The new Lexus RX promises to deliver an electric car experience rivals can’t match.
This is not the first electric Lexus
But it is the first designed from the ground up as an electric car.
Lexus launched a battery-powered version of the UX compact SUV in 2021. That car is normally offered with petrol power, but the new RZ shown here represents a clean sheet design.
Sharing its hardware with the upcoming Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, the Lexus RZ represents the brand’s first serious attempt at an electric car.
Powered by front and rear electric motors with a combined 230kW of grunt, the RZ has a 71.4kWh lithium ion battery that delivers 470 kilometres of range.
Like most electric cars, the RZ is priced at a premium.
It starts from about $133,500 drive-away, about $30,000 more than the equivalent hybrid-powered Lexus RX luxury car.
It promises to be painless
Lexus promises a peerless ownership experience.
Folks who buy the RZ have charging handled by a three years of free charging on the Chargefox network, along with a 7kW charger installed in their home as part of the car’s purchase price.
It also includes membership to Lexus Encore Electrified Platinum, a service with several perks including occasional use of conventionally powered sedans, sports cars and four-wheel-drives.
All of that helps RZ customers make an easy transition to electric motoring – particularly if they already own a Lexus.
This is the Lexus of luxury cars
This SUV delivers what customers have come to expect from Lexus – premium build quality, plush materials, and a straightforward user interface. Unlike a Tesla, it won’t require owners to relearn how to operate a motor vehicle.
But it also falls victim to some of Lexus’ traditional shortcomings, including a less-than-thrilling driving experience. There are faster and more engaging alternatives in the electric vehicle space, but few match the hushed refinement and composed ride comfort of the Lexus RZ.
The cabin has mixed messages
This is not a cheap car, but it is missing features found as standard on much more affordable models. Our test car lacked a sunroof or electric memory seats, and had no glovebox whatsoever.
Gorgeous decorative glass found in high-end Lexus models is missing in action, replaced by clever lighting elements that cast illumination onto the door trims.
A large touchscreen with smartphone mirroring represents a welcome touch, though that’s something you will find in just about any new car today.
But the party trick is just around the corner
The most innovative element of the RZ isn’t here yet. Lexus has developed a yoke-type steering wheel for the RZ that replaces conventional controls with two handgrips similar to those found in an aircraft or Formula 1 car. Like those vehicles, there is minimal steering lock – you can’t complete a full rotation of the yoke – a feat made possible by a digital connection between the steering controls and front wheels that uses clever software to vary its response according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
We tried the system on a proving ground and came away impressed – it really does promise to revolutionise the way cars steer. The tech will give Lexus a genuinely unique selling point when it reaches showrooms in the near future.