Lexus RZ

Lexus RZ
RZ 450e
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Model code	EB10
Production	2023–present
Model years	2023–present (North America)
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Designer	Daichi Kimura[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-motor, front-wheel-drive Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (Direct4)
Platform	e-TNGA
Related	Toyota bZ4X / Subaru Solterra
Powertrain
Electric motor	1×150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS) 1XM AC permanent magnet synchronous (front) + 1×80 kW (107 hp; 109 PS) 1YM AC permanent magnet synchronous (rear) (XEBM15)
Power output	230 kW (308 hp; 313 PS)
Transmission	eAxle
Battery	71.4 kWh lithium-ion
Range	450 km (280 mi) (approximate cruising range, WLTC) 320–360 km (200–225 mi) (approximate cruising range, EPA)
Plug-in charging	150 kW DC
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,805 mm (189.2 in)
Width	1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Height	1,635 mm (64.4 in)

The Lexus RZ is a battery-electric vehicle built by Toyota's luxury division Lexus since 2023. It is considered a "large SUV" by Euro NCAP and a "small sport utility vehicle" by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.^[2][3] The RZ is built on the e-TNGA platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra,^[4] it is the first dedicated battery electric vehicle of the Lexus marque that will be sold worldwide and also the second battery electric model after the ICE-based UX 300e.^[5]

History

The RZ was previewed by the LF-Z Electrified concept in March 2021.^[6] A prototype RZ was shown in December 2021 during a Toyota press event to announce its future plans for rolling out battery electric models.^[7] The production model was unveiled at a press event on April 20, 2022,^[8] and it was first shown to the public at Le Volan Cars Meet 2022 Yokohama in late May.^[9] The RZ was developed at Toyota's Technical Center Shimoyama.^[10]

It went on sale in 2022 (as the 2023 model year in North America), initially in RZ 450e grade,^[11] which is equipped with a standard fully variable "Direct4" all-wheel drive system and optional steer-by-wire technology.^[12]

Design

Powertrains

Model	Chassis code	Electric motor	Transmission	Power	Torque
RZ 300e	XEBM10	1×1XM (front)	eAxle	150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)	265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)
RZ 450e	XEBM15	1×1XM (front)	eAxle	150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)	265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)
		1×1YM (rear)		80 kW (107 hp; 109 PS)	170 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft)

The front motor of the RZ 450e is taken from the front-wheel drive version of the bZ4X, while the rear unit is taken from the all-wheel drive version of the same car, making it quicker than the bZ4X/Solterra.^[13] Using the 'DIRECT4' system, front/rear axle torque output can be varied continuously from 100:0 to 0:100; during normal driving, the torque split ranges from 40:60 to 60:40.^[8]

The storage battery is identical to the bZ4X/Solterra, with a capacity of 71.4 kWh.^[8] The RZ 450e has an estimated range of 320–360 km (200–225 mi) under the EPA driving cycle, depending on wheel size. The maximum charging rate is 150 kW. Four levels of regenerative braking are available; the lowest level eliminates regeneration entirely and relies on the mechanical (hydraulic) brake system. According to the RZ 450e chief engineer Takashi Watanabe, this was done to provide a more conventional braking feel.^[13] At maximum regeneration, the deceleration rate is 0.15 g₀ (1.5 m/s²).^[14]

• 
  Rear
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  Interior

Steer-by-wire system

The steer-by-wire system, which Lexus have branded "One Motion Grip" for some markets, comes with a steering yoke and removes the physical connection between the yoke and the steering rack. The position of the yoke is used to drive a motor attached to the steering rack, while a second motor provides feedback to the yoke itself. The effort required to turn the yoke varies in response to driving conditions. Regardless of the situation, the total rotational range of motion is 300 degrees, which removes any need to perform a hand-over-hand movement for which a conventional steering wheel may be more suitable. In a hands-on test, Motor Trend called the yoke "little more than a novelty" but declared the "steering system that minimizes movement by instantly and intuitively adjusting to ever-changing conditions ... [is] a brilliant bit of engineering that could well change driving for the better".^[15]

Chassis

The chassis takes advantage of structural adhesives, laser-based welding processes, and high-tensile steel to enhance rigidity and reduce weight; the hood is aluminum and the battery is carried underneath the passenger floor, contributing to the vehicle's low center of gravity.^[10] The e-TNGA platform has a fully-independent suspension, with MacPherson struts in front and trailing-arm double-wishbones in the rear.^[10]

Styling

Six exterior and three interior colors are available; as an option, the exterior can be painted in a bi-tone finish, with the black "spindle" grill accent extended over the hood and roof.^[8] The low hoodline and active grille shutter reduce aerodynamic resistance; in addition, the underbody is dimpled to create minute vortices and a roof spoiler is used to enhance downforce.^[10]

Safety

Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP test results
Lexus RZ 71kWh electric 'Executive' (LHD) (2023)^[16]

Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	35.1	87%
Child occupant:	43	87%
Pedestrian:	53.4	84%
Safety assist:	14.7	81%

IIHS

IIHS scores (2023)^[17]

Small overlap front (driver)	Good
Small overlap front (passenger)	Good
Moderate overlap front (original test)	Good
Side (updated test)	Good
Headlights	Acceptable
Front crash prevention: Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (Day)	Superior
Front crash prevention: Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (Night)	Superior
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use	Good+

Sales

Year	Japan[18]	US	Europe
2023	1,364	5,386[19]	2,023[20]

References

1. "The all-new Lexus RZ: powerful design rooted in electrified performance" (Press release). UK: Lexus. 2022-07-22. Retrieved 2023-02-09.
2. "Lexus RZ". euroncap.com. 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
3. "Fuel economy of the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e AWD (18 inch Wheels)". fueleconomy.gov. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
4. Bruce, Chris (2021-12-14). "Lexus RZ 450e Design Unveiled As The Posh Toyota bZ4X Alternative". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
5. Pappas, Thanos (2022-04-20). "Lexus RZ 450e Debuts As A Posher Toyota bZ4X With 309 HP And 0-62 In 5.6sec". Carscoops. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
6. "Lexus Accelerates Its Electrified Future with LF-Z Electrified Concept Debut". Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website (Press release). 2021-03-30. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
7. Cortina, Miguel (2022-04-18). "2023 Lexus RZ: What to Expect from the Upcoming Luxury EV". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
8. 谷川 潔 (2022-04-20). "レクサス、バッテリEV専用の新型「RZ」世界初公開 新四輪駆動力システム「DIRECT4」採用" [World premiere of new 'RZ'; Lexus adopts new four-wheel drive system 'DIRECT4' exclusively for battery EV]. Car Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-05-31.
9. 佐久間 秀 (2022-05-21). "レクサスの新型バッテリEV「RZ」、「ル・ボラン カーズ・ミート 2022 横浜」で実車初公開" [New Lexus battery EV 'RZ' debuts to the public at 'Le Volan Cars Meet 2022 Yokohama']. Car Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-05-31.
10. 谷川 潔 (2022-04-20). "レクサス、新型バッテリEV「RZ」発表会 「チームレクサスがつくるBEVの本気度が必ず伝わると確信している」" [New battery EV Lexus 'RZ' presentation: "I am confident that the seriousness of Team Lexus in developing this BEV will be communicated."]. Car Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-05-31.
11. Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (2021-12-14). "Preview: 2023 Lexus RZ crossover is brand's first dedicated EV". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
12. Page, Felix (2021-12-14). "New 2022 Lexus RZ shown ahead of imminent official reveal". Autocar. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
13. Gold, Aaron (2022-05-02). "2023 Lexus RZ450e Prototype Drive: A Spin in Lexus' First Electric Vehicle". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
14. Cole, Craig (2022-05-02). "2023 Lexus RZ 450e First Drive Review: Clever Features, Embarrassing Range". Roadshow. CNET. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
15. Gold, Aaron (2022-05-02). "2023 Lexus RZ Steer-by-Wire Steering Yoke Review: This Yoke Is No Joke". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
16. https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/lexus/rz/49905
17. "2023 Lexus RZ 4-door SUV". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
18. "レクサスRZ　新車販売台数推移/売れ行き(生産台数)と生産状況は？工場とラインの稼働状況も - 株式会社アイディーインフォメーション" [Lexus RZ new car sales trends/sales (production volume) and production status? Factory and line operating status]. Yume car garage (in Japanese). Japan. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
19. "Toyota Motor North America Reports 2023 U.S. Sales Results" (Press release). US: Lexus. 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
20. "Toyota Motor Europe posts all-time sales record in 2023". Toyota Motor Europe posts all-time sales record in 2023 (Press release). Europe: Toyota. 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-04-19.

External links

• Official press release