New Lexus looks to future
Lexus New Zealand says the all-new RZ 450e is the “halo model” as the marque strives towards its goal of only producing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2035.
Specifications and pricing for the electric SUV have now been announced, with units due to start arriving in New Zealand in May.
The RZ 450e will be available here in two variants, the Core and Dynamic, with prices set at $141,600 and $151,600, respectively. A two-tone exterior paint option for the Dynamic costs an extra $2,000.
Both variants feature a 150kW front motor and 80kW rear motor that deliver a total output of 230kW, with the power sourced from a lithium-ion 71.4kWh battery.
The model has a driving range of 470km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and can clock 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds.
Direct4, Lexus’ all-wheel drive system, controls front and rear drive force according to driving and road surface conditions. All variants also include 750kg braked/unbraked towing.
The RZ is built on a new e-TNGA platform, which gives Lexus the flexibility to create a range of vehicles with different motor sizes, battery types and drive systems.
A new “Lexus Electrified” look delivers sleek lines and sharply angled lights at the front and rear of the model.
Other features of the Dynamic variant include 20-inch black alloy wheels, up from 18-inch for the Core, a power-dimming panoramic roof, adaptive high-beam headlights and a head-up display.
The RZ comes in six exterior colour choices – ether metallic, sonic copper, graphite black, sonic shade, sonic quartz, and sonic iridium – as well as three two-tone choices for the Dynamic.
Andrew Davis, vice-president of Lexus NZ, says the carmaker plans to have a full range of BEVs across its entire Lexus range by 2030 before hitting its 2035 target.
“The new electrified Lexus RZ is our future of electrification and will continue to accelerate our carbon reduction journey,” he adds.
“From the brave design through to the exhilarating performance it will be a delight to drive.”
