Meet the RZ 450e, the very first Lexus BEV

MANILA: Lexus has revealed the details of its first global battery electric vehicle (BEV), the 2023 RZ 450e.

Lexus has been a leader in electrification in the luxury sector since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005. Lexus engineers have endowed the brand's hybrid vehicles with an outstanding driving personality and environmental efficiency. The "Lexus Electrified" vision aims to rekindle all customers' genuine passion for driving thrills, and as a result, the Lexus Electrified lineup of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), BEV, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) products will be expanded to meet the needs and demands of a wider range of luxury buyers.

Lexus will be able to achieve another important goal as a result of the portfolio expansion: the creation of a sustainable global society. By 2030, Lexus will have a full range of BEVs in all segments, contributing to a carbon-neutral society. Lexus aims to sell 100% BEVs globally in five years.

To do this, Lexus will upgrade its products and personnel's skills by repeating "drive and fix" development at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama (TTCS), the company's new operational center.

In a statement, Lexus Electrified Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe said, “We believe that Lexus, an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society. The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive. Direct4, the core technology of ‘Lexus Electrified,’ is an all-wheel drive system that achieves quick and linear response according to driver input. We will continue to take on the challenge of providing customers with new experiences and a uniquely Lexus BEV driving experience.”

The all-new RZ heralds the Lexus transformation into a BEV-centered brand, reflecting the iconic Lexus vehicle design and driving experience enabled by innovative, electrified technology. The vehicle's core performance has been improved by using a BEV-specific platform (e-TNGA), as well as a lightweight and highly stiff body, to achieve optimal weight distribution through proper positioning of the battery and motor. Furthermore, the Direct4 all-wheel drive system, as well as the integration of a new steering control and the optional Steer by Wire system, allow for vehicle control that is more true to the driver's desire.

The Lexus-first Steer by Wire system, which will be available in the US at a later date, allows for the electronic exchange of steering and road surface information between the advanced steering control and tires using electrical impulses rather than mechanical linkage.

The steering angle of the control is set at about 150 degrees, minimizing the driver's effort and eliminating the need for hand-over-hand operation at crossroads, U-turns, parking, curving roads, and other driving scenarios. Designers created the steering control's compact shape and lowered the instrument meter's placement to increase driver engagement and environmental awareness without being inhibited by a large traditional steering wheel.

The RZ’s exterior design reflects its smooth acceleration and powerful torque-filled performance. A BEV Spindle Body replaces Lexus' signature spindle grille. Rather than fulfilling the cooling and exhaust demands of an internal combustion engine, the new front bumper design concentrates on aerodynamic efficiency, optimal proportions, and aesthetics. This style development brings in a new Lexus look as well as a new design approach for BEVs.

A minimalist, capacious interior is housed within the spindle body, with the goal of reinforcing a sustainable mobility message and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of thoughtfully sourced materials. The cabin appears opulent despite its simplicity, thanks to its crafted accents and innovative technologies. It has a standard panoramic roof that visually widens the space and a highly efficient heating system with a Lexus-first radiant heater enhances passenger comfort.

Ultrasuede, an upholstery material that uses 30% bio-based sustainable ingredients to achieve a sensation of warm refinement, is one of the two types of seat materials used in the all-new RZ.

Lexus' human-centered philosophy is reinforced by the front cockpit, which is based on the "tazuna" concept. Tazuna symbolizes the reins that riders use to control their horses. With the steering wheel switches that are linked with the optional head-up display (HUD), the driver may operate functions such as navigation, audio, and drive mode selection while focusing on driving.

The RZ comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and emergency driving stop system.

The Lexus Interface multimedia system, designed in North America and recently introduced on the NX and LX, will also be available on the RZ. Voice commands and a 14-inch touchscreen will be used to control the system.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is set to hit the market by the end of 2022.

Photos from Lexus

Also read: Lexus' 'Sparks of Tomorrow' design concepts to foresee brand's electrified future