Lexus RZ

Inside, the Lexus RZ features a premium, high-tech cabin with a Tsuyasumi Ornamentation, which offers top-notch spaciousness for everyone on board. The 450e comes with Ultrasuede seats, while the 300e gets the synthetic leather counterparts. Regardless of the material, this SUV’s seats are plush and provide great ergonomics for all passengers even on longer trips. At the back, its cargo space is a bit limited since its spare tire already took up a lot of the room. But, on the plus side, both first and second rows have enough headroom and legroom to effectively accommodate five. 

Upfront, you are greeted by a 14-inch full-HD EMV (Electro Multi Vision) wide infotainment display that is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and a dynamic voice recognition system. The 450e’s infotainment is linked to a 10-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, whereas the 300e’s is connected to Lexus’ version. Meanwhile, drivers are given an 8-inch color TFT multi-information display, a multicontrol steering wheel wrapped in leather, and a premium-looking gear knob. Owners of the 450e variant also get a head-up display. 

Aside from these, this luxury SUV also comes with multiple USB ports, an accessory socket or power outlet, front and rear door pockets, front cupholders, and a wireless charger. For an aesthetic riding experience overall, it also has an ambient lighting system and a Lexus Climate Concierge. The higher trim also has a rear reading lamp with a capacitive touch switch.

The Lexus RZ model line measures 4,805 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height. This luxury SUV has a 2,850 mm wheelbase and a 200 mm minimum ground clearance, which enables it to confidently take on bumpy and rough roads.

From the outside, the Lexus RZ flaunts a distinct, hypermodern design that sets it apart from other Lexus models on the road. It doesn’t feature a large spindle grille in the middle like most of its cousins. Instead, it gets a solid fascia with small air inlets on both sides and active grille shutters at the bottom. It has a sharp glare courtesy of its single-projector bi-beam LED headlamps along with LED DRLs. The 450e variant also gets front fog lamps for more visibility at night.  

On the sides, sharp character lines and blacked-out finishes give it a silhouette that looks classy and sporty at the same time. This SUV comes with a door trim illumination for a more luxurious appeal. The 450e variant runs on a set of 20-inch black + dark premium metallic alloy wheels, while the 300e variant gets 20-inch aluminum wheels with a black and bright machined finish.

Trailing behind this vehicle at night is certainly enjoyable because of its sleek rear combination lamps. Both variants also get fog lamps at the back for more illumination. However, only the higher trim flaunts a dimming panorama glass roof for a more premium feel overall.

Both variants of the Lexus RZ utilize a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Double Wishbone at the rear. Its suspension setup prioritizes comfort and refinement on the road. That said, its steering has a tendency to feel disconnected when you are driving spiritedly. You might want to hit sharp turns or corners with extra precaution when you are using this luxury SUV. But, on the plus side, you won’t feel bumps and unpleasant road imperfections when you are inside this vehicle. And, on top of this, it still handles well despite its size and large battery pack underneath. Overall, the RZ can deliver a smooth, supple cruising experience for everyone on board.

The Lexus RZ model line offers two powertrain options. First, the 450e variant runs on two Permanent Magnet Motors, which generate a total system power output of 230 kW (front: 150 kW, rear: 80 kW) and a total system torque output of 434.8 Nm (front: 266.3 Nm, rear: 168.5 Nm). In contrast, the 300e variant runs on a single Permanent Magnet Motor at the front, which generates a maximum power output of 150 kW and a maximum torque of 266 Nm.

Both powertrains are powered by a 71.4 kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack that delivers a range of up to 470 km. Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged in approximately 30 minutes. In terms of drivetrain, the 450e variant utilizes Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive system. Both variants come with five drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Range, and Custom.

With all of these in mind, this luxury SUV is quick off the line. Its electric powertrain generates a smooth power delivery, which allows you to effortlessly overtake slower vehicles on free-flowing highways. Its NVH suppression is also very impressive–maintaining a quiet and relaxed state inside the cabin. However, its driving range significantly decreases when the car is exposed to intense heat or when the driver is passing through tight traffic. That said, if you really want to maximize the RZ’s full potential, then it is better to use this out on the open road. 

The Lexus RZ is equipped with a long list of advanced safety features. It comes with Lexus’ Safety System, which includes a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, automatic high beam, and an adaptive high beam system (exclusive to the 450e variant). This SUV also has a blind spot monitor system, safe exit assist, and an auto location tire pressure warning system among others. 

The RZ line uses ventilated discs for both front and rear braking. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist system, parking support brake, vehicle stability control, and a traction control system. 

The Lexus RZ offers a sweet spot for discerning buyers who are looking for a luxury SUV that offers a great balance of performance and refinement on the road. All in all, it is still pretty usable in the city and would definitely be a very enjoyable weekend family car for short-distance out-of-town trips.