As Lexus’ first EV for the US market, the RZ 450e electric crossover is the start of a new era
The Lexus RZ 450e electric crossover is set to become the first all-electric SUV from the luxury automaker. Revealed on Wednesday, the RZ 450e compact SUV shares the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4x and the Subaru Solterra and is expected to launch this spring of 2022.
By 2030, the Japanese marque intends to only sell electric cars in North America, Europe, and China, with the rest of the globe following suit by 2035. During a press conference in Japan, Toyota President Akio Toyoda presented the RZ 450e’s external design as well as some of the EV concepts Lexus is working on for the foreseeable future.
The design of the Lexus RZ 450e electric crossover is a similar yet refined take on the Toyota bZ4x SUV. Lexus’ signature lights can be found in the front fascia with the spindle grille. The rest of the compact SUV has an aerodynamic profile that Lexus refers to as a “spindle body” which will become their trademark for future EVs made by the marque.
In comparison to the Toyota bz4x, the interior of the Lexus RZ 450e has more of a minimalist and posh cabin design. There’s a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s powered by the Lexus Interface multimedia system and a panoramic roof with a Lexus-exclusive dimming feature. The optional yoke-style steering wheel will presumably be compatible with the Lexus’ new precise “steer-by-wire” handling system.
The RZ 450e electric crossover is also more powerful than its cousin due its dual-motor powertrain and the 71.4-kWh battery pack. The engine on the front axle produces 201 horsepower while the back produces 107 hp. CNET Roadshow reported that the powertrain will output 321 ft lbs of torque, but Lexus has not yet confirmed the exact specifications. However, Lexus has confirmed the usage of Direct4, their torque vectoring all-wheel drive system that distributes torque to each wheel separately based on driving circumstances.
Pricing for the Lexus RZ 450e is currently estimated at around $50,000. Check out more photos of the luxury electric crossover below!
