Lexus launches first electric car

The luxury brand’s electric crossover is based on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform. While the proportions are similar to the two models of Toyota and Subaru, the block arrays in the Lexus body make a difference, favoring more aerodynamics.

The rear LED strip extends all the way to the rear of the car, the rear glass is sloping, the rear spoiler is high in the form of a ducktail, and the air vents on both sides of the tail. The spindle grille resembles the NX but is completely sealed.

More importantly, the RZ comes standard with two electric motors with 201 hp at the front and 107 hp at the rear, for a total of 309 hp and 435 N of torque. This is also the first model. Lexus uses the new Direct4 4-wheel drive system. The electronic system can change the torque distribution between the two shafts.

The power of the RZ is superior to the 215 hp and 309 Nm of the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra. Thanks to that, the luxury electric car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. But like many other electric cars, the top speed is modest at 160 km / h.

According to Lexus, the RZ’s 71.4 kWh battery helps the car run 450 km per charge, which is less than the 470 km of the Toyota bZ4x, but similar to the Genesis GV60 – one of the main competitors.

Cockpit with Lexus Tazuna design philosophy, including neat digital clock, 14-inch touch screen for infotainment system, information display on HUD steering wheel. The standard steering wheel is round in traditional style, but customers can choose to have a quadrilateral steering wheel thanks to electric power steering technology. However, it is possible that most customers will not risk the new steering wheel.

High-class interior materials, with mood lighting system. Heating for the front seats, and optional automatic sunroof dimming.

RZ is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 safety package with ADAS advanced driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, radar cruise control system receiving feedback from the driver monitoring system. In particular, the e-Latch system does not allow passengers to open the exit door if another vehicle is approaching.

Currently, Lexus is accepting orders for the RZ 450e online. The price of the electric crossover has not been announced, but is said to be higher than the most advanced version of the Toyota bZ4x priced at $ 48,800 in the US.

America – England (according to Carscoops)