2023 Lexus RZ 450e Electric

The Lexus RZ comes with two trims: Premium and Luxury. The Premium comes at an MSRP of Both trim levels have bi-LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, but the Luxury gets larger 20-inch wheels instead of the basic 18-inch wheels. The RZ has a sophisticated interior with either NuLuxe (Premium) or Ultrasuede (Luxury) upholstery, but both versions have a 14-inch touchscreen interface and a digital gauge cluster. Heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, a power steering column, and ambient lighting were among the standard amenities.

Optional features for the Premium trim include a radiant front knee heater and a Dynamic Sky panoramic glass top for the Luxury variant. The Technology Package is the Premium's only optional package which is priced at $1,425.

Technology Package includes:-

• Digital Key
• Head Up Display
• Intelligent Parking Assist

We Recommend

The base trim of the 2023 Lexus RZ which is priced at an MSRP of $59,650, comes out to be the best trim in the lineup. It comes with several features such as bi-LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. You can also ass the Technology package to further add features.

Release Date

The new Lexus RZ is available at dealerships all across the USA since February 2023.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is propelled by two electric motors. The total performance output of these permanent magnet synchronous motors is 308 horsepower and 196.4 lb-ft of torque from the front motor, whereas 124.3 lb-ft of torque from the rear motor. The motors are powered by the Direct4 AWD technology and feature a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. This AWD system also comes with a torque distribution range of 100:0 to 0:100, which varies based on the driving circumstance. The Lexus RZ now comes with a new Range mode. It is accessible via the central touchscreen, which Lexus says can increase the overall range by 5 to 10%. However, the automobile becomes much less responsive to throttle inputs in this mode. Furthermore, the Sport mode or normal driving mode provides the crisp responses anticipated of a vehicle in this mode.

The 2023 Lexus RZ offers more power as compared to the Kia EV6 but lags behind the Tesla Model Y. It performs well in terms of torque output and surpasses the 2023 EV6. The RZ is the slowest to reach the 60 MPH mark, followed by the Model Y. Similarly, the RZ lags behind its rivals in terms of quarter-mile timing. The top speed of the car is 99 MPH which is slightly less than the competitors in the segment.

2023 Lexus RZ Ride and Handling

Lexus designed the new 2023 RZ to be as similar to its gasoline-powered counterparts as possible. While driving, the RZ is soft, controllable, and serene, just like the NX and RX. However, the RZ is still too heavy to be considered truly sporty. Through twisty roads, there is some significant body roll, and the steering, while precise to the inputs, falls short of feedback. Lexus will later introduce an optional Steer by Wire technology that uses electric signals rather than a mechanical linkage between the steering and wheels. The Lexus steering has a variable ratio, which makes it much more responsive when driving. The suspension has been fine-tuned to be soft and flexible. Even with the 20-inch wheels, there was never a pothole that threw the vehicle out of alignment.

2023 Lexus RZ Braking Performance

The 2023 Lexus RZ’s brake pads last about 40,000-65,000 miles depending on the nature of the driving. It comes with 12.9-inch rotors in front and 12.5-inch rotors at the back. As the 2023 RZ does not support full one-pedal driving, you must always use the brake pedal to come to a complete halt. The regeneration amount varies, but it is far less aggressive than the regen on other EVs. The car comes with additional braking features such as an Anti-Lock Braking system and Brake Assist.

The 2023 Lexus RZ comes with smaller size of brake rotors as the Tesla Model Y. They are, however, bigger than the 2023 Kia EV6. The RZ is the heaviest of all the rivals, followed by the Model Y, and EV6, which contribute to the overall momentum while cruising at high speed. The data for the braking distance is not yet available for the cars.

The 2023 Lexus RZ comes with an economy of 102 miles in a city, 87 miles on a highway, and 95 MPG combined. Experts anticipate a 220-mile range on a full charge with 18-inch wheels and 196 miles with 20-inch wheels. Another disadvantage of the 2023 RZ is its highest charging speed of 150 kW, which falls behind several competitors. The lithium-ion battery can be charged from zero to 80% in around 30 minutes using DC rapid charging at 150 kW, which is subpar as per the segment.

The Lexus RZ is less efficient in a city and on a highway as compared to the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y. On city roads, the EV6 is more efficient, while the Model Y is economical over highways. Being a fully electric vehicle, the fuel tank capacity is not provided, but the overall range is still to be calculated. With the data above, we expect Model Y to provide a longer range as compared to the other two.

You enter the cabin of the 2023 Lexus RZ with ease using a SmartAccess card key, and you are welcomed by smart NuLuxe or Ultrasuede upholstery. The dashboard is dominated by a large 14-inch touchscreen and few physical controls, though a volume knob and dials for rapidly adjusting the cabin temperature remain. Both versions have eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and occupants can enjoy the Shadow Illumination on the doors at night - this feature has a multicolor effect for the Luxury trim. Overall, the interior is a success that more than lives up to the automaker's luxury image.

The 2023 Lexus RZ leads the Kia EV6 in terms of its front headroom. The car also comes with better front shoulder room for the occupants than the Tesla Model Y. The Lexus RZ lacks rear shoulder room as compared to EV6 and Model Y. All the rivals come with an attractive interior. They come with a sufficient amount of convenience features. In terms of design, we would recommend the EV6.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Lexus RZ include:

• Heated seats
• Ventilated seats
• Power adjustable seats
• Ambient lighting
• Heated steering wheels
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Lexus RZ infotainment system?

The 2023 Lexus RZ comes with the latest Lexus user interface is far superior, with a sharp and crisp 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display infotainment system. The user could use split-screen functionality to group more functions on the same screen at the same time. The brand comes with a descriptive list of standard infotainment features, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM with a three-month Platinum Plan trial subscription, Bluetooth, five USB-C ports dotted around the interior and onboard navigation. On the Luxury trim, the standard 10-speaker sound system that is standard in the Premium trim is replaced by a 13-speaker Mark Levinson system, which sounds excellent.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Lexus RZ include:

• AM/FM Radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• USB ports
• Wi-Fi hotspot 
• Navigation
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson system

The Premium of the 2023 Lexus RZ has 18-inch alloy rims, while the Luxury has 20-inch alloy wheels. However, the bigger wheels in luxury harm the vehicle's overall range. The rear has a sporty coupe-like roofline and a blade taillamp design that spans the width of the exterior. Both trims come standard with a panorama glass roof, but only the Luxury variant gets a Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof that can rapidly switch between transparent and opaque. Furthermore, both trims come standard with stylish bi-LED headlights with daytime running lights, and headlamp washers are optional. An illuminated front 'L' for the Lexus emblem is available as an option. With a wheelbase of 112.2 inches and a length of 189.2 inches, the Lexus RZ is a sizable vehicle. The height is only 64.4 inches while the width is 74.6 inches. The car's dry weight is only 4,619 lbs.

Each car's exterior design is unique and appeals to a wider audience. The 2023 Lexus RZ is longer than the Kia EV6 and the Model Y. It is also broader than the EV6 and the Model Y. The 2023 RZ offers the smallest wheelbase among its rivals. All four competitors appear to be extremely athletic and modern. In our view, the EV6 has a muscular race car look that gives it an advantage over others.

Some standout exterior features include

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 20-inch alloy wheels 
• Bi-LED headlights
• Illuminated front emblem
• Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof
• LED tail lights

The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite is standard on the 2023 Lexus RZ. It contains plenty of driver-assistance features. All-speed pre-collision system with pedestrian recognition and intersection support, lane departure warning with steering assist dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and intelligent high beams are among the features available. In addition, both trims have a surround-view camera system, vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and digital latch with safe exit assist, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and intuitive parking assist with auto braking. Both trims of the 2023 Rz have nine airbags.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Lexus RZ include

• Digital latch with safe exit assist
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Traction control
• Intuitive parking assist
• Vehicle stability control
• Parking sensors

2023 Lexus RZ vs 2023 Kia EV6 

The Kia EV6 is less expensive than the Lexus RZ. Furthermore, it has a luxurious and comfortable interior. The RZ is unrivaled in terms of power and torque, while the 2023 EV6 is quicker as per the 0-60 MPH mark and quarter-mile timing. Finally, the decision will be a personal one, not based on facts and figures, but those who want to try something new, in the EV class, should go for the RZ.

2023 Lexus RZ vs 2023 Tesla Model Y

Both Lexus RZ and the Tesla Model Y come with a significant price difference, where the Model Y is around $10,000 more expensive than the rival. The RZ provides excellent driving dynamics. It leads in terms of overall confidence which the driver gets while hitting high on acceleration. The Model Y is also more fuel efficient in a city and on a highway as compared to the rival. It also feels slightly better in terms of interior design and comfort. The exterior of both vehicles is muscular and aggressive. One might still opt for Lexus due to its better reliability factor.

The 2023 Lexus RZ is more than just an electric SUV. It's a machine from the future to say the least. It is beautiful in almost every way possible. Furthermore, its aptly tuned suspension, well-tuned engine, and attractive body are cutting-edge works of automotive engineering art. The build quality is excellent, and both trims are loaded with comfort and safety features, while the powerful engines and sharp handling make it a lot of joy to drive for a vehicle of this size. It has a limitless amount of power and behaves like a silent racecar that you must learn to drive swiftly and securely. We recommend the Premium trim for its value for money and extensive list of features. Also, one can go for the only available Technology package for additional features.