Luxury brand unveils first BEV

Lexus has announced it will launch its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) globally from late this year in a sport utility body style.

The RZ model will be based on the same chassis as Toyota’s first EV-only bZ4X but carry more powerful motors and have a range of 450km on a single charge.

Lexus adds the vehicle will have a 71.4kWh battery capacity and measures approximately 4.8m in length and 1.9m in width.

A new four-wheel-drive system, Direct4, that adjusts distribution of power between the front and rear axle depending on driving conditions is among the features of the car.

The vehicle’s driver assistance system allows hands-free driving in certain conditions, consumers can opt for a panoramic roof and the company has added its first radiant heater.

Lexus’ reveal of the RZ comes as part of its goal to only be selling BEVs by 2035 under its decarbonisation plans.

The luxury brand will offer the RZ in about 50 countries and regions and is aiming for annual sales of 33,000 units worldwide.