The Lexus RZ Megathread (450e, 300e)

[mikeavelli]

I think the most complete car in the segment is KIA EV6 or Audi Q4 e-tron. I am not impressed by Volvos although they are cheaper and faster. If you don't want a CUV you can opt for BMW i4

The Kia EV6 GT is super impressive and makes me scratch my sometimes. It’s damn near a 600hp Kia EV….

 

[mikeavelli]

I've owned two Teslas, it's hard to get excited about almost any gas engine mobile after that. The EV6 looks are not for me but I can imagine how it performs. Torque is the thing with EV's, not horsepower.

I test drove the BMW i4 and it was a very linear strong power delivery, gobs of instant torque (of course). Sport mode unlocked all the torque on that car. I would likely pick the BMW EV over a Lexus simply because BMW has a lot more EV experience, and the car has a LOT better software and features than the RZ.

If Lexus continues down the path they are going with the RZ, I'm pretty sure I will be switching brands next time.

It seems with todays new Executive changes, Sato San is reinventing their EV strategy. Lexus will be pushed to the forefront. Toyota will keep a multiple power strategy

TMC Announces Changes to Executive Structure, Senior Professional/Senior Management Employees | Corporate | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced today that it intends to implement changes to its executive structure and senior professional/senior management employees effective March 1 and April 1, 2023, and changes to its Board of Directors effective the date of its 119th Ordinary General...

global.toyota

Under Master Driver Toyoda, we have been preparing to create BEVs unique to Toyota and Lexus. Through these efforts, we have come to see the kind of BEVs we are aiming for.

Now that the time is right, we will accelerate BEV development with a new approach.

Specifically, we will develop next-generation BEVs for Lexus brand by 2026, with everything from the battery and platform to how a car is built optimized for BEVs, while expanding our current BEV lineup.

 

[Levi]

I hope in their strategy they have a plan how to have tech that is at least competitive.

 

[LS500-18]

I hope in their strategy they have a plan how to have tech that is at least competitive.

They need to ditch the touch multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and maybe just check out a new BMW software screen, there are loads of features. Lexus new software is still bare bones compared to the competition.

 

[Levi]

I know it is another price range, but Maserati will have in short time 4 BEVs, all having an ICE variant. They sold so few cars in ICE era, selling few cars in BEV era will be no different, so they can "scale" easily. The Maserati Granturismo does 0-100 in 2.8 sec and 0-200 in 8.8 sec (according to them).

 

[Nights]

They need to ditch the touch multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and maybe just check out a new BMW software screen, there are loads of features. Lexus new software is still bare bones compared to the competition.

Disagree with this. Far prefer the steering wheel buttons over more things to press on the touchscreen. Even BMW has come out and said the all screens pathway has gone too far.

It takes about 5 minutes to get used to how the steering wheel buttons work and after that it was smooth sailing for everyone I know that has the system. The fact you can configure exactly what you want on the buttons is just an added bonus.

 

[Sulu]

Disagree with this. Far prefer the steering wheel buttons over more things to press on the touchscreen. Even BMW has come out and said the all screens pathway has gone too far.

It takes about 5 minutes to get used to how the steering wheel buttons work and after that it was smooth sailing for everyone I know that has the system. The fact you can configure exactly what you want on the buttons is just an added bonus.

I believe that he is talking about the reconfigurable, multi-function (i.e. no fixed-function) buttons on certain Lexus models with the head-up display (HUD). The function of the button changes depending on circumstances, and is projected on the HUD. Reviewers have called it confusing because they cannot predict what function a certain button will perform.

 

[Nights]

I believe that he is talking about the reconfigurable, multi-function (i.e. no fixed-function) buttons on certain Lexus models with the head-up display (HUD). The function of the button changes depending on circumstances, and is projected on the HUD. Reviewers have called it confusing because they cannot predict what function a certain button will perform.

I know; I have the current model NX450h+ which uses the system. It’s actually very easy to use and is fully configurable. I don’t understand how you wouldn’t know what the buttons do when you can customise each menu on the steering wheel touchpads to what you want.

 

[LS500-18]

I believe that he is talking about the reconfigurable, multi-function (i.e. no fixed-function) buttons on certain Lexus models with the head-up display (HUD). The function of the button changes depending on circumstances, and is projected on the HUD. Reviewers have called it confusing because they cannot predict what function a certain button will perform.

Yes, this. Now in fairness I had a new NX just for a couple of hours so I drove around town running errands, so I didn't have a long time to get used to it. But yeah the steering wheel buttons that can do multiple features and you need to take your eyes "off the road" slightly to look at the HUD to see what you are trying to do is something that doesn't really make sense to me. Perhaps if I had more seat time I would get used to it. Most car reviewers get a car for a week.

 

[Will1991]

New information:

DYNAMIC PRESS LAUNCH OF THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC LEXUS RZ

Lexus’ all-new battery electric SUV constructed on a dedicated BEV platform Introduction of advanced technologies that enhance the Lexus Driving Signature handling and performanceLexus-first e-Axles with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive torque controlLexus Next Chapter design realises the opportunities...

newsroom.lexus.eu

-> One Motion grip by 2025, was this delayed?
-> When the car shows 0%, it sill has 8% left
-> 395km WLTP for the 20" wheels and 435km WLTP for the 18" wheels from full charge to complete depletion of the battery
-> 80% recharge in 30min (that should mean around 100kW average)
-> Cd of 0.263
-> Stagered wheels with 235/60R18 front and 255/55R18 rear for 18-inch wheels and 235/50R20 front and 255/45R20 rear for 20-inch wheels

 

[NVlaar]

 

[Motor]

THE NEXT CHAPTER OF ELECTRIFIED: THE ALL-NEW 2023 LEXUS RZ 450e - Lexus USA Newsroom

PLANO, Texas (March 13, 2023) — The future of Lexus Electrified has arrived with the introduction of the all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e. The RZ is the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle that brings a dynamic driving experience and distinctive design...

pressroom.lexus.com

 

[Motor]

2023 Lexus RZ 450e First Drive Review: Short On Range, Long On Comfort

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e offers much of what makes the brand so popular: It’s smooth, quiet, and comfortable. But will that convince folks to go electric?

insideevs.com

2023 Lexus RZ 450e First Drive Review: The yoke is no joke - Autoblog

The Lexus RZ 450e is the first all-electric car from Lexus. It's not the strongest effort, but the new "Steer By Wire" option is intriguing and compelling.

www.autoblog.com

2023 Lexus RZ Review, Pricing, and Specs

Lexus's electrified future is kicking off with the RZ450e SUV, which is based on the Toyota bZ4x but with more upscale styling and extra power.

www.caranddriver.com

https://www.cars.com/articles/2023-lexus-rz-450e-review-delightful-in-almost-all-the-right-places-463178/

All-New 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Is a Disappointing First EV Effort - Consumer Reports

The experts at Consumer Reports review the all-new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, the first fully-electric model from Toyota's upscale brand, in words and video.

www.consumerreports.org

Lexus RZ Review 2023 | Top Gear

A decent first attempt at a purpose-built EV from Lexus. Quite expensive though...

www.topgear.com

Lexus RZ review | DrivingElectric

The Lexus RZ is a plush and practical electric SUV, although this seems to come at the cost of efficiency

www.drivingelectric.com

Lexus offers a a glimpse at its EV future with the RZ 450e

Lexus' RZ 450e is the company's first clean-sheet EV, and offers the refined experience you expect from a Lexus. But of more interest is the company's new steer-by-wire system, coming in 2025.

www.engadget.com

Review: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e tests the electric waters

Much about Lexus’ first EV for the U.S. feels like a hedge, although it already outperforms much of the luxury brand’s lineup.

www.greencarreports.com

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Review: Luxurious, Comfortable and Lexus-Like | Gear Patrol

A review of the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e electric crossover which drives well and has a spacious and luxurious interior but offers just 220 miles of EV range.

www.gearpatrol.com

All-Electric 2023 Lexus RZ Steers Luxury in a New Direction

With or without the funky steer by wire, the new crossover EV is exceedingly competent, comfortable, stylish, and priced to sell.

www.autoweek.com

2023 Lexus RZ First Drive Review: A Solid, Fun-To-Drive First Step Into EVdom

The new Lexus RZ 450e takes fun-to-drive dynamics, luxury amenities, and intuitive tech to the next level. We think it also looks good.

www.thedrive.com

2023 Lexus RZ First Drive Review: 80 Miles Short Of Glory

It's taken a while, but Lexus finally has its own globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in the form of the dashing RZ crossover. A carmaker that has always been synonymous with refinement and quality seems like an ideal match for a fully electric drivetrain, but as...

carbuzz.com

2023 Lexus RZ 450e First Drive: Electric SUV Offers More Than Just A Clever Yoke - SlashGear

Lexus may be late to the all-electric SUV party, but the 2023 RZ 450e brings some party tricks to stand out of the crowd. Has the RZ out-yoked Tesla's Model S?

www.slashgear.com

First Drive: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e - The Detroit Bureau

A year after Toyota introduced its first-ever electric vehicle, the company's luxury unit, Lexus, has followed suit with the new RZ 450e. TheDetroitBureau.com gives you the skinny on the new model.

www.thedetroitbureau.com

First Drive: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e | Reviews

Lexus' first EV comes with style, tech and smooth on-road manners, but its range is below average

driving.ca

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Is a Great Lexus, But a Bad EV

Toyota's first crack at an all-electric Lexus isn't brilliant out of the gate, but at least it's a super comfortable near-luxury crossover.

jalopnik.com

2023 Lexus RZ First Drive: A Lexus-Worthy EV

The 2023 Lexus RZ begins Toyota’s luxury brand journey into full electric with a two-row compact SUV, but it has limited range of up to 220 miles.

www.forbes.com

2023 Lexus RZ450e First Drive: One Electric SUV, Two Very Different Experiences

The RZ is one of Lexus’ first dedicated EVs, but its zero-emissions powertrain is far from the most interesting thing about it.

www.motortrend.com

Driven: The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Is a Great Lexus But a Bad EV | Edmunds

The 2023 RZ 450e is a new luxury electric vehicle, and the first Lexus EV to be sold in the States. But will it really tempt you away from a Tesla Model Y?

www.edmunds.com

Lexus RZ review | Autocar

Lexus enters fast-filling premium electric SUV club with jazzed-up Toyota bZ4X

www.autocar.co.uk

New Lexus RZ 450e 2023 review | Auto Express

The new all-electric Lexus RZ SUV arrives in the UK as a rival for the Tesla Model Y

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Lexus RZ (2023) review: at close range

We drive the first bespoke Lexus EV

www.carmagazine.co.uk

 

[Kelvin2020]

Most of the reviews are pretty positive

 

[CRSKTN]

To help overcome buyer concerns that the RZ won’t be up to the annual family road trip, Lexus is providing owners up to 10 days of free rental of any other Lexus vehicle each year for the first three years of ownership.

 

[ssun30]

Any other? A LX/LS/LC/RCF if I request one?

 

[Levi]

Any other? A LX/LS/LC/RCF if I request one?

More likely NX, RX, TX, IS and ES.

 

[CRSKTN]

The yoke is no joke. For those of you anticipating the new Lexus “Steer by Wire” system and its yoke-like steering contraption to be the most distinctive, forward-looking, and ultimately compelling reason to consider the 2024 Lexus RZ 450e, you would’ve been in the minority. Most of us rolled our eyes, hard, when RZ interior pictures were released. Having seen Tesla’s gimmicky yoke in action, skepticism was understandable. In short, though, this is not just a yoke bolted onto the steering column for drivers to pretend they’re Batman. It is in fact an intrinsic part of an entirely new steering concept that could revolutionize the way we interact with the front wheels of a car. Which is why I’m going to talk about it an awful lot here in the beginning of this RZ review, because, unfortunately, this late-availability option is a much bigger deal than the electric crossover it’s attached to. (Though if you want to skip ahead, click here).

That's high praise from autoblog for Toyota/Lexus.

 

[Sulu]

That's high praise from autoblog for Toyota/Lexus.

And now a differing viewpoint but don't get turned away by the clickbait headline (which is worse than the article).

Review: The Lexus RZ's Yoke And Steer By Wire System Are Solutions Looking For A Problem | Carscoops

Thanks to a learning curve and a choppy ride, the RZ's yoke and steer by wire system feel unnecessary

www.carscoops.com

Review: The Lexus RZ’s Yoke And Steer By Wire System Are Solutions Looking For A Problem​

Thanks to a learning curve and a choppy ride, the RZ's yoke and steer by wire system feel unnecessary

While this sounds nice in theory, it doesn’t exactly work great in practice. When driving slowly, it’s hard to gauge the amount of steering wheel input needed and this results in a twitchy ride that is far from pleasant. Things settle down at higher speeds, but it’s hard to be smooth and I took out a cone or two during my initial run.

That being said, there’s little doubt drivers will get accustomed to the experience over time. I only put in a few laps on a short course, so we’re definitely not writing off Steer by Wire quite yet.

 

[CRSKTN]

We dont need steering wheels we can drive these mechanical horse buggies with reins.