Firms first EV Spearheads future
The new RZ 450e is Lexus’ first EV, serving as the forefront for the Japanese firm’s new range of top quality Electric vehicles.
It is similar in size to the best-selling Lexus NX but no doubt be more expensive but desirable than its combustion engined family member, which has just entered its second generation and gained a plug-in hybrid option.
The general appearance of the new EV gives an indication of Lexus's design future albeit very similar to what the design language is now, but many fundamentals have been transformed to mark this out from a regular SUV.
Most noticeable is at the front, Lexus's trademark 'spindle grille' has been altered to a more subtle ‘even’ front end, and is said to express "the BEV's powerful character and seamless acceleration". Lexus’s new design language 'Spindle Body' highlights the lower bonnet, reduced amount of air intakes and more beefy wings as expressing features.
A full body width rear light bar also features, which seams to be a trend with new EV's.
Power comes from a 71.4kWh lithium ion battery, driving the new 'Direct4' four-wheel-drive system, (which allows for torque vectoring between the axles for optimal turn-in response and stability in cornering) includes a pair of electric motors - one with 201bhp at the front and one with 107bhp at the rear, giving combined outputs of 308bhp and 321lb ft. This will allow the RZ 450e to sprint from 0-60mph in 5.6sec and a top speed of 99mph.
There is an expected range of more than 250 miles able to offer 90% of its usable capacity after 10 years of use.
The RZ 450e is also introducing One Motion Grip, a steer-by-wire system that removes the physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. One Motion Grip delivers variable steering ratios designed to make it easier to manoeuvre the car, at low speeds, moving from lock to lock takes a much less degree of movement, removing the need for hand-over-hand turns.
This system is handled by a new futuristic yoke steering wheel which
also gives a better view of the gauge cluster and out of the windscreen, with the 14 inch infotainment screen, head-up display and instrument binnacle carefully positioned to improve forward vision and minimise distraction.
Lexus adds debut options to the RZ, such as a dimmable panoramic roof, this reflects infrared radiation to better insulate the cabin against the external temperature and can be switched to opaque at the touch of a button, and knee-height heaters, which provide the driver and passenger with "the feeling of a warm blanket around the legs".
The new SUV is due in the UK at the end of 2022