Lexus RZ

In this heavily equipped Luxury variant, the Lexus RZ features synthetic leather in a Hazel and Grayscale theme, which looks elegant and is a good match to the driver-oriented, asymmetric layout of the dashboard.

The Tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit of the Lexus RZ is the reason behind all the visual drama here, with the RZ having an electronically adjustable, multi-functional steering wheel with touch tracing operation for various functions of instrument consoler and infotainment system. The 8-inch full-TFT instrument console with attractive and subtle graphics and a head-up display completes the driver’s cockpit. 

The wraparound centre console of the Lexus RZ accommodates a 14-inch infotainment system with slim AC vents above it and buttons for the climate control below it. There are chrome inserts and surrounds on the dashboard of the Lexus RZ, elevating the premium experience of the cabin. 

The Lexus RZ also has many other class-leading features like shadow illumination for ambient lighting, wireless charger, Lexus climate concierge with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated and ventilated seats and steering wheel, nano EX air purifier, dimmable panorama glass roof, e-latch, 10-speaker Lexus audio system with active sound control and electrically-adjustable front seats.

Pushing the envelope further, the Lexus RZ is a step ahead of its stablemates in terms of design and visual appeal, with a design language that is sharper and more dynamic than all other Lexus offerings.

The Lexus RZ's edgy front closed grille has the trademark spindle grille theme, which gives it a sense of aggression. Adding more boldness to the front profile are the sharp-looking all-LED headlamps with L-shaped LED DRLs and black-toned extensions below. 

The Lexus RZ has a dynamic-looking side profile with steeply raked pillars, sculpted door panels, sharp creases flowing sideways, and a strong three-dimensional appearance over the rear fenders. The Luxury variant gets 18-inch machined alloy wheels, while the Premium rides on 20-inch machined alloy wheels.

With a sharply raked rear windscreen and a wide stance for the boot lid and rear bumper, the Lexus RZ has a very dynamic appearance when viewed from the back. The slim and wraparound tail lamp cluster also features an LED connecting light bar, further accompanied by boomerang-shaped slim air curtains on the rear bumper corners. 

Featuring an all-wheel drive setup as standard, along with Macpherson struts at the front and a double wishbone at the rear for its suspension setup, the Lexus RZ has a sophisticated ride and handling balance, thanks to the Frequency Reactive Damper for the front. This system alters the dampening force in response to the frequency obtained from the road surfaces, thereby ensuring comfortable ride quality over all kinds of tarmacs. The multiple drive modes on offer – Normal, Eco, Sport, Range, and Custom, further amplify this balance of comfort and responsiveness even more.

Powering the Lexus RZ is a dual-motor setup – with one each on both axles. While the front-mounted 150kW motor belts out 204 PS of power and 266.3 Nm of torque, the 80kW rear-mounted motor generates 109 PS of power and 168.5 Nm of torque.

In the combined mode, this dual-motor setup, which gives the Lexus RZ 450e an all-wheel drive setup, claims 313 PS of maximum power output, while giving the SUV a top speed of 160 kmph and a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 5.3 seconds. The Lexus RZ also claims a maximum range of 440 km from its 71.4kWh battery, which could be improved given the size of the battery and positioning of the RZ as a luxury electric SUV. 

While having basics like seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, park assist system, vehicle stability control, traction control, Lexus teammate advanced park, downhill assist, hill start assist, head display, rear camera with surround view system and tyre pressure monitoring system, the Lexus RZ also has a comprehensive suite of ADAS features as standard.

The list of ADAS features available in the Lexus RZ has a front pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane keeping system, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, high beam assist with adaptive high beam, road sign assist, active cornering assist, sale exit assist, trailer sway control, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera detection, parking support brake, lane change assist and drive start control.

While the Lexus RZ could have had a longer range to match its positioning, it is definitely a good first attempt by Lexus in making an all-electric crossover. As with any other Lexus offering, the RZ prioritises comfort and impeccable luxury, besides having dynamic design and feel inside-out.