Lexus RZ450e priced for Australia

LEXUS is set to introduce its exciting mid-sized RZ450e all-electric SUV to the Australian market from May, with the two-variant range to be priced from $123,000 plus on-road costs.

The RZ450e is the first Lexus battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to be built on the brand’s e-TNGA dedicated electric platform and will offer 230kW of total system power courtesy of dual electric motors and a compact 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

Lexus says the model should offer a driving range of 470km with DC fast-charging (to 80 per cent) taking around 30 minutes.

The prestige model is said to offer excellent body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase that provides “high-quality handling and responsiveness”. Further, each axle features its own power control unit to ensure “optimum power and grip to each of the four wheels as required”.

Utilising Lexus’s Direct4 all-wheel drive system, the RZ450e is said to constantly process vehicle speed, steering inputs and g-forces, adjusting torque bias “in milliseconds” to offer drivers “faithful, predictable and confidence-inspiring handling”.

Visually, the 2023 Lexus RZ450e is characterised by an evolved take on the brand’s signature Spindle grille and new three-dimensional Spindle body form. The cabin, meanwhile, is said to feel both “light and open” and “elegant and luxurious”.

Entry-grade RZ450e Luxury (from $123,000 +ORCs) variants are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with static auto-levelling and washers, LED DRLS, a rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, and heated wing mirrors (with auto-dimming function on the driver’s side) with power folding function.

The cabin is upholstered in NuLuxe leather trim and features eight-way power adjustable front seats with heating, two-way lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a 14.0-inch multimedia array, 10-speaker Panasonic audio system with DAB digital radio reception, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, five USB-C ports and an inductive device charging pad.

Further, the RZ450e Luxury is equipped with Lexus Connected Services as standard, as well as 10 airbags and a comprehensive array of safety features as part of Lexus Safety Sense+.

For the flagship RZ450e Sports Luxury (from $135,000 +ORCs), Lexus adds 20-inch alloy wheels, acoustic glass, dynamic headlight levelling with cornering function, two-tone exterior paint (option), Ultrasuede upholstery, heated outboard rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and radiant front seat heating to the deal.

The variant is further specified with three-position driver seat memory, touch sensitive steering wheel controls, head-up display, adaptive high-beam, intelligent park assist, a dimmable panoramic roof, and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The model will be further offered with yoke-style steering at a later date.

“The RZ450e is a milestone vehicle for Lexus,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

“It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine. It goes much further to realise the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure.

“The Lexus Electrified philosophy is based upon intelligent, engineering-led solutions that add to the joy of luxury car ownership. The RZ450e is ready for customers wanting the best of both worlds from Lexus, without compromise.”

Mr Pappas said all RZ450e customers will be offered complimentary home charging though the Lexus Encore Electrified Platinum program, which also includes Lexus On Demand and complimentary Valet Parking.

“Our brand is built on exceptional product quality integrated with unmatched customer service,” he said.

“We enact the Japanese omotenashi hospitality principle of anticipating customers’ needs before they even realise what they require by offering complimentary home charging for all RZ450e owners.”

2023 Lexus RZ450e pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.