Lexus Is Electrifying Its Lineup - EVs

 Lexus First EV For US Market

                                        Source:  Lexus

RZ 450e's New Technologies

Lexus has unveiled its first electric vehicle for the US market and its second for Europe and China.  The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will hit US showrooms by the end of 2023.  It's a sleek, compact SUV with a totally new all-wheel drive system and unique, acoustic glass windows that cut the sound from other vehicles surrounding the car to maintain some peace and quiet inside the EV.  In China and Europe, the RZ joins the entry level, electric UX SUV as Lexus beefs up its EV lineup. 

Toyota EV Platform

Lexus, which is Toyota's luxury brand, is using the same electric architecture platform that Toyota is using for its new EV, the 2023 bZ4X.  The EV platform is skateboard-like and places the batteries, motors and suspension system under the floor of the car.  That opens up space in the interior of the EV.  The architecture can be scaled to design many different types or vehicles.

Exterior and Interior

The new Lexus RZ is elegant, refined and understated.  The design lines are sleek and aerodynamic.  The interior is technologically advanced.  There is a 14-inch touchscreen for the driver.  There is plenty of skylight glass on the roof.  The vehicle is equipped with acoustic glass with a unique seal to keep road noises out.  And there are, what Lexus calls, "expressive in-cabin sounds to convey the exhilaration of driving".

Tech Specs

The RZ contains two electric motors.  One is on the front axle and the second is on the rear.  Combined they produce 308 hp.  The EV has a 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack that delivers a range of 255 miles.  It has a new all-wheel drive system called DIRECT 4 that constantly adjusts power on each wheel to maximize range, acceleration and handling.  The first vehicles produced will have a standard steering wheel.  But EVs later in the production line will have an optional and unique "steer by wire system" that uses a steering yoke similar to that used by pilots of small planes.  No pricing has been provided yet.

Growing Commitment to Electrification

Lexus is growing its lineup of electric vehicles.  The company says that by the end of this decade, it hopes to offer EVs in each vehicle category.  And, by 2035 the company expects to be a fully battery electric brand.