2023 RZ EV: Lexus Continues Luxury Tradition

author: FutureCar Staff    

Over the past few years, downtown Los Angeles has been difficult to see clearly due to smog and weather conditions. Even during my recent visit to Griffith Park in a new Lexus RZ 450e, the first fully-electric model from Lexus in the U.S., the skyline was still obscured by haze. Disappointed, I decided to leave without getting out of the battery-powered car.

While there has been significant improvement in L.A.'s air quality since the 1990s, southern California still has some of the worst air in the country. We still have a long way to go before clear days outnumber the hazy ones. The hope is that the electrification revolution and advancements in battery technology will contribute to better air quality and visibility. This raises the question of whether the new Lexus RZ is the right electric vehicle to lead us into that future.

The exterior design of the RZ doesn't take any drastic leaps, and that turns out to be a good thing. The familiarity of the design makes the transition to an electric vehicle feel natural. It serves as a gateway EV for loyal Lexus customers.

When driving the RZ, it feels like any other vehicle, which is a positive attribute. It doesn't immediately unleash its full power when you hit the pedal, but once the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system fully engages, it accelerates quickly, reaching 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. The suspension setup and tuning on the dampers provide a comfortable ride, absorbing most road bumps and textures.

The brakes on the RZ feel similar to those in a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, and the regeneration levels are not very noticeable. While it doesn't offer one-pedal driving, it still provides a smooth deceleration experience.

The RZ comes with a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers an EPA-rated range of 220 miles on standard 18-inch wheels. Upgrading to 20-inch rims reduces the range to 196 miles. To ensure convenient charging, buyers will need to install a home charger. Lexus customer service provides assistance with at-home charger installation, and the RZ can charge from nearly dead to 80% in 30 minutes on a 150-kW charger.

In real-world driving conditions, the RZ's range aligns with the estimates from Lexus. After a 100-mile drive with the AC and ventilated seats on, I still had about 50% charge remaining.

The interior of the RZ is luxurious and comfortable, as expected from a Lexus. The reductive design creates a spacious and airy environment. The front seats are supportive, and the lack of clutter helps the driver stay focused on the road. The centerpiece of the cabin is a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls almost all features of the RZ. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and upgrading to the Luxury model provides a premium sound system and ambient interior lighting.

The RZ offers a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, which enhance safety and confidence on the road. It also provides ample cargo space, making it suitable for road trips.

To alleviate range anxiety, Lexus offers RZ buyers a unique perk: 30 complimentary days of gas-powered loan vehicles for the first three years of ownership. This allows for longer road trips without worrying about charging infrastructure limitations.

In conclusion, the Lexus RZ presents a compelling case for transitioning to electric vehicles. However, the ultimate goal of clean air and clear skies is still a work in progress.

FutureCar Staff