2023 RZ EV: Lexus Continues Luxury Tradition

author: FutureCar Staff    

Over the past few years, and maybe a dozen visits, I haven't been able to see downtown Los Angeles clearly from afar. The combination of smog and weather always seems to blur the skyline. Recently, I decided to drive up to Griffith Park in a new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, the brand's first fully-electric model for sale in the U.S., to see if I could get a better view. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side, as a hazy shade covered the vista. Disappointed, I drove off without getting out of the car.

Although L.A.'s air quality has improved since the 1990s, southern California still has some of the worst air in the country. There is a long way to go before clear days outnumber the hazy ones. Hopefully, the electrification revolution and advancements in battery construction will help improve the air quality and visibility. Is the new Lexus RZ the right electric vehicle to lead us into a cleaner future?

Lexus has not made any drastic changes to the exterior design of the RZ, and that turned out to be a good thing. The RZ provides a natural driving experience that feels familiar. We often think of electric vehicles as a radical departure from traditional internal combustion vehicles, but the RZ breaks that stereotype. From the moment you sit behind the wheel, it feels normal in the best way possible. It serves as a gateway electric vehicle for loyal Lexus customers.

While you are aware that it has an electric powertrain, you only feel it when you press the pedal. There is a slight pause before the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, known as Direct4, fully engages. With 308 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, the electric motors can accelerate the RZ from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.8 seconds.

I had the opportunity to drive the SUV for two days, first from Santa Barbara to L.A. and then around the city for a few hours. The RZ is luxurious, easy to drive, and capable. It remains stable in corners, despite its weight of around 4,600 lbs. The suspension setup and tuning on the dampers provide a soft ride, reducing the impact of road bumps and textures.

The real-world range of the RZ aligns with the estimates from Lexus. The water-cooled, 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers approximately 220 miles of range 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 provides dedicated staff to facilitate at-home charger installation. Using a 150-kW charger, the RZ can reach 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

When it comes to braking, the RZ feels similar to an internal combustion-powered vehicle. There is not much noticeable regeneration from the four different regen levels, and one-pedal driving is not available. However, the brakes function well, and the absence of one-pedal driving doesn't pose a problem.

The interior of the RZ is as posh as you would expect from a Lexus. It offers a comfortable and supportive seating arrangement. The reductive design creates an airy and spacious feel, which passengers will appreciate. The lack of clutter also helps the driver stay focused on the road ahead. The centerpiece is a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls almost every feature of the RZ. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the Luxury model offers a Mark Levinson Surround Sound system and multi-colored ambient interior lighting.

Both trim levels of the RZ come with a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. These features inspire confidence while driving on the highway. The optional hands-free traffic jam assistant is particularly useful in the notorious L.A. traffic. The RZ also offers ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet available.

Range anxiety is a common concern for EV drivers, especially if the range is under 200 miles. To address this, Lexus provides RZ buyers with 30 complimentary days of gas-powered loan vehicles for the first three years. This perk allows for longer road trips without worrying about charging infrastructure.

All in all, 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