Lexus' entry into the electric vehicle market, the RZ450e, is the brand's first full-battery electric vehicle. The sleek SUV promises to deliver the luxury, comfort, and performance that Lexus is known for while embracing a future vision free of fossil fuels. Lexus Philippines recently handed me the keys to a beautiful example, a Sonic Quartz-colored RZ450e with a grayscale interior. For four days, I drove it as much as I could to experience life with a luxurious EV.
Design and aesthetics
Design-wise, the Lexus RZ450e's styling comfortably sits among its stablemates, but the design is slightly pushed further. Compared to most of its contemporaries, both ICE and BEV, its revolutionary styling is quite a departure. The iconic spindle grille has been reimagined, replaced by a sleek body panel that smooths out the front and proclaims its electric identity. As my editor noted in his review, "The change in power source from fuel and engine to batteries and motors fundamentally alters the styling, drive, and overall experience." The vehicle's proportions are optimized with wheels pushed to the corners, creating a sporty crossover look with a rakish windshield and a fastback roof, typically seen in sports cars rather than EVs. With BEVs generally being heavier, the wider stance and longer wheelbase would surely help in the handling department and maximize interior volume.
Inside, the RZ450e blends luxury with futuristic elements. The spacious cabin is adorned with premium materials like Ultrasuede, available in other sophisticated colors, including Orage (Not a typo. It's a Japanese color.) and hazel. My grayscale-colored unit seemed spartan at first, but being inside the space made me better appreciate the subtle play of light and shadow within the interior. Aside from the ballet of design lines moving in and about the car's interior, a large 14-inch EMV (Electro Multi-Vision) display greets the occupants. The EMV display was first introduced in the Toyota Soarer in 1985 and has since become a staple in many Lexus models, offering a centralized interface for accessing critical vehicle information and entertainment features. The grayscale seats are a mix of fabric and Ultrasuede and, though lacking distinct accents, are an exercise in measured simplicity.
Any car valued north of a few million pesos should feel like a lush experience, and the RZ450e is no different. Not until you look up, that is. For above me, a singular component blends the worlds of opulence and geekdom in a magical manner. The two-piece panoramic roof above me looked like any other skylight at first glance. But upon closer inspection, I realized the interior was dim, but the glass had no sunshade. Instead, you push a button, and the opaque glass turns clear in milliseconds. The Lexus RZ450e showcases a panoramic roof with low-e (low-emissivity) glass that can be electrically dimmed. This feature allows the glass to effortlessly transition from transparent to opaque with a simple touch, effectively blocking direct sunlight when necessary. The low-e coating on the glass serves multiple purposes: it reflects infrared radiation to minimize radiant heat on sunny days and helps retain heat inside the cabin during colder weather. By using this dimming function, there is less reliance on the air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the vehicle, eliminating the need for a retracting sunshade. This reduction in weight and energy consumption contributes to the vehicle's overall driving range.
The Lexus RZ450e excels in terms of comfort and practicality. The interior offers generous space with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The front seats are 8-way power adjustable and equipped with ventilation for added comfort. In the rear, the seats have a flat floor and multiple reclining positions, enhancing comfort during long journeys.
In addition, the RZ450e features the Lexus Climate Concierge and dual-zone automatic air conditioning with a humidity sensor. Various storage solutions, such as under-console storage and cupholders, are provided. Though the rear cargo area is spacious, its usability is somewhat compromised by the large spare tire. This leads to my first of three concerns. The spare tire is positioned and shaped awkwardly in the cargo space, secured by a hook and strap system. It almost feels like an afterthought, to be honest. To maximize cargo space, opting for run-flat tires and a repair kit is recommended.
Performance and handling
Underneath the floor, the Lexus RZ450e is powered by dual permanent magnet motors, producing a combined output of 313 Ps and 435 Nm of torque. The 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery supports both AC and DC charging, with a full charge achievable in approximately 6.5 hours using an 11kW AC charger or around 30 minutes with a DC fast charger. There are five drive modes that adjust power delivery, drivetrain energy recovery, and HVAC levels. These include Normal, Eco, Sport, Range, and a customizable setting. The RZ450e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a published 5.3 seconds, demonstrating the power of its electric drivetrain. In Sport mode, I found joy in the vehicle's responsive launch with every tap of the throttle. However, the acceleration is not violent, thanks to the suspension that effectively smooths out the ride. The MacPherson-strut front suspension and trailing arm, double-wishbone rear suspension provide transparent driving dynamics that ensure comfort and control in any situation. Despite riding on 20-inch wheels and 234/50 front and 255/45 rear Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 tires, the vehicle still delivers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride.
Technology and features
Lexus has equipped the RZ450e with cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing both convenience and safety. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are accessible through the 14-inch EMV touch display, while the immersive 10-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provides an exceptional auditory experience. The Lexus Safety System+ 3 suite, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) systems, further elevates the driving experience.
Additionally, the instrument cluster and heads-up display offer crucial driving information, and the futuristic feel is heightened by the rotary gear selector and wireless charging pad on the center console. However, my second dissatisfaction with this car would be the instrument cluster. Considering the vehicle's high price tag, I believe Lexus could have designed better gauges. The gauge cluster spans about 14 or 15 inches, leaving a significant amount of empty space with just an 8-inch multi-information display in the center, which may disappoint UX and UI designers. My third concern is the excessive number of safety beeps, along with an over-excitable camera, that can be more distracting than helpful.
The efficient battery and power management system ensure a decent range. Over four days of urban driving, I used up approximately 230 kilometers from the initial 370-kilometer range. Since I didn't have access to a wall charger, recharging the battery was not an option. I primarily drove in Sport or Normal modes, but switching to Eco mode can provide an additional 50 to 60 kilometers of range, provided the AC is off. Nevertheless, this range is suitable for daily commuting and short to medium trips, as long as you have reasonable charging arrangements.
Verdict
Priced at ₱5.228 million, the RZ450e offers a unique combination of luxury, performance, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to embrace electric mobility without compromising quality. As this is the brand's first EV, I am confident that future models will undergo further refinement. However, as my editor aptly stated, "The Lexus RZ450e is a good preview of the EVs Toyota and Lexus can produce in the future, making it an excellent, quiet, and comfortable daily driver." Given the steep initial cost, the RZ450e offers potential savings when it comes to ownership expenses and maintenance costs. Compared to conventional vehicles, EVs typically require fewer repairs and maintenance due to fewer moving parts. Furthermore, Lexus's reputation for reliability and exceptional after-sales service enhances the value of the RZ450e.
For those in search of a stylish, comfortable, and technologically advanced luxury electric SUV, the Lexus RZ450e provides an enticing option that ensures a sophisticated and eco-friendly driving experience.