World premiere of the Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model | LEXUS
CAR / NEWS
April 22, 2022

World premiere of the Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model | LEXUS

LEXUS RZ | The Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere.

On April 20, Lexus unveiled the details of its new RZ, a model exclusively for battery EVs (hereafter, BEVs).

Text by HARA Akira

Aiming for a BEV that offers peace of mind when driving, comfort when touched, and enjoyment when operated.

The RZ measures 4,805mm in length, 1,895mm in width, and 1,635mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850mm. In addition to adopting the dedicated BEV platform (e-TNGA), Lexus claims significant improvements in the vehicle's fundamental performance through optimal placement of the battery and motors for ideal inertial properties, and the realization of a lightweight yet highly rigid body.
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The powertrain consists of two motors, 150kW at the front and 80kW at the rear, driving all four wheels with the "DIRECT4" four-wheel-drive system utilizing electrification technology. This represents a significant power upgrade compared to the four-wheel-drive models of the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, which share the same platform and use 80kW motors for both front and rear. The battery capacity is 71.4kWh, with a target cruising range of approximately 450km in J-WLTC mode (development target).
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
In terms of driving dynamics, a steer-by-wire system is available, featuring steering control that allows for vehicle response faithful to the driver's intentions, and a yoke-shaped steering wheel reminiscent of an aircraft's control stick. Furthermore, Lexus pursued a sound design that naturally communicates changes in the car's state to the driver. These elements were refined at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama (TTCS), Lexus's new development base, evolving the "Lexus Driving Signature" – Lexus's unique driving feel.
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The exterior design expresses the seamless acceleration and dynamic torque characteristic of BEVs. The spindle grille has also evolved into a "spindle body," a unified form integrated with the body, aiming for functional advancement and improved aerodynamics for BEVs, which do not require cooling for internal combustion engines. This approach achieves both a new design direction and BEV distinctiveness.
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
In terms of interior design, Lexus focused on creating a space that appeals to the senses, prioritizing SDGs and sustainable mobility, rather than relying on luxurious finishes with materials and decorations. While maintaining a simple layout that pursues functional essence, the interior achieves a sense of craftsmanship and quality. The cockpit, incorporating the "Tazuna Concept," the panoramic roof that contributes to a sense of spaciousness, and a highly efficient heating system with coordinated control of air conditioning, including the radiant heat heater – a Lexus first – provide a comfortable cabin environment.
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
The Lexus RZ, the brand's first dedicated battery EV model, makes its world premiere | LEXUS
Go Watanabe, Chief Engineer at Lexus Electrified, commented: "To contribute to a carbon-neutral society, we at 'Car Maker Lexus' believe we must continue to pursue exciting cars while cherishing nature and the global environment. With the RZ, we developed it with the desire to realize a Lexus-like BEV that offers peace of mind when driving, comfort when touched, and enjoyment when operated. We will continue to take on challenges to provide customers with Lexus's unique BEV driving experience and new experiences."

Spec

LEXUS RZ (Prototype)

  • Body size | Length 4,805 x Width 1,895 x Height 1,635mm
  • Wheelbase | 2,850mm
  • Output | Front 150kW Rear 80kW
  • Battery Capacity | 71.4kWh
  • Cruising Range (WLTC mode) | Approx. 450km (Development target)
  • Tire Size | Front 18-inch / Rear 20-inch
Contact

Lexus Information Desk
Tel. 0800-500-5577 (9:00-18:00, open 365 days a year)
https://lexus.jp/

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