The RZ 450e, the first fully electric Lexus SUV in the United States, is now available for pre-order.
Lexus needs to catch up in the race to incorporate a fully electric luxury vehicle under the command of parent company Toyota.
According to Electrek, Lexus invites customers to “experience the difference between an electric vehicle and an electric Lexus,” to see if the RZ 450e is more valuable than a Tesla Model Y.
Lexus will go fully electric by 2030
After years of ignoring fully electric technology in favor of hybrid and fuel cell technology, Toyota finally came around, announcing that its luxury Lexus brand will go fully electric with an entire range of zero-emission EVs by 2030.
In 2021, Lexus unveiled a slew of early-stage concepts meant to be “symbolic” of the brand’s evolution before revealing its first production version based on the Toyota BZ4x.
As such, the RZ 450e is built on the e-TNGA platform and features a 71.4 kWh battery pack with a driving range of up to 220 miles and 313 total system horsepower.
Furthermore, its DIRECT 4 all-wheel-drive system and new steering control allow a more dynamic driving experience.
The Lexus EV, unlike the BZ4x, will have a luxury feel with an intelligent 14-inch touchscreen interface, a 13-speaker surround sound, warmed and ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, a scenic sunroof, and more.
The Lexus RZ 450e is available in two trim levels: Premium and Luxury. However, we have yet to learn what the price point will be.
The Lexus RZ 450e costs more than the Tesla Model Y
According to Lexus’ website, the Premium RZ 450e trim starts at $59,650, while the Luxury model costs $65,150.
The RZ 450e luxury has additional safety features, such as a high-tech park, a 10-inch head-up display, acoustic front and rear side glass, and ambient lighting.
The RZ Premium has 18- and 20-inch rims, while the Luxury has 20-inch split 10-spoke alloy wheels with a dark metallic finish.
The exterior of the electric SUV is typical Lexus, with advanced EV-looking upgrades.
The Lexus spindle grille, for example, is modified by a spindle body that optimizes aerodynamics.
The Lexus RZ 450e will contend with stiff competition, especially from more existing players like Tesla, which offers its Model Y with a 330-mile range for $54,990.
