Lexus RZ 450e: the brand's first electric car is revealed in full

Following the images we published last February, which gave us an almost complete look at the styling of the new Lexus RZ 450e, the Japanese firm has just officially unveiled its new electric SUV, which is also the brand’s first 100% electric vehicle.

Based on the e-TNGA platform of Toyota that we already know from other models such as the Toyota Toyota bZ4X or the Subaru Solterra, the new Lexus RZ 450e measures around 4.80 metres in length, 1.89 metres in width and 1.63 metres in height, which places it roughly 10 centimetres larger than its platform siblings, thereby offering greater interior space.

A purely Lexus character

In terms of design, the new Lexus SUV keeps its DNA intact when viewed from the front, with a large grille alongside sharp LED light units and a bonnet with pronounced shapes, which also comes in a different colour from the body, just like the aforementioned grille if the two-tone combination is chosen.

Turning 90 degrees, the new RZ’s side profile shows an fairly athletic line, with a roof in a different colour from the body, a pronounced, raised rear haunch and wheel arches fitted with black mouldings that visually increase the height of the new SUV.

At the rear, the new Lexus features LED technology rear lights in a horizontal arrangement that enhance its look, a bumper with two cooling vents that give it a very sporty appearance, and a lower part of the bumper in the same gloss black as its side wheel arches.

A highly innovative interior

Stepping inside the RZ 450e, we find the most eye-catching part of the whole car, as you can specify a steering wheel called the One Motion Grip, with aeronautical styling, which includes steer-by-wire steering allowing a full turn with just 150 degrees of steering wheel rotation, offering hyper-precise handling and an experience close to Formula 1.

On its dashboard, the Lexus comes with an extensive list of technology equipment, among which we highlight a 14-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a Head-Up Display, an electrochromic panoramic roof whose opacity can be varied at the touch of a button, a wireless charging compartment, and a centre-console selector that lets you interact with the vehicle’s systems.

Alongside this, an ambient LED lighting system with up to 64 different colours has also been added, an e-Latch button/handle that opens the doors, and a digital interior rear-view mirror to improve visibility as well as safety.

Its powertrain?

As for its mechanical side, the Lexus RZ 450e has two electric motors – one on each axle – producing 230 kW (313 CV) and a maximum torque of 435 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 71.4 kWh, which should exceed 400 km of range and go from 0 to 80% charge in around 30 minutes.