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electric, Executive, Lexus, Luxury, Motoring

Sleek RZ embraces latest hi-tech

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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

electric, MG, Motoring, Sports saloon and hatches

Stylish coupe takes on the supercars

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The MG4 XPower

MG4 XPower

By Bill McCarthy

The name MG conjures up many images. And in its centenary in 2023, the iconic and desirable sports cars took on the best in the world.

Once a prestigious British marque, it has moved through to its association and then demise with MG Rover, its rebirth under Chinese owners SAIC as a budget brand and now again producing quality cars and a model to take on the world.

The fastest growing brand and hoovering up various awards, its latest EV, the MG4 is an excellent electric car, but the X Power version is just bonkers.

It has performance that puts in the same territory as supercars like Porsche with features like launch control, track mode display and four-wheel drive. MG says is the first of the next generation of high-performance hatchbacks – and let’s not forget that seven-year warranty, providing extra peace of mind.

Just imagine, an electric car, with electrifying performance and all for under £37k.

Already a slick and stylish vehicle with its its sharp angular profile, featuring a twin aero rear spoiler, this sportier version adds  18 inch alloy wheels, orange ‘XPOWER’ brake callipers and polished trim accents.

A new innovation is Dynamic Cornering Control System which features a locking electronic differential for maximum traction and outstanding composure in a wide range of driving condition

It looks, sporty, in an understated way, but delivers enormous grunt, from the huge 435PS and 600 Nm of torque available to rocket the car to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds.

The all-wheel drive system enhances traction, stability, and safety with active braking on the inside wheels, while launch control, usually found on the likes of Porsche, is supposed to deliver enhanced  performance.

However, the car is quick enough without the counter intuitive feeling of revving the car while holding the brakes a the same time before releasing the brake for launch.

The floating 10.25″ colour touchscreen also displays the track mode data, which includes vehicle performance analysis, power distribution, speed/time, G-Force, steering angle, and throttle.

The powerful brakes also bring the car to halt from 62 in just 33.9 metres, give the game away.

The interior is just as impressive, with a premium feel and soft-touch finish that belies its low price tag. The black fabric upholstery adds to the premium feel. There is decent headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

The touchscreen is the dominant feature of the minimalist layout. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. There is also a configurable seven-inch driver display that provides real-time information.

The rotary gear selector sits on a floating central console, which also houses a wireless charging pad. The boot space is decent with 363 litres available, and it increases to a decent 1,177 litres with the split rear seats folded down.

Like all MGs it is packed with standard equipment, including 360 degree parking camera, sat nav, heated front seats and steering wheel and mobile phone Bluetooth key.

The car not only looks good but also drives well. It’s well balanced through the centrally placed, slim battery and all-wheel drive provides exceptional handling, making it feel safe and secure even on twisting country lanes at higher speeds.

The 64kWh battery is also capable of recharging at up to 135kW, meaning a charge time of only 35 minutes from 10 per cent-80 per cent using a 150kW DC rapid charger.

Safety is a key feature and the car has been awarded the full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings and offers a host of safety features including a range of airbags and stability control, with MG Pilot advanced driver assistance as standard on all models.

Factfile

  • MG4 EV X power
  • Price: £36,495
  • Mechanical: 435PS Twin electric motor all wheels rear wheels via single speed transmission
  • Max speed: 100mph
  • 0-62mph: 3.7 seconds
  • Range: 281 miles
  • CO2 emissions: 0g/km
  • BiK rating: 2%
  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles