wheel for the RZ as an option. It will come with a higher steering speed with to the steer-by-wire system, which should eliminate the hand-over-hand clunkiness of Tesla’s yoke.
Other notable standard interior features include ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather seats that are heated and ventilated in the front, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a 10-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and wireless charging. A panoramic moonroof is also standard with a dimming function that can reduce light entering the cabin.
Though the RZ is closely aligned with the NX in size, its cabin is more spacious. The RZ offers nearly three more inches of front headroom, about two inches more rear headroom, and is slightly more accommodating for leg and shoulder room in each row. The RZ offers a significant 35 cubic feet of storage space in the cargo area behind the rear seats, about 12 cubes more than the NX. Like some EVs out there, the RZ does not have any storage upfront in the frunk.
2023 Lexus RZ Pricing And Availability
The 2023 Lexus RZ450e starts at $59,650 for a Premium model with 18-inch wheels and $60,890 with 20-inch wheels, excluding a $1,150 destination charge. The top-of-the-range Luxury model starts at $65,150. With a starting price over $55,000, the RZ will not be eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, which could sway some buyers into other EV crossover camps. Lexus has not announced an official availability date for the RZ, but says the model is expected to go on sale “in early 2023.” Lexus’ configurator is now online at the automaker’s website to spec an RZ.
Safety
The NHTSA has yet to test the 2023 RZ. As standard, the RZ is fitted with Lexus Safety System 3.0, which includes a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and emergency braking. An automated parking system is also available.
Main Competition
The RZ will most closely compete with other compact, luxury electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-Tron, Genesis Electrified G70, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and the Jaguar I-Pace. While the Lexus’ driving dynamics are still yet to be fully revealed until the model hits the market, on paper, it has both advantages and disadvantages over its new rivals.
With its DC fast-charging capability likely capped at just 150kW, this is one key area where the RZ is behind the competition, charging speeds. The Audi Q4 e-Tron will re-energize its battery packs at 150kW in 36 minutes, and the Model Y supports 250kW charging which bests the Lexus by a wider margin. The Genesis Electrified GV70 supports charging up to 350kW, which the Korean automaker claims will juice its battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes.
Though the Electrified GV70 is notably more expensive with a starting price of $67,550, it offers the same features as upper internal combustion GV70 models and nearly 200 more horsepower (483-hp) with its dual-motor system. The Model Y starts several thousand dollars below the MSRP of the RZ and provides a longer range as standard, but build quality issues have been a consistent issue with Tesla, something Lexus buyers rarely have to concern themselves with.
The XC40 Recharge has a similar range to the RZ and it packs nearly 100 more horsepower, though the Volvo is far less pragmatic for cargo, offering just 21 cubic feet of storage behind the rear row. Still, all RZ models are well equipped with plenty of standard creature comforts and safety features that most competitors can’t match on lower trims.
Ultimately, the new Lexus RZ has its strong suits, but buyers in the compact EV crossover segment should consider their priorities in shopping around the segment and considering putting the automaker’s first all-electric offering in their driveway.
FAQ
Q: How much will the RZ 450e cost?
The RZ450e will start at $59,650 with three trims topping out at $65,150.
Q: Is Lexus RX same size as RZ?
The RX and RZ align closely in size, thought the RX has a slightly larger wheelbase the RZ is longer overall and provides more passenger and cargo space.
Q: Will Lexus RX 2023 be redesigned?
The 2023 Lexus RX has been fully redesigned.
Q: Can I preorder a Lexus RZ450e?
Yes, Lexus RZ configurator is now live on the automaker's website.
Q: When can I buy a Lexus RZ450e?
Lexus has not announced an official release date for the RZ450e but announced it will be available in early 2023.