The new electric SUV is officially revealed

With the Lexus RZ 450e, the manufacturer offers an electric car developed from scratch. The fully electric SUV has a futuristic design and also wants to stand out in terms of performance and driving characteristics. We have summarized all the information.

Lexus RZ 450e in detail

The all-electric Lexus RZ 450e would deliver all the features in terms of performance and sophistication that one would expect from the brand. However, at the same time, exciting innovations have been introduced.

For example, the RZ 450e relies on “one-touch” fork steering and power-assisted steering, which has no direct mechanical connection to the wheels. Unlike its counterpart used in the Tesla Model S, however, the system is optional in the Lexus.

With the electric steering system, the driver’s commands are transmitted from the steering wheel to the wheels through an electronic control system that, according to the manufacturer, provides instant responses and more precise steering control. It is also said to reduce vibration when driving on rough roads, when strong side winds have less impact on the steering wheel than a conventional system.

There is also built-in security for the processors and backup power in case the main system power is lost. Yoke steering is also said to require less steering effort. Only a 150-degree turn is required from the center position to stop left or right, and excessive arm reach is no longer required.

At the same time, the shape of the steering wheel allows a better view of the vehicles and the road. To achieve this, the screens are also placed higher and further apart than is possible with a standard steering wheel. This reduces eye movement and helps the driver maintain focus on the road.

Modern interior

An improved instrument layout, a head-up display and a 14-inch multimedia screen, along with a slimmed-down dashboard, improve forward visibility. Otherwise, the interior of the Lexus RZ 450e opts for a minimalist look and high-end materials.

The interior is designed as a bright, open space, further enhanced by atmospheric lighting. Here different colors can be chosen for the interior lights. Thanks to the new lighting effect, even light and shadow patterns can be used to create different effects on the door panels.

These are combined with an optional retractable panel roof with a special coating to reduce thermal radiation and a radiant heating system for the interior. New radiant heaters are located at knee height in front of the driver and front passenger, under the steering column and lower instrument panel. Along with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, it helps the cabin heat up faster and wraps the heat around the legs like a blanket.

Multimedia and security

The Lexus Smart Connect multimedia platform is also used, which has many intuitive features. These include cloud-based online navigation, voice recognition including the new “Hey Lexus” assistant, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The DCM (Data Communication Module) allows for convenient “over-the-air” upgrades or upgrades without interrupting the use of the vehicle. Additional safety is also provided by the third-generation Lexus safety system + safety systems and driver assistance. Kicking things off is Driving Assistance with Driving Assistance and a new monitor that checks driving behavior for signs of drowsiness or distraction. The driving assistant uses the front camera to determine the angle of turn and adjust the steering wheel accordingly when starting and turning.

Added to this is the E-Latch system with Safety Exit Assist, which allows the doors to open automatically while keeping an eye on blind spots. If cyclists or other road users are detected, the doors cannot be opened. Lexus claims this can prevent up to 95 percent of accidents caused by opening car doors.

An optional digital rearview mirror also provides a rearward view that is not obstructed by head restraints or luggage.

Power of 230 kW

The Lexus RZ 450e is based on all-wheel drive, using the new E-Axle drive technology. This allows traction and power delivery to be adjusted to the current driving conditions using DIRECT4 all-wheel drive control.

DIRECT4 uses ECU sensors to record and evaluate factors such as vehicle speed, steering angle and G-forces From this data it calculates the appropriate drive torque for each Torque between the front and rear axles can be changed in milliseconds between 0: 100 and 100:0.

The E-SUV is powered by a 150 kW electric motor at the front and an 80 kW motor at the rear, producing a total power of 230 kW. The wheelbase is 2,850 mm and the RZ 450e rides on 18-inch wheels as standard, which can be increased to 20 inches with the Luxury package.

According to the manufacturer, the RZ is built on a specially developed new car platform. It uses a 96-cell lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 71.4 kW, mounted on the floor of the vehicle. It is said to be durable and still has more than 90 percent of its capacity after ten years. Lexus plans to announce details on driving range and charging times at a later date. In the WLTP combined cycle, an electric car should be able to travel more than 400 kilometers on a battery charge.

Price and availability

Lexus RZ 450e certification is not yet complete. However, the new electric car should be available for booking in Germany from April 20 on the Lexus homepage. Deliveries of the first vehicles should begin in January 2023. Lexus has not yet revealed pricing details.