Lexus RZ 450e
By Bill McCarthy
Lexus has taken seriously the introduction of its stylish and bespoke electric SUV. Of course you would expect this from this arm of one of the world’s leading motor producers. The company says it embraces the potential of new technologies to deliver driving pressure.
At nearly £70k for this range-topping model, you would hope so.
In the past, Lexus models often had a more staid look about them, but that has changed dramatically, with a range of state-of-the-art design.
From its striking looks to its cutting-edge technology, the RZ is a luxury high-performance model, with a comprehensive list of equipment, a statement vehicle for those looking for a premium SU and available in three versions – Premium Pack, Premium Plus Pack and Takumi.
It is the first Lexus to include new e-Axles and Direct4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control to improve handling and responsiveness, while a 74kW lithium-ion battery unit is fully integrated into the chassis beneath the cabin floor, to deliver extra stability
Not only that, it has a presence that is hard to ignore. Sitting between the MX and larger RX, it copies some of the design features, including the elegant, slippery sculpted profile, the familiar, but bolder spindle design on the front grille and trapezoidal headlamps and a heat-shielding panoramic roof.
In addition, it features a powered boot lid, rear privacy glass and 20-inch alloy wheels and to the rear split roof spoiler and the now Lexus signature LED light bar across the width of the car.
Power is delivered from the powerful battery to a 310bhp electric motor and a seamless one step transmission. It is rapid, as are most electric vehicles, hitting the benchmark 60mph in a smidge over 5 seconds.
The high level torque provides overtaking grunt in all circumstances.
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It is a brilliant motorway cruiser and with the ever-increasing growth of charging stations, anxiety range is becoming less and less of a problem when undertaking longer journeys. Even so, the claimed range of 252 miles was nearer 220 during the test drive.
Handling is responsive and adaptive suspension provides independent damping control at each wheel, giving a more comfortable ride on uneven surfaces, higher damping force when turning, and flat ride stability.
For tricky conditions, Direct4 drive is a system constantly and seamlessly distributes the drive torque between the front and rear axles via the driving data being collected through ECU sensors to ensure intuitive operation.
It is a fun drive, particularly on twisting country lanes, where the grip is good. It is equally at home in and around town, potholes included.
The interior is light and airy with plush upholstery, thick carpets, and a high-end soft touch finish to the dash and doors. The central 14-inch touchscreen controls navigation, infotainment, via a
Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system and smartphone connectivity and remote services accessed via the latest Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with “always connected” services.
This allows remote locking and unlocking of the car and can activate the air conditioning system to warm or cool the cabin prior to starting a journey. It also features multi information display relaying real time info to the driver which is customisable and a head-up display It also houses navigation and infotainment.
Legroom is good, although the almost coupe like shape restricts headroom a little to the rear. Seats and firm and comfortable and the cabin feels a comfortable place to be.
In practical terms, the battery placement doesn’t compromise the stowage area and with all seats in place, the area provides 522 litres of space. This increases to an impressive maximum (to the ceiling) of 1,451 litres, when the rear seats are down, In addition there is a further 58 litres of space beneath the deck board.
For safety there is a full range of airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensor and systems such a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and lane tracing assist and lane change assist
Factfile
Lexus RZ 450e – Premium Plus Pack
Price: £68,500
Mechanical: 309bhp/230kW electric motor and driving all wheels via E-CVT automatic transmission
0-60mph: 5.3 secs
Top speed: 99mph
Range (WLTP): 252 miles
Insurance group: 44E
C02 emissions: 0g/km
Bik rating: 2%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000miles
On the road 