Have you taken the Lexus RZ 450e for a test drive yet
If you are looking to buy a premium electric car today, there are a number of options available and they are all tax-free right now in Malaysia. Yes, the Malaysian government is allowing for tax-free electric vehicles to encourage the use of emissions free vehicles in the country and the Lexus RZ 450e is one such vehicle.
Did you know that this is Lexus’ first model to be developed as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) from the outset? The intention was not simply to deliver the benefits of zero emission, all-electric driving, but to capture the potential of BEVs to reinvent the driving experience.
Now to deliver the best possible BEV ownership experience, this Lexus RZ had undergone extensive track testing and refinement at their Shimoyama Centre in Japan.
It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine; it goes much further to realize the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure, true to the ‘Lexus Electrified’ philosophy.
Lexus Standards
First and foremost, the RZ is a Lexus, retaining all the fine qualities of performance and craftsmanship associated with the brand. The company has leveraged its wealth of vehicle electrification (they are the leaders in hybrid technology) experience to deliver the benefits of a BEV with the essential refinement and driving experience that are unique to its brand.
The RZ also marks the first application of Lexus’ new e-Axles, compact motor units used front and rear that work in conjunction with new DIRECT4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control.
High-quality handling and responsiveness are secured with a dedicated new electric vehicle platform, which brings excellent body rigidity, a low center of gravity and a long wheelbase.
Lexus has used materials and methods to reduce the weight of the frame, helping maintain the driving range without compromising body rigidity. Priority was given to reducing the mass of parts located higher in the vehicle, to preserve a low center of gravity and suppress body roll when cornering.
Lexus Engineering
For example, lightweight 1470 MPa steel is used for the center roof reinforcement and a patchwork material for strengthening the front and center pillar. The bonnet is made of aluminum and the door and wheel arch moldings and back door garnish are light, molded resin which uses less material but remains rigid and light.
Lexus Living Space
Special attention was paid to giving the driver an excellent sightline and feedback and ensuring precise vehicle posture control, at all times. The cabin atmosphere is enhanced by an ambient lighting system with a spectrum of 64 colours, grouped in 14 different themes to create the right mood for the journey
The Lexus RZ interior is both simple and luxurious, expressing Lexus Omotenashi hospitality and Takumi craftsmanship. The cabin fit and finish is great and the quality of materials used is of the highest standard in this segment.
The center console has a slim and elegant upper section, incorporating a storage box with a lid that is hinged to open to the left or right, so is equally easy for the driver or front passenger to use. The unit also features cup-holders, USB ports, a 12V power outlet and a wireless charging tray. The design provides further storage space beneath the console, big enough to hold a tissue box, a pair of shoes or owner’s manual.
The RZ’s engineers and designers made it a priority to ensure the cabin environment was appropriately calm and quiet, applying a three-part strategy: controlling the noise; preventing it from entering the cabin; and paying particular attention to noise experienced in the rear seats.
The RZ measures 4,805 mm long, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase and short overhangs which is 995 mm front and 960 mm in the rear. Overall height is 1,635 mm and the width is 1,895 mm (excluding door mirrors). In terms of external dimensions and footprint, the model sits between Lexus’ mid-size NX and large RX SUV models.
Lexus Battery System
A powerful lithium-ion battery unit is fully integrated in the chassis, beneath the cabin floor, its quality finely controlled to ensure performance is maintained long-term.
The unit comprises 96 cells with a gross capacity of 71.4 kWh. Quality, durability and reliability are reflected in Lexus guaranteeing that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity after 10 years. Lexus is confident however, given its long experience in battery technologies, that actual capacity at the point should be at least 90%.
The Lexus RZ is equipped with a compact and lightweight 11 kW on-board charger. Battery recharging when connected to a three-phase power supply takes around six-and-a-half hours; using a one-phase supply the time is around 10 hours; connected to a DC fast-charging system, an 80% recharge can be accomplished in about 30 minutes.
Lexus RZ 450e Drive
The Lexus RZ’s performance and driving character can be adjusted with selectable drive modes. In ‘Normal’ mode, an optimal balance of performance and power consumption is provided to suit a wide range of driving situations. In ‘Eco’ mode, power is preserved by generating a lesser amount of drive torque in response to accelerator inputs and suppressing the air conditioning. In ‘Sport’ mode there is stronger steering feel and accelerator response is sharpened. Drivers can set their preferred powertrain, chassis and air conditioning modes using a Custom mode, accessed via the multimedia touchscreen.
Like any other Lexus, the suspension system has been designed towards delivery of the ‘Lexus Driving Signature’, which is great comfort and precise and safe handling.
Take note that the fundamental dynamic benefits of the BEV platform, which is high rigidity, a low center of gravity and dynamically balanced chassis and low yaw inertia moment are matched by suspension which contributes to faithful line-tracing, natural and stable vehicle posture and a comfortable ride.
The layout of the controls and information sources, 14-inch center multimedia display, meters, multi-information display and head-up display require minimum hand and eye movement to reach, operate and read, helping keep the driver’s attention on the road ahead.
The Lexus RZ delivers a strong, continuous acceleration feel in the high throttle range and speed controllability in the low range. Using a battery electric system allows for a slip suppression function: a motor ECU in the e-Axles monitors wheel speed and detects any slip before the vehicle’s traction control operates, initiating drive torque control and reducing initial wheel-spin.
RZ 450e Conclusion
This is a refined and plush SUV that ticks all the boxes and more for any premium vehicle buyer. More so if the buyer is in the market for a SUV. The futuristic and handsome looks, the legendary build quality and material use plus the engineering expertise all points to a segment favorite.
Lexus RZ 450e Specifications
Battery Power: 71.4kWh
Range (WLTP): 440km
Estimated Charging Time: 6.5 hours @ AC & 30 minutes @ DC
Power: Front 266Nm & Rear 169Nm
Torque: 435Nm
Acceleration 0 – 100km/h: 5.3 seconds
Top Speed: 160km/h
Selling Price:RM429,888.00
