2023 RZ EV: Lexus Continues Luxury Tradition

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【Summary】Lexus has released its first fully-electric model, the 2023 RZ EV, which offers a natural driving experience and a good acceleration rate. The SUV is luxurious, easy to drive, and has a soft suspension setup. It has an EPA-rated range of 220 miles on 18-inch wheels and can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes on a 150-kW charger. The interior is posh and spacious, with a large infotainment touchscreen and driver aids.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 5:05 PM PT

2023 RZ EV: Lexus Continues Luxury Tradition

Over the past few years, I have never been able to see downtown Los Angeles clearly from afar due to smog and weather conditions. Even on my recent visit to Griffith Park in a new Lexus RZ 450e, the haze obscured the skyline. Despite improvements in air quality, there is still a long way to go before clear days outnumber hazy ones in southern California. The hope is that the electrification revolution and advancements in battery efficiency will help improve both air quality and visibility.

The Lexus RZ does not take any drastic leaps in exterior design, which turns out to be a good thing. The driving experience feels entirely natural, unlike the radical departure often associated with electric vehicles. It serves as a gateway EV for Lexus loyalists, providing a familiar and comfortable driving experience. The RZ features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 308 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, allowing for quick acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.8 seconds.

During my two-day test drive of the RZ, I found it to be luxurious, easy to drive, and capable. The suspension setup and tuning on the frequency reactive dampers provide a comfortable ride, absorbing most road bumps and textures. The brakes feel similar to those in a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, and the regenerative braking system is not as noticeable. The RZ's water-cooled, 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers an EPA-rated range of 220 miles on standard 18-inch wheels, making it necessary for buyers to install a home charger for convenient charging.

The interior of the RZ is posh and inviting. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the reductive design creates an airy and spacious atmosphere. The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the dashboard and cabin, providing access to various features. Both trim levels, Premium and Luxury, offer driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The RZ also provides ample cargo space, making it suitable for road trips.

To address range anxiety, Lexus offers RZ buyers 30 complimentary days of gas-powered loan vehicles for the first three years. This perk allows for longer road trips without the worry of finding charging stations everywhere. Overall, the Lexus RZ makes a compelling case for transitioning to electric vehicles, although the journey towards clean air and clear skies is still ongoing.