Lexus RZ

Overview

Lexus RZ

model code	EB10 EB20
manufacturer	Toyota
production	2023–present
model years	2023–present
assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
designer	Daichi Kimura‡R1R‡
class	Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
body style	5-door SUV
layout	Front-motor, front-wheel-drive Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (Direct4)
platform	e-TNGA
related	Toyota bZ4X/bZ / Subaru Solterra Toyota C-HR+/C-HR / Subaru Uncharted Toyota bZ4X Touring/bZ Woodland / Subaru Trailseeker/E-Outback
motor	1×150 kW 1XM AC permanent magnet synchronous (front) + 1×80 kW 1YM AC permanent magnet synchronous (rear) (XEBM15)
powerout	230 kW
transmission	eAxle
battery	71.4 kWh NMC PPES 72.8 kWh NMC CATL
charging	150kW DC
wheelbase	2850 mm
length	4805 mm
width	1895 mm
height	1635 mm
weight	NNNN kg
sp	us
electric range	450 km (WLTC) 200 – (EPA)

The Lexus RZ (レクサス・RZ) is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV built by Toyota for its luxury division Lexus since 2023. It is considered a "large SUV" by Euro NCAP and a "small sport utility vehicle" by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.[2][3] The RZ is built on the e-TNGA platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra,[4] it is the first dedicated battery electric vehicle of the Lexus marque that will be sold worldwide and also the second battery electric model after the ICE-based UX 300e.[5]

History

Design

Powertrains

The front motor of the RZ 450e is taken from the front-wheel drive version of the bZ4X, while the rear unit is taken from the all-wheel drive version of the same car, making it quicker than the bZ4X/Solterra.[13] Using the 'DIRECT4' system, front/rear axle torque output can be varied continuously from 100:0 to 0:100; during normal driving, the torque split ranges from 40:60 to 60:40.[8]

The storage battery is identical to the bZ4X/Solterra, with a capacity of 71.4 kWh.[8] The RZ 450e has an estimated range of 200 – under the EPA driving cycle, depending on wheel size. The maximum charging rate is 150 kW. Four levels of regenerative braking are available; the lowest level eliminates regeneration entirely and relies on the mechanical (hydraulic) brake system. According to the RZ 450e chief engineer Takashi Watanabe, this was done to provide a more conventional braking feel.[13] At maximum regeneration, the deceleration rate is 0.15 g0.[14]

Steer-by-wire system

The steer-by-wire system, which Lexus have branded "One Motion Grip" for some markets, comes with a steering yoke and removes the physical connection between the yoke and the steering rack. The position of the yoke is used to drive a motor attached to the steering rack, while a second motor provides feedback to the yoke itself. The effort required to turn the yoke varies in response to driving conditions. Regardless of the situation, the total rotational range of motion is 300 degrees, which removes any need to perform a hand-over-hand movement for which a conventional steering wheel may be more suitable. In a hands-on test, Motor Trend called the yoke "little more than a novelty" but declared the "steering system that minimizes movement by instantly and intuitively adjusting to ever-changing conditions ... [is] a brilliant bit of engineering that could well change driving for the better".[15] But it was delayed in the production version and replaced with a conventional steering wheel.[16]

Chassis

The chassis takes advantage of structural adhesives, laser-based welding processes, and high-tensile steel to enhance rigidity and reduce weight; the hood is aluminum and the battery is carried underneath the passenger floor, contributing to the vehicle's low center of gravity. The e-TNGA platform has a fully-independent suspension, with MacPherson struts in front and trailing-arm double-wishbones in the rear.

Styling

Six exterior and three interior colors are available; as an option, the exterior can be painted in a bi-tone finish, with the black "spindle" grill accent extended over the hood and roof.[8] The low hoodline and active grille shutter reduce aerodynamic resistance; in addition, the underbody is dimpled to create minute vortices and a roof spoiler is used to enhance downforce.[17]

Lexus RZ

History

Design

Powertrains

Steer-by-wire system

Chassis

Styling

F Sport Performance models

RZ450e F Sport Performance

RZ600e F Sport Performance

Safety

ANCAP

Euro NCAP

IIHS

Sales

External links

References