2023 Lexus RZ 450e Sports Luxury Design Preview

2023-06-23 5

The next chapter of the Lexus Electrified Vision has arrived with the launch of the all-new RZ battery-electric SUV, the first Lexus BEV built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform.

Following the successful launch of the first Lexus BEV - the UX 300e in late 2021 - the RZ brings Lexus a step closer in its aim of offering a fully-electrified range of Hybrid, PHEV and BEV luxury vehicles in Australia by 2030.

The new electric powertrain with e-Axle electric motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive adds to the renowned Lexus elements of luxurious takumi craftsmanship and impeccable build quality.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the new RZ retains all the signature Lexus elements customers have come to appreciate, but now with zero exhaust emissions.

The RZ launches in Australia with the choice of two grades, starting with the 450e Luxury variant from $123,000 plus on-road costs. The flagship 450e Sports Luxury asks $135,000.

Both variants are powered by the same compact and efficient 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, deploying 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels and a driving range of 470km.

Instant torque and all-wheel traction allows the RZ to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.

All RZ grades come as standard with an 11kW on-board charger, which can recharge the vehicle in approximately 6.5 hours when connected to a three-phase power supply. Recharging to 80 per cent capacity cuts the waiting time to just 30 minutes when hooked up to a DC fast charger.