Although it hasn't been on the market for long, the first Lexus electric vehicle (EV) is already receiving an update. With the 2024 RZ, the Japanese luxury car manufacturer plans to increase the maximum range and decrease the entry price by providing a front-wheel drive (FWD) variant. The carmaker announced the comeback of the RZ 450e along with the introduction of the brand-new RZ 300e FWD. The 300e is a new model that is reasonably priced and has the longest range in the RZ EV portfolio. For the uninitiated, the RZ is a compact electrified SUV released this year and is based on the same platform as the Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X. The models receive several additional features, mechanical improvements, and design modifications. The 2024 Lexus RZ comes in two variants: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the former being a recent addition to the lineup. The new RZ series is priced starting at USD 55,150.
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2024 Lexus RZ: Mechanical Specifications
A single 198bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle powers the new RZ 300e. According to Lexus, the RZ 300e's estimated range with a 72.8 kWh battery pack is 428-kilometre when using the standard 18-inch wheels; if you use the 20-inch wheels, the range reduces to 360-kilometre.
In the meantime, the RZ 450e retains its AWD and overall output of 304bhp by using the same 198bhp front axle motor and adding a 105.5bhp rear motor. With a 71.4 kWh battery pack that is marginally smaller, it can travel 354-kilometre on 18 volts or 315-kilometre on 20 volts.
2024 Lexus RZ: Acceleration and Charging Time
As per the manufacturer, the 450e can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds, while the RZ 300e can do 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds. A 7 kW charger that can handle up to 150 kW of DC rapid charging is used in both variants. With a Level 2 home charger, they can charge from 0 per cent to 100 per cent in roughly 9.5 hours, or with a DC fast charger, from 0 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
2024 Lexus RZ: Feature List
The Lexus's interior design is "minimalist, yet airy," with an arrangement that puts the driver first. Both versions come with three interior colour choices (Thunderstorm and Macadamia, Palomino, and Dapple Gray), a 10-inch head-up display unit, and a shift knob with shift-by-wire technology. Other conveniences comprise a 14-inch infotainment system with navigation and smartphone connectivity, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and five USB ports.
2024 Lexus RZ: Safety Features
On every RZ, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard. In addition to the ability to detect oncoming vehicles when the EV is turning left, this set of safety technologies additionally incorporates adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering assist with lane departure prevention, road sign recognition, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection and emergency steering assist. There's a parking assist, hands-free traffic jam assist, and a head-up display as well.
Also Read: Lexus LF-ZL, LF-ZC Concept EVs Revealed at Japan Mobility Show 2023
2024 Lexus RZ: Pricing Details
The starting price of the new front-wheel-drive RZ SUV, which includes destination and handling fees, stands at USD 55,150, making the EV much more accessible. The base price of the Toyota bZ4X is USD 43,350. Meanwhile, the Lexus RZ 450e Premium, the base AWD variant, is USD 200 more expensive than the model from the previous year at USD 59,850.
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