Trims, Powertrain, and Range
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e offers a pair of compelling trim levels called Premium and Luxury. Their electric architecture features dual electric motors – one on each axle to enable all-wheel drive – that generate 308 horsepower together. A 71.4 kWh battery that’s cleverly placed beneath the floor to optimize the vehicle’s center of gravity is also included, enabling an estimated driving range of 220 miles for the Premium and 196 miles for the Luxury.
Charging
Charging the Lexus RZ is effortless, and you’ll need approximately 9.5 hours to reach 100 percent with a Level 2 charger taking hours. Alternatively, a DC fast charger can charge the vehicle from zero to 80 percent in a mere 30 minutes. The RZ also has a regenerative braking system, which captures and converts the kinetic energy from braking into electric power for the battery. The degree of regenerative braking can be adjusted with the use of the paddle shifters located on the steering wheel.
Classy Appointments
The Premium trim has so many luxuries: power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, a power liftgate, LED headlights, auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, rain-sensing windshield wipers, key-card access, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic-leather NuLuxe interior trim, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, position memory (for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors), a wireless phone charger, five USB-C ports, and active sound control. With the available Technology Package, it will also get Advanced Park, Digital Key, and a 10-inch head-up display.
The Luxury truly lives up to its name, adding the three optional features from the Technology Package, plus multicolor ambient interior lighting, Ultrasuede interior trim, distinctive interior décor, a front knee heater, and heated rear outboard seats. Both trims are eligible for the Cold Weather Package (headlamp washers and a windshield wiper de-icer), as well as a handful of individual add-ons such as a digital rearview mirror, an illuminated front badge, and the Dynamic Sky panoramic glass roof with auto-dimming.
Active Safety Features
Lexus outfits the RZ with an extensive array of advanced driving aids via the class-leading Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite. This technology bundle encompasses all-speed dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and intersection support, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and intelligent high beams. Some additional standard driving aids include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, digital latch with safe exit assist, a panoramic view monitor, and active parking assist with automatic braking. The Luxury gets even more, with traffic jam assist, lane change assist with front cross-traffic alert, and Advanced Park (these features can be added to the Premium trim via the optional Technology Package).
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 Lexus RZ is equipped with a world-class infotainment system centered around a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the Premium has a 10-speaker sound system, the Luxury is enhanced with a deluxe 13-speaker Harman Kardon. Both trims also receive a trial subscription to the Drive Connect service, which provides cloud navigation, intelligent voice recognition, and destination assist.