The Lexus journey towards electrified-only powertrains gathers speed in May when the RZ 450e – the brand’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the first built on a dedicated all-electric platform – arrives in local showrooms.
The all-new, mid-size SUV – first seen in Australia as the star display vehicle at the Lexus Melbourne Cup last November – delivers big on Lexus signature values of refined luxury and takumi craftsmanship, enhanced now with serene driving and zero tailpipe emissions.
With the RZ 450e, Lexus advances towards its aim of only offering Hybrid, PHEV and BEV luxury vehicles in Australia by 2030.
Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas says the RZ 450e was designed from the outset to be a Lexus first and foremost; using the benefit of zero-tailpipe emission BEV technology to reinvent the Lexus Driving Signature.
“The RZ 450e is a milestone vehicle for Lexus,’’ he said.
“It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine. It goes much further to realise the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure.
“The Lexus Electrified philosophy is based upon intelligent, engineering-led solutions that add to the joy of luxury car ownership.
“The RZ 450e is ready for customers wanting the best of both worlds from Lexus, without compromise.’’
Two RZ 450e grades will be offered initially: Luxury priced from $123,000 and Sports Luxury from $135,000.
Both are powered by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery unit producing 230kW of power and providing a driving range of 470kms – making the RZ 450e a leader in terms of efficiency in the fully-electric, mid-size, luxury SUV segment.
The RZ 450e 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; connected to a DC fast-charging system, an 80 per cent recharge can be accomplished in about 30 minutes.
