When the first electric Lexus made its debut, it was a bit of a half-measure. The compact SUV Lexus UX 300e was based on a gasoline model and wasn’t available in all countries. The full-fledged development of a range of electric Lexuses, created without ties to older models, was only just beginning. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Lexus RZ 450e — Lexus’s first dedicated electric crossover.
Platform and Design: A Premium Take on the Toyota bZ4X
Effectively, this is a premium version of the Toyota bZ4X compact SUV (also known as the Subaru Solterra). The new Lexus is built on the same e-TNGA platform, has an identical wheelbase of 2850 mm, and even shares the distinctive body profile. However, Lexus flaunts an original design with trademark elements like the massive “spindle” in place of the radiator grille and the familiar rear wing shape from the RX model.
Compared to the original Toyota, the new Lexus has noticeably extended body overhangs, resulting in a total length increase from 4690 mm to 4805 mm — just 85 mm shorter than the gasoline-powered Lexus RX. Key dimensions include:
- Length: 4805 mm
- Width: 1895 mm
- Height: 1635 mm
- Wheelbase: 2850 mm
- Wheel options: 18 or 20-inch
e-TNGA Platform and Chassis Engineering
The electric e-TNGA platform is designed according to modern standards: it features compact standardized motor modules (with integrated inverters and reducers), and the traction battery, positioned under the floor, is integrated into the body’s power structure. Chassis highlights include:
- Front suspension: McPherson type
- Rear suspension: Double wishbone arms
- Shock absorbers: Amplitude-dependent — a first for Lexus
Steer-by-Wire: The One Motion Grip System
Similar to its Toyota sibling, an option for “by-wire” steering is offered, named One Motion Grip. Toyota becomes the second automaker to introduce such a system to production cars; Infiniti was the first, in 2013. However, while Infiniti models still include a steering column with an emergency coupling that engages when needed — ensuring a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels — this is absent in Toyota and Lexus. Only an emergency power supply system and some protection against errors in the electronic control system are provided.
The absence of a steering column allows for any gear ratio, and vehicles equipped with this system feature a steering wheel substitute instead of the conventional wheel. In the most “aggressive” mode, the steering rotation from lock to lock is less than half a turn — only 150 degrees!
Interior and Technology Features
The center of attention in the interior is the 14-inch “television” of the media system. The Lexus RZ features virtual instruments and a projection screen, yet physical buttons on the steering wheel and rotating climate control knobs are retained. Notable interior features include:
- Rearview mirror display: Projects a top-view image from the rear camera
- Electrochromic panoramic roof: No physical cover — darkens at the touch of a button
- 14-inch multimedia screen with virtual instrument cluster
- Optional yoke-style steering wheel paired with the steer-by-wire system
Smart Safety and Comfort Details
Similar to the new Lexus NX, the electric vehicle also features electronic door locks: a simple press of the handle from the inside unlocks the door, while the traditional emergency mechanical unlocking (achieved by pulling the handle towards oneself) remains intact. If the electronics detect danger while attempting to open the door — such as an approaching vehicle in the adjacent lane — the lock can be forcibly engaged. Another innovative feature includes spiral electronic heaters placed within the front panel, around the knee area of the front seats.
Powertrain and Performance
The sole variant, the RZ 450e, comes with an all-wheel drive Direct4 system powered by two electric motors. However, the Japanese electric vehicle’s specifications aren’t any less impressive. Key powertrain figures include:
- Front motor: 204 horsepower
- Rear motor: 109 horsepower
- Combined peak output: 313 horsepower and 435 Nm of torque
- System voltage: 355 volts (some competitors already use 800-volt architecture)
- Drive system: All-wheel drive Direct4
Battery, Range, and Charging
The lithium-ion traction battery has a capacity of 71.4 kWh, offering an expected range of 450 kilometers on a single charge, although the WLTP cycle puts it at around 400 kilometers. Developers assure that after ten years of use, the battery will retain 90% of its capacity. Performance and safety highlights include:
- Battery capacity: 71.4 kWh
- Estimated range: Up to 450 km (approx. 400 km WLTP)
- Battery longevity: 90% capacity retained after 10 years
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: 5.6 seconds (5.4 seconds for the China-market version)
- Driver assistance: Adaptive cruise control and the Lexus Safety System+ suite
Lexus’s Road to a Fully Electric Future
By 2030, the company aims to have a complete range of electric models across different classes, with Europe, North America, and China retaining only battery-powered vehicles. By 2035, Lexus plans to transition fully to electric propulsion.
Photo: Lexus
This is a translation. You can read an original article here: Кроссовер Lexus RZ 450e открыл гамму электромобилей
Published September 13, 2023 • 5m to read
