One thing Lexus has historically done very well is product positioning. Like the RX they could nail it with sizing and specs of this model to be the perfect entry to BEVs for first-time buyers. BZ4X is an electric equivalent to RAV4 because that's their best selling model. RZ will be an electric equivalent to RX for the same reason. It just makes so much sense.
Of course it needs a larger battery pack to compensate for the extra weight and power consumption, and more importantly to keep the C-rate low. The BZ4X could already fit an extra slice to increase capacity to 81kWh.
It will be in a much better situation than the e-tron/e-tron sportback. The e-tron suffers from being an 'ICEV conversion' based on MLB so it's naturally heavy and inefficient. It's also very over-engineered to reach the power, charging speed and regen braking targets intended to match TMY. Not trying to beat Tesla means you don't have to cut corners (Ford) or over-engineer the car (Audi/Porsche).
One thing I think VAG mismanaged was wasting so much resources on low-volume ICEV conversion products before MEB/PPE arrives. But I understand it was mostly for damage control from Diesel Gate and the lessons learned resulted in a very soundly engineered MEB. At least they got two very good PR products out of the effort: Taycan and e-Tron GT.
Of course it needs a larger battery pack to compensate for the extra weight and power consumption, and more importantly to keep the C-rate low. The BZ4X could already fit an extra slice to increase capacity to 81kWh.
It will be in a much better situation than the e-tron/e-tron sportback. The e-tron suffers from being an 'ICEV conversion' based on MLB so it's naturally heavy and inefficient. It's also very over-engineered to reach the power, charging speed and regen braking targets intended to match TMY. Not trying to beat Tesla means you don't have to cut corners (Ford) or over-engineer the car (Audi/Porsche).
One thing I think VAG mismanaged was wasting so much resources on low-volume ICEV conversion products before MEB/PPE arrives. But I understand it was mostly for damage control from Diesel Gate and the lessons learned resulted in a very soundly engineered MEB. At least they got two very good PR products out of the effort: Taycan and e-Tron GT.
Rear-biased EVs require staggered tire set-up which increases maintenance cost and tire cost for cold weather, something a sensible company like Lexus won't do.I just want this thing to be rear-biased...