Lexus launches the electric RZ 450e in the Philippines

Following its recent announcement, Lexus Philippines has now officially released its inaugural battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the country: the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e. This vehicle combines a sleek, and striking exterior with an eco-friendly electric powertrain. Since this is the first EV that Lexus will sell in the Philippines, the RZ 450e could very well be the car that leads Lexus into zero-emission transport here in the country.

Evidently, the RZ 450e is astonishingly stylish and striking, but the real highlight of Lexus’ BEV crossover is the powertrain. The all-electric RZ is equipped with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors, which produce a combined system output of 309 hp and a hefty 435 Nm of torque. Lexus says that the battery fitted on the RZ is capable of taking the car 450 km on a single charge. 

Sending power to all four wheels is Lexus’ Direct4 AWD system. Combined with its AWD system, low center of gravity, instant acceleration, and battery mounted on the floor, the RZ 450e can achieve a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 5.3 seconds, despite weighing over 2,110 kilograms.

In Lexus’ lineup here in the Philippines, in terms of size, the Lexus RZ 450e is situated between the NX and  RX SUVs since it measures 4805mm in length, width of 1895mm, and height of 1635mm. As for the wheelbase, the RX 450e boasts a wheelbase that is 2850mm long. 

In terms of its appearance, the RZ 450e adopts the brand's Seamless e-Motion design language, which emphasizes the automaker's commitment to driving pleasure in electrification. The designers of the RZ 450e took advantage of the electric powertrain by designing a radical version of the trademark Lexus spindle grille. Since there is no engine to cool down with a traditional grille with vents, the front grille of the RZ 450e does not feature prominent air vents. Combined with a pair of sleek headlights, the front end of the RZ is striking and stylish.

In addition, the RZ features a coupe-like roofline up top that enhances the EV's aerodynamic profile, a full-width LED lightbar that accentuates its width, and deep creases and muscular curves on the sides that cap off its sleek appearance. The vehicle also sits on massive 20-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 tires in front and 255/45 tires at the rear.

Moving inside, as with all other Lexus vehicles, you’ll be greeted by a ton of tech features. The dashboard is equipped with two displays, an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, numerous USB charging ports that can accommodate both USB type A and C, a power outlet, a multi-color LED ambient lighting system, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control.

Aside from the aforementioned tech features, other amenities include power-adjustable front seats, ventilated front seats, a 10-speaker sound system developed by Mark Levinson, an electronic parking brake, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, a panoramic roof, and a heads-up color display. On top of those features, the vehicle is equipped with the Lexus Safety System + 3, a full suite of intelligent driver aids and assistance features that will add convenience and safety to the RZ’s overall driving experience. 

The RZ 450e is equipped with an onboard 11kW charger as standard. If connected to a three-phase power supply, it takes approximately six and a half hours to achieve a full charge. Using a one-phase power supply meanwhile may take around 10 hours for a full charge as it will only utilize seven kW. To accelerate the process, the RZ 450e also supports DC fast charging, which can recharge the battery up to 80% in roughly 30 minutes.

Sound enticing? If you have P5,000,000 on hand, the Lexus RZ 450e can be yours for P4,828,000. Color options for the RZ 450e include Sonic Quartz, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper, Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Aether Metallic. If those colors don’t cut it for you, Lexus also offers two-tone colors for the Aether Metallic, Sonic Chrome, and Sonic Copper colors featuring a black-painted roof to complement the main body color.