The 2023 Lexus RZ450e is an upcoming all-electric luxury SUV that’s sized between the familiar Lexus NX and RX models. In case you didn’t know, the mentioned models are the brand’s two top sellers in America. However, unlike the models above, the forthcoming RZ is built on a new platform called e-TNGA. Interestingly, the same platform is used on the Toyota bZ4X, which is closely related to the Subaru Solterra.
Lexus claims the RZ is about three inches shorter in length than the RX, and it also has a wheelbase two and half inches longer. Thanks to that, the Lexus RZ450e will enhance interior space. As for the powertrain, the new SUV uses a similar system found in the bZ4X.
2023 Lexus RZ450e Design
Toyota’s first mainstream electric vehicle shares its architecture with the bZ4X and Subaru Solterra model. The 2023 Lexus RZ450e rides on a platform called e-TNGA and it seems more refined than the Toyota. This SUV looks futuristic thanks to the brand’s huge spindle grille and sheet metal air vents poisoned to the sides.
Sharp character lines are present on the doors, which make this SUV look smaller than it is. The rear is also attractive, and we like the new taillight system. Like the bZ4X, the new model comes with a sharply raked liftgate, which will definitively trade cargo space for style.
2023 Lexus RZ450e Interior
The new 2023 Lexus RZ450e comes with a 112.2-inch wheelbase, which is designed to enhance interior space. Lexus is famous for its quality and quiet interiors. The highlight inside is definitively a never-seen steering yoke. It looks like what we saw so far on aircraft, and it replaced a traditional steering wheel.
Lexus also reveals that they designed a new type of seal for the edges of the acoustic glass to keep those noises out. Unlike the Toyota bZ4X, the new RZ uses a fully digital gauge panel and 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen system that seems very crisp thanks to high resolution.
Motor Specs
The new 2023 Lexus RZ450e uses a similar system as the to the Toyota bZ4X. It is powered by a separate electric motor for the front and rear axles. However, unlike the bZ4X that uses 107-hp motors, the AWD Lexus drives its front wheels with two electric motors, making for a total of 308 horsepower.
As you can see, this is around 94-hp advantage over the dual-motor bZ4X. On top of that, Lexus added a 71.4-kWh liquid-cooled battery pack, which provides an estimate of a range 200 to 225 miles, depending on wheel size.
How Much Is the 2023 Lexus RZ450e?
We expect the 2023 Lexus RZ450 to arrive sometime in November, shortly before the cars go on sale in America. As far as we know, the manufacturer will import only 4900 units for the 2023 model year, so if you’re interested, you can reserve one on the official website.
Prices haven’t yet been set, but if we look at all-wheel-drive bZ4X that costs $45,295, a base Lexus RZ450 could start at $55K. This would seem a reasonable price for the RZ.