2023 RZ EV: Lexus Continues Luxury Tradition

author: FutureCar Staff    

Over the past few years, I have never been able to see downtown Los Angeles clearly from afar due to smog and weather. Even when I drove up to Griffith Park in a new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, the haze still covered the vista. I didn't bother getting out of the car and drove off.

Although L.A.'s air quality has improved since the 1990s, it still has a long way to go. The electrification revolution and improved battery efficiency may help improve the situation. Is the new Lexus RZ the right EV for a cleaner future?

Lexus hasn't made any drastic changes to the exterior design of the RZ, and that turned out to be a good thing. The RZ feels entirely natural to drive, giving off normal vibes from the moment you sit behind the wheel. It's like a gateway EV for Lexus loyalists.

The RZ has an electric powertrain with 308 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.8 seconds.

During my two-day test drive, the RZ proved to be luxurious, easy to drive, and capable. It stays well planted in corners, although the suspension setup and tuning on the dampers make it a bit soft with some bob and roll. However, this also helps smooth out road bumps and textures.

The real-world range of the RZ is in line with the estimates from Lexus. The brakes feel similar to those in a traditional ICE-powered vehicle, and there isn't much noticeable regeneration from the four different regen levels.

The RZ is equipped with a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides an EPA-rated range of 220 miles on standard 18-inch wheels. Upgrading to 20-inch rims reduces the range to 196 miles. Buyers will need to install a home charger for convenient charging.

The interior of the RZ is posh and comfortable. The reductive design gives it an airy quality, and the lack of clutter helps the driver stay focused on the road. The centerpiece is a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls almost every feature in the car.

Both trim levels of the RZ offer driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The optional hands-free traffic jam assistant is particularly helpful in L.A. traffic. The cargo space is ample, with 34.9 cubic feet available.

Lexus recognizes the range anxiety that comes with driving an EV, so they offer RZ buyers 30 complimentary days of gas-powered loan vehicles for the first three years. This allows for longer road trips without worrying about charging infrastructure.

All in all, the Lexus RZ makes a compelling case for transitioning to electric vehicles. However, it's important to remember that clean air and clear skies are not solely dependent on the cars we drive.

FutureCar Staff