Lexus RZ 2023 review: 450e preview test

Like we said, nobody knows pricing as yet.

Being a Lexus EV, however, the RZ will certainly cost more than rivals like the Tesla Model Y, which in its base single-motor rear-drive guise kicks off from ‘just’ $72,300 (all prices are before on-road costs).

Indeed, given its luxury positioning, don’t expect the high-grade 450e twin-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) version we’re previewing to undercut the conceptually similar Genesis GV60, that starts from $103,700.

If UK pricing is indicative, the RZ 450e is roughly aligned with the RX 450h F Sport, that currently starts from $102,683 in Australia.

The RZ will certainly cost more than rivals like the Tesla Model Y.

Other EV rivals will include the ICE-based BMW iX3 (from $114,900), Volvo C40 Recharge (from $74,990) and upcoming Polestar 3 (pricing TBC), while the Audi Q4 e-tron from 2024 is also expected to be in the Lexus’ crosshairs.

Watch this space.

Equipment levels? Who knows, except that the RZ 450e should include a range of fresh and intriguing features.

Perhaps most controversial of these is the steer-by-wire (SBW) technology that will probably be optional on some versions and maybe even standard on this high-grade variant.

A panoramic sunroof with electric instant dimming is an optional extra in the RZ.

Australia’s first mass-produced yoke-like steering control with steer-by-wire, it offers a constantly varying steering ratio, to cut down wheel movement range (also known as turns lock-to-lock) from an average 540 degrees to just 170 degrees. That’s barely over half a circle. A driver’s arms would never cross over, even during the tightest U-turn.

Other goodies/gimmicks include the driver being able to manoeuvre the car in and out of spaces standing outside via a smartphone (a little like Hyundai/Kia’s key fob-controlled feature), electronic door handles, radiant heaters and heat-pump system for improved efficiency, a full vegan interior with ‘Ultrasuede’ material, a dial shift knob due to shift-by-wire tech, the option of a panoramic sunroof with electric instant dimming and extensive anti-noise sound frequency tech to silence the cabin at speed.

The RZ 450e should include a range of fresh and intriguing features.

Being the 450e flagship, expect multi-zone climate control, heated/vented seating, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, digital rear-view mirror, electric adjustment for front seats and steering column, digital instrumentation, a head-up display, a massive touchscreen, advanced multimedia with voice control, premium audio with surround-sound hi-fi, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, surround-view cameras, configurable driving modes, power-folding rear seats, parking assist, a sensor-activated powered tailgate and 20-inch alloy wheels (but no spare wheel it appears).

There’s also a long list of driver-assist safety systems. Branded as “the latest Lexus Safety System+”, this ushers in wide-range autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-support systems under the Pre-Collision Safety umbrella.

As our recent analysis of the latest NX range highlighted, Lexus isn’t being lousy with its luxury equipment, and the RZ 450e is likely to be no exception. Don’t forget, value-for-money is a brand byword.

The RZ is expected to include a wireless phone charger for added convenience.

Describing it as airy minimalism, Lexus is keen to crow about the RZ’s exceptional interior space for its size, courtesy of the extended wheelbase and progressively cab-forward profile.

A lot of effort has gone into maximising packaging efficiency as a result of electrification. While there’s more than sufficient space up front for two, it’s the generous rear-seat area that families are likely to appreciate, with plenty of legroom, shoulder room and head room, even for three people seated abreast.

Lexus says the driver-centric dashboard has been designed to make users feel welcome, offering a traditionally-presented though extremely modern instrumentation layout at the straight-ahead, flanked by a large central touchscreen, intuitive controls placement and easy access to switchgear, ventilation, multimedia systems and storage outlets. If you’re familiar with the latest NX, you’ll feel right at home here.

In the back there is plenty of legroom, shoulder room and head room, even for three people seated abreast.

Yet there’s also a distinct character to the RZ, with new-to-brand items like the availability of a full vegan interior, electric radiant heaters as part of a new heat-pump device for improved ambient-temperature comfort, the option of a panoramic sunroof with electric instant dimming, a dial shift knob in place of a gear lever, and extensive anti-noise sound frequency tech to silence the cabin at speed.

Yet the biggest departure is the availability of that yoke-style steering ‘wheel’, as fitted to our preview 450e.

It requires a constant ‘quarter-to-three’ grip, and you need to be conscious of not turning the wheel too far to one side, as the steering ratio is variable so only requires modest inputs. But, otherwise, everything quickly feels second-nature… except if you’ve acquired a lifetime of bad habits and prefer to rest a hand on the wheel at high-noon, which is impossible as there’s no upper-rim to do that on.

Note a regular electric power steering system mechanically connected to the front wheels will be the standard set-up.

Moving to the rear of the RZ, beyond the roomy back-seat, the boot seems more than generous. Whether it matches the bZ4X’s 452-litre cargo capacity remains to be seen, but it should be very close.

Lush in that expensive, Lexus way yet intriguingly progressive without compromising packaging or practicality, it seems that the RZ’s interior architects managed to get this model right.

Moving to the rear of the RZ, beyond the roomy back-seat, the boot seems more than generous.

Right now, the only model confirmed is the RZ 450e, and Lexus isn’t saying much beyond the basics.

This means there is an AC permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, transaxle and inverter on each axle, providing variable all-wheel drive (AWD).

For the 450e, the front motor makes 150kW of power and reportedly 265Nm of torque, while the rear one delivers 80kW and 170Nm respectively, for a 230kW system total. No official torque outputs have actually been divulged by Lexus; these figures are estimated.

Overseas models can manage a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.6 seconds, on the way to a 159km/h top speed.

For the 450e, the front motor makes 150kW of power and the rear one delivers 80kW, for a 230kW system total.

Dubbed ‘DIRECT4’, the RZ’s AWD set-up can deliver up to 100 per cent torque to either axle according to speed and conditions. Lexus says that in normal straight-line driving, the system uses a front-to-rear drive-force ratio between 60:40 and 40:60, to help reduce pitch.

You can also bank on a single-motor version, driving the front wheels, and that one’s likely to slip under $100,000.

Higher RZ grades like the 450e will offer adaptive dampers for the MacPherson-style strut front suspension and trailing arm double-wishbone rear suspension set-up.

A super-stiff and strong body structure further quells noise and vibration paths while benefitting handling and ride qualities.

Overseas models can manage a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.6 seconds.

As with many pure EVs, a lithium-ion battery pack is placed low and centrally within the wheelbase.

Delivering 71.4kWh, it is said to offer up to 450km of range between charges, using the Japanese WLTC methodology. Australian range figures are yet to be confirmed, but they shouldn’t be too far wide of that figure driven modestly. 

The European-market WLTP combined-cycle target for the 450e is sub-18kWh per 100km.

AC charging is via a Type 2 port with an 11kW capacity, while a DC fast charging via a CCS2 port can handle up to 150kW.

The RZ is said to offer up to 450km of range between charges.

Regenerative braking, offering several levels of single-pedal deceleration, is also included.

Lexus reckons its battery-control tech ensures an industry-leading battery-capacity retention rate of at least 90 per cent after 10 years, or even higher if the timer charging function that avoids over-charging is utilised.

More information will be revealed closer to the RZ’s mid-2023 launch. Stay tuned for that.

Again, we don’t yet know what Lexus is planning for the RZ in Australia cost-of-ownership wise.

But, based on what the latest NX offers, expect a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance, service intervals at 12 months or 15,000km and published capped-price servicing.

Plus, there’s also Lexus’ ‘Encore’ aftersales subscription program offering myriad offers and services – something the brand has long excelled at.