Lexus has unveiled the RZ, an all-electric crossover, which, though not the company's first electric car, is its first one developed as an electric vehicle from the ground up. Thanks to a clean-sheet design, the RZ features a number of innovative features such as steering-by-wire, dual electric motors and the option of a Tesla-style yoke instead of a steering wheel.
Two-tone finish
The RZ's front end incorporates a new take on the signature spindle-shaped Lexus grille given that, as an electric vehicle, it doesn't actually need a full grille to cater to powertrain cooling requirements. Painted the same colour as the body with areas to the side which have been blacked out, there's also the option of a black bonnet, creating a two-tone finish stretching from the grille area, over the bonnet and all the way back to the rear of the contrasting roof.
The rear portion of that roofline slopes away gently with two small aero-optimised fins protruding beyond the roof surface. Lower down, below the rear spoiler lip, sits a light bar extending the full width of the tailgate and across the rear end.
Thanks to the RZ's new platform with the battery integrated into the chassis, the overall stance is low - more crossover than SUV - while the whole package sits on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, though 20-inch rims can be specified. That lower centre of gravity should, in theory, improve the RZ's handling and driving dynamics.
400km range
Also improving the driving dynamics is the new Direct4 all-wheel drive system combining two motors front and rear for a total of 313hp. Power delivery is biased towards the front wheels because of the more powerful 204hp motor up front, though the system is controlled by a network of sensors and ECUs meaning that in tricky situations or conditions, power is always sent where it's most needed.
Those motors are fed by a 71.4kWh battery pack which, according to Lexus' estimation, is good for around 400km between charges.
Absolute yoke
Stepping inside the RZ, ahead of the driver sits a simple instrument cluster with the 14.0-inch infotainment screen angled towards the driver and within easy reach. Buttons haven't been totally eliminated with some hard controls remaining for the heating and climate control functions. Above is the optional electronically dimming panoramic glass roof, which has been given a special coating to block out solar radiation (and thus heat) and to keep warm air inside. Not only does the roof make the cabin feel that bit airier, but the surface coating reduces the need to drain the battery by using the air-conditioning to heat or cool the interior. Aimed at the driver and passenger's knees, a new heater radiates warmth to give the effect of "a warm blanket around the legs". Again, Lexus says that this is for efficiency as much as comfort as using the heated seats, steering wheel and knee-warmer uses less energy than warming the entire cabin.
From launch, the RZ will be available with a conventional round steering wheel, but the company has confirmed that the rectangular Tesla-style yoke will be available as an option by "mid-2023". The chief advantage of this, according to Lexus, is that it gives the driver a clearer view of the instrument binnacle as well as eliminates hand-over-hand turns thanks to its 150° of angle between straight ahead and full lock.
Both the conventional steering wheel and yoke will be connected to a steering-by-wire system which, in doing away with a steering column and other linkages, reduces the level of unnecessary feedback between the front wheels and the driver's hands making the RZ more stable over rough ground or in crosswinds. Should the system fail due to a loss of power, for instance, a backup with a separate power source is available to get the driver out of trouble.
The RZ also gets a full suite of driver assistance and safety features including Proactive Driving Assist which monitors the road ahead with a camera and can adjust the steering enabling the car to make the turn. The e-Latch system links the electronically opening doors with the vehicle's Blind Spot Monitor to stop "dooring" incidents where the driver or passenger opens the car door into the path of an oncoming car or cyclist. This aims, Lexus says, to prevent 95 per cent of these types of accidents.
When is the RZ arriving?
Irish pricing for the Lexus RZ will be announced in early May with the company running a roadshow event sometime in the autumn. First deliveries are expected in December, though given the current global semiconductor shortage, it could well be 2023 before the RZ hits Irish roads.