When the Lexus RZ electric crossover launched in 2023, it had two objectives: to be a good Lexus, and to be a good EV. Did it do the former job? Absolutely, you could hop out of an RX PHEV and into an RZ with virtually zero learning curve. Was it a good EV? Given its competitive set, not really. While 150 kW peak DC fast charging isn’t bad, 196 miles of EPA range for the RZ 450e on 20-inch wheels was embarrassing, and an initial price tag of $59,650 added insult to injury. While Lexus has since brought the price down and introduced entry-level models, subpar range remained an issue. That might be about to change.
Gone are the old trims of RZ 300e and RZ 450e, replaced by the RZ 350e, RZ 500e, and RZ 550e F Sport offering 357 miles, 310 miles, and 279 miles on the optimistic WLTP cycle respectively. While that can’t be directly translated to EPA range, all but the fast trim sport noticeably more WLTP range than you get in a Genesis GV60. What’s more, Lexus claims that the updated RZ can charge 20 percent faster than the old one, which should make a noticeable difference on DC fast charger-intensive road trips.
Oh, and don’t think range is the only thing Lexus has increased. While the RZ 350e’s 235 horsepower to the RZ 300e’s 201 still doesn’t turn it into a speed demon, adding another motor does. The RZ 500e rises to 376 horsepower over the old RZ 450e’s 308 horsepower, while the RZ 550e F Sport promises 402 horsepower. Indeed, Lexus claims the new all-wheel-drive variants will run from zero-to-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and 4.4 seconds respectively, which puts them in the big leagues.
This newfound turn of spirit comes courtesy of some serious motive power revisions. Net energy capacity stands at a reasonable 76.96 kW, but a new battery pack, new motors, updated inverters, and revised charging hardware all do their part to get this updated Lexus RZ up to speed. They even allow for Ioniq 5 N-style fake shifts, with paddles on the yoke, pumped-in sounds, a virtual rev counter, and synthesized gears.
Oh yeah, the yoke. The RZ facelift also brings expanded availability of Lexus’ steer-by-wire system, which seems like a yoke done right. By varying the steering ratio depending on speed, drivers should virtually never have to go hand over hand. Needless to say, I want to try this, because I have a feeling Lexus’ implementation seems like it has potential. The brand specifically claims it also sends “specific feedback” to the driver, and if that’s anything like a direct drive simulator wheel, the results could be fascinating.
But wait, there’s more. Revised damping, a stiffer core support, and extra bracing in the rear section promise a better drive, while a boatload of extra sound deadening should keep passing traffic to a dull whoosh. Even the dimmable panoramic roof has been tweaked to offer better clarity when electrically tinted. Make no mistake, the updated Lexus RZ seems to be a lot more than just a regular facelift.
However, given the model’s somewhat anticlimactic introduction in 2023, will these changes be enough? Well, if Lexus holds the line on pricing, they might. After all, the Lexus RZ was already a good Lexus, it just needed tweaks to be competitive against other luxury EVs. Those tweaks seem to have arrived, and they should mean that Lexus now really has a dog in the fight.
Top graphic image: Lexus
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So, when do they update the bz4x? It is the same thing in different package, and the Urban cruiser/Vitara is coming – it has similar size battery as the current bz4x and likely better charging bits. In a smaller and cheaper package.
Anyway, it will be interesting to see how the charging and battery conditioning work in sub zero climates with this version… A battery upgrade is pointless if the heat management is so poor/non-existing.
It could come with 20kwh battery and a charging speed of 22kwh and I’d still choose it over a Model Y
Going in the right direction, but still not enough range for the price.
Still, it’s now a legitimate option for someone wanting something a little different (or Lexus loyalists), as opposed to a non-starter.
The yoke. *le sigh*
“They even allow for Ioniq 5 N-style fake shifts, with paddles on the yoke, pumped-in sounds, a virtual rev counter, and synthesized gears.”
I will never understand who this is for
Car journalists. Notice how anytime one of them talk about the I5N its the “shifting”.
Me neither. Shifting? Booo.
If it actually holds up to the promise of the spec sheet it seems like it’ll finally be properly competitive. And if it holds up to Lexus reliability record it’ll be one of the best ev choices.
Ick. I hate the idea of fake gears, fake sounds, etc. in EVs.
A yoke…well, if it stops at 90° that *might* be something I could become used to.
And, of course, *stares angrily at alphanumeric model names*
About time Toyota made a competitive EV. This still isn’t earth shattering. But Toyota doesn’t do earth shattering. That said, it should lease in solid numbers for them. Should make for a nice used car for someone in 4-5 years.