2023 RZ EV: Lexus Continues Luxury Legacy

author: FutureCar Staff    

Over the past few years, downtown Los Angeles has been difficult to see clearly due to smog and weather conditions. Even on a recent visit to Griffith Park in a new Lexus RZ 450e, the haze obscured the skyline. Despite improvements in air quality, southern California still has a long way to go before clear days outnumber hazy ones. The hope is that the electrification revolution and advancements in battery construction will help improve both air quality and visibility in the future.

The Lexus RZ doesn't deviate drastically from the brand's exterior design, which turns out to be a good thing. The driving experience of the RZ feels natural, unlike the radical departure often associated with electric vehicles. It serves as a gateway EV for Lexus loyalists, offering an electric powertrain that delivers 308 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, known as Direct4, provides quick acceleration, taking the RZ from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.8 seconds.

During a two-day test drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, the RZ proved to be luxurious, easy to drive, and capable. The suspension setup and frequency reactive dampers offer a comfortable ride with minimal road bumps and textures. The brakes feel similar to those in a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, and the regenerative braking is not as noticeable. The water-cooled, 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an EPA-rated range of 220 miles on standard 18-inch wheels, which can be extended to 196 miles with 20-inch rims. Charging the RZ to 80% on a 150-kW charger takes approximately 30 minutes.

The interior of the RZ is posh and spacious, with supportive and comfortable seats. The reductive design creates an airy atmosphere, while the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen controls most of the vehicle's features. Both Premium and Luxury trim levels offer driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Luxury model includes additional features like a Mark Levinson Surround Sound system and multi-colored ambient interior lighting. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the RZ provides ample room for luggage.

Range anxiety is a concern for EV drivers, especially with a range of under 200 miles. To address this, Lexus offers RZ buyers 30 complimentary days of gas-powered loan vehicles for the first three years, allowing for longer road trips without worrying about charging infrastructure limitations. Overall, the Lexus RZ presents a compelling case for transitioning to electric vehicles, although the journey towards clean air and clear skies is still ongoing.

FutureCar Staff