Japanese premium SUV meets French brand specializing in dive watches – Masculin.com

Life is full of riddles. Take Lexus for example. Although the first brand of the Toyota group was one of the pioneers (and today it is the most advanced) in terms of hybrid engines, it is also one of the last among the generalists to launch its 100% electric model, the Lexus RZ. Some people also like to see this observation as a sign that the technology is not yet mature enough to be included in the Japanese group, which is more inclined to focus on hydrogen. The future will probably go in this direction but for now, all manufacturers must deal with the reality of European standards that make the presence of electric models within each brand necessary to reduce CO2 emissions. In Lexus, this heavy task therefore falls to the RZ, a 100% electric SUV that will have to face the big names in the segment, starting with the Tesla Model Y or the BMW iX3. a very bold bet?

Well established in the Atlantic, Lexus remains a brand that remains a mystery in France and Europe. However, the situation is changing, helped by the latest renewal of the best models, more in line with the stylistic tastes of the old continent. The NX, RX, LBX display lines are certainly marked but more consistent and less fragmented than they used to be. A stylistic update, wonderfully illustrated by our Lexus RZ with its two-tone paint, images that strive to accurately convey depth and nuances throughout the day depending on light events.

In a world of cars where the whine of gasoline engines fades in favor of the silence of electric ones, the nostalgia of “real” driving seems like a distant memory to some purists. L…Read more

Bold for some, this brass bassoon color with black elements brings a welcome touch of change. From the front, the grille is a complete extension of the hood. In profile, the line of the body is highlighted while the black roof and colored windows “crush” the RZ which therefore looks less tall despite the sixty-three meters. The rear is more prominent despite its three-quarter coupe look and its L-shaped headlights, the brand’s signature headlight. So Lexus will be able to hold its own against the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra built on the same platform but with a slight advantage in terms of design!

Our (top-of-the-line) Executive range is decked out as standard with 20-inch rims that nonetheless struggle to fill its large wheel arches. It is worth it, however, Lexus without succumbing to the temptation of a large diameter and thus giving the length of the sidewall (235/50 R20). And fortunately for our lower backs, the suspension is set firmly, allowing all road irregularities to be seen, especially in the city. A feeling that tends to fade as speed increases.

313 hp (204 hp front and 109 hp rear), 435 Nm of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in more than five seconds, Lexus RZ shows GTI performance. Its low center of gravity combined with the “Direct4” system with the power to distribute torque to ensure stability and excellent traction in all conditions provide a sense of security that can encourage you to accelerate. However, behind the wheel, it is a more peaceful driving style that is required. The two-hundred-ton Lexus RZ is certainly no stranger to this, unless it’s the interior that encourages you to take your foot off the gas.

Heated and ventilated “ultrasuede” seats, a Mark Levinson sound system with its 13 surround sound speakers or a heating system (“S-Flow”) for a softer and more pleasant feeling of warmth and presence of “mesh” type materials, RZ takes care of its “Omotenashi”.

This sense of hospitality is in line with another favorite principle of the Japanese brand, “Tazuna”. In other words, ergonomics designed for the driver and controls that come naturally, without needing to take your eyes off the road. The head-up display and the asymmetrical 14-inch central screen are meant to be the nerve centers of the ubiquitous technology. too much? At least this is the feeling that prevails in every trip, especially with these notifications that sound when the system thinks that you are exceeding the maximum authorized speed or that you are no longer paying attention to the road… Problems, these notifications are often useless. and push only one thing: disable them! Operation set for each activation. Thank you European standards …

In terms of complaints, if Lexus plays the first card for high quality and even reaches the point of surpassing its German competitors, some features shared by other manufacturers of the Toyota group stand out. Starting with the shiny plastics around the air vents or the central screen facing the driver, without any customization possibilities. So, of course, all the necessary information is there and this avoids distractions, but for an electric car whose price starts at €68,500 (€10,000 extra for the finish of the tested Executive), this stands out compared to the proposals of the competition.

14 themes, 64 colors, Lexus lights up as the day fades. The “In-ei” motifs featured on the door panels are repeated on the back of the Ralf Tech x Lexus watch phone offered in a limited series of 77 pieces (€2,500) for the RZ release. The latter is also decorated with a gray Alcantara strap reminiscent of the fabric of the RZ seats. About how the watch brand used by the French special forces and the partners of the deep divers and the car manufacturer, Frank Huyghe, the famous diver and the founder of the brand, explains to us.

Passionate about fine craftsmanship, including cars, Ralf Tech is a pioneering brand in terms of innovation and “hybrid” watches. As a result, our WRV Electric watch is one of the only watches in the world with a battery designed to store energy generated by the wrist, providing a power reserve of over 100,000 hours, or 12 years.

For its part, the Lexus RZ cannot claim that freedom. Its 71 kW battery allows it to reach 435 km according to the WLTP standard. During our test, carried out in summer with active weather and ventilated seats, with a high level of regeneration (but without a single pedal to stop), the average consumption decreased between 21 and 24 kWh.

It is sufficient to provide in these cases a staging area of ​​about 300 km before passing through the terminal. The RZ then accepts up to 150 kWh for fast charging or 11 kWh in AC. On the other hand, there are no route planners to suggest the necessary stops to reach your destination (at least during our test)…

Finally, after these few days spent in its company, the Lexus RZ shows a balance sheet showing its semi-tone appearance. Good suggestions, like his line or his interior. A big thanks to the electronic glass roof, which is welcoming, including for rear passengers who benefit from good space with the added bonus of an almost flat floor.

With 522l, the trunk has a good average volume even if some will criticize the lack of frunk (front trunk). With a high price, dirt that could be improved in the city in the absence of controlled suspension and freedom that is perhaps too difficult in 2024 in the face of competition that often has better equipment, Lexus RZ does not seem to cover its shadow. their peers. hybrids that should retain the Japanese brand’s customer preference. Unless the latter company decides to adjust its prices like Toyota and Subaru were able to do to try to get back into the race.

Unauthorized images – © Julien Thoraval