Drive Time with the Fully Electric Lexus 450e RZ

Drive Time with the Fully Electric Lexus 450e RZ

The automotive industry is continuing to see a significant transformation with the rise of electric vehicles. Lexus isn’t missing a beat and threw down the gauntlet by introducing the Lexus 450e RZ, its first-ever battery electric vehicle. The luxury SUV, which was launched last year, seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with the opulence that the brand is renowned for.

We had the opportunity to get some drive time with the RZ in order to fully take into account the driving experience, design, technology, and sustainability features that make it a compelling choice for those seeking a sustainable and premium ride.

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First, the exterior of the Lexus 450e RZ gives off a familiar and striking presence on the road. Lexus calls it the “Seamless e-Motion” design, which expresses the performance, driving pleasure and refinement of an all-electric vehicle. It comes with the familiar Lexus signature spindle grille shape integrated into the complete frontal design. Since it is an EV, there is no radiator grille but the “spindle grille” shaped space is actually covered—a detail that is added to an aerodynamic design that helps optimize the RZ’s energy efficiency.

The bold and distinctive front grille, accompanied by sleek LED headlights, gives the vehicle a commanding and futuristic appearance. The aerodynamic lines and sculpted curves not only contribute to the SUV’s aesthetic appeal but also enhance its overall efficiency. Its exterior dimensions position the RZ between the Lexus NX and RX models.

Inside the 450e RZ, you’ll be greeted by a meticulously crafted interior that typically exemplifies Lexus’s commitment to luxury. The cabin is adorned with premium materials, including exquisite leather upholstery, polished accents, and ambient lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere. The spaciousness of the interior, coupled with the ergonomically designed seats, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride for both the driver and passengers.

Powering the Lexus 450e RZ is a compact, modular package which consists of a motor, gearing and an ECU, located between the driven wheels. The RZ uses both front and rear eAxles, which work in conjunction with the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive control system to adjust the vehicle’s posture, traction and power distribution, according to the driving conditions. The e-Axles are quiet, efficient and deliver precise power.  There are two motors propelling the 450e RZ, with the front motor producing 150 kW and the rear 80 kW, delivering a total of 230 kW maximum output.

The DIRECT4, which  is an exclusive Lexus technology, is an intelligent system that constantly and seamlessly balances the drive torque between the front and rear axles. This allows a spirited driving performance and stable handling, with intuitive operation strengthening the sense of connection between driver and machine.

We took the 450e RZ to the twisty backroads of Tagaytay and found the car to be very stable and very agile with a lot of power on the tap, without sacrificing ride comfort and quality.  Lexus, known for creating very quiet internal combustion engines and cabins, took it to the next level with this electric vehicle for whisper-quiet journeys, accentuating the luxury experience.

Lexus has outfitted the 450e RZ with a state-of-the-art infotainment system and a comprehensive suite of safety features. We love the Mark Levinson sound system and find the expansive touchscreen display is intuitive and responsive, offering seamless integration with smartphones and providing access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, contribute to a safer driving experience.

The RZ comes with a compact and lightweight 11 kW on-board charger for trickle charging. But we recommend that battery recharging be done with a three-phase power supply charging station that takes around six-and-a-half hours for a full charge. It can also use a single-phase supply with an extended charging time of around 10 hours.

Charging the RZ isn’t a problem around the metro, though, as there is already a growing number of charging stations available in malls with special parking slots, which is a convenient and welcome development in the continuous evolution of the automotive industry.