2022 Lexus RZ 450e debuts as the brand's first-ever EV

Lexus has taken the covers off its first-ever electric vehicle (EV), the RZ 450e. The new EV, of course, takes after Toyota’s own newly released bZ4X as well as the Subaru Solterra. All three vehicles ride on the Toyota New Global Platform, also known as e-TNGA.

While the RZ 450e shares its architecture with two other mass-market EVs, Lexus’ take on an electrified crossover features the brand’s signature design, premium interior, and upmarket features. Lexus fans will immediately recognize the spindle grille design, which on the RZ 450e evolves into what the company calls a BEV Spindle Body. The new front-end design will reportedly feature on other Lexus EVs moving forward.

The highly sculpted body characteristic of current Lexus models is visible on the RZ 450e, reaching its peak at the rear, where we see full-width taillights, an integrated spoiler, and a shark’s fin antenna. The all-electric crossover comes with 18-inch rims as standard, with 20-inch wheels available as an option.

Power is where the RZ 450e is distinct from the bZ4X and Solterra. It packs a two-motor setup, with a 150-kW motor at the front and a 90-kW unit at the rear. Lexus equipped the model with a 71.4 kWh battery pack. While Lexus has not indicated horsepower and torque figures, computations indicate that the EV churns out upwards of 300 hp. The RZ 450e also benefits from Lexus’ newly developed Shift4 powertrain control system.

The RZ 450e is all-wheel-drive (AWD) only, eschewing a front-wheel-drive (FWD) option, unlike the Toyota bZ4X. Lexus estimates the range at 225 miles or around 362 kilometers on a single charge. 

Inside, the RZ 450e features Lexus’ signature interior design, although the yoke-style steering wheel present in older concept photos is mysteriously absent. Lexus went with a minimalist interpretation of its design language, but the cabin still feels decidedly premium. It features the Lexus Interface multimedia system, which on this EV means a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice command capabilities.

Lexus also equipped the RZ 450e with its Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a suite of driver aids and active safety technology. It includes features like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure, Alert, and more.

The 2022 Lexus RZ 450e will go on sale in the US this year. Pricing information has not been revealed, but given the price of the Toyota bZ4X, all signs indicate a starting price north of USD 50,000 or around P2.6 million. Don’t expect Lexus’ first EV to arrive in the Philippines anytime soon, however.