The RZ 450e can be considered Lexus’ first offering to the EV segment. Well, it was the UX 300e, but it shared the same platform as its internal combustion-engined counterpart. So, it won’t be wrong to label it as a half-hearted attempt. Now, however, the company has come up with the RZ 450e, a car based on the Toyota bZ4x, which in turn is mechanically similar to the Subaru Solterra.

However, it is more than just a rebadged bZ4x. It feels more premium and plush overall, and that reflects in the build quality as well as the creature comforts. The dual-motor setup puts out 308 horses, is an all-wheel-drive-only model, and has an estimated range of 225 miles. The prices aren’t revealed, but Lexus noted that it will go on sale Stateside at the end of the year.

How Is The Lexus RZ 450e On The Outside?

The RZ 450e is the first global BEV product from Lexus. It is based on the BEV-specific e-TNGA platform. In terms of aesthetics, it is unmistakably a Lexus. The front fascia looks very similar to the Spindle grille that’s present on the fuel-powered models, but you get a different one here. Lexus calls it the “EV Spindle Body”. The front bumper has a lot of aero elements that will help with the aerodynamic efficiency, and in turn, the range.

The sharp curves and creases continue to the side as well. The sloping roofline at the back rakes sharply to complement the derriere. The charging point is located on the front fender. The RZ will be offered with either 18- or 20-inch wheels.

At the rear, you get slim taillights connected to a light bar running the width of the EV. The boomerang-shaped design elements can be seen here as well. Overall, this is just as bold as you would expect a Lexus to be. Lexus has also had a controversial design, so at the end of the day, it boils down to your personal preference. That said, there’s no hiding the bZ4x vibes here.

The RZ prototype measures 189 inches in length, 74.6 inches in width, and 64.4 inches in height. The wheelbase is 112.2 inches long.

How Is The Lexus RZ 450e On The Inside?

The cabin looks quite plush and seems to be a great place to be. Although you get a conventional steering wheel, the press images even show a yoke steering here, similar to the one on the Tesla Model S Plaid, but designed much better. This was one of the things that created hype before the product was launched. You get a lot of buttons and scrolled here. Behind the yoke/steering wheel is a fully digital instrument cluster neatly packed in a cowl. The integration of this digital instrument cluster is much different from the bZ4x, where the cluster is placed far behind.

The touchscreen on the center console is titled towards the driver and incorporates the HVAC controls as well. A neat, neat approach here by Lexus without going overboard with the ‘futuristic’ vibes. The touchscreen, by the way, measures 14 inches and is bigger than the 12.3-inch screen seen on the bZ4x and the Solterra.

What Powers The Lexus RZ 450e?

The RZ 450e will come with a dual-motor setup only, which means it’s an all-wheel-drive-only model. The electric motor mounted on the front axle puts out 201 horses (150 kW), whereas the rear motor churns out 107 horses (80 kW). The combined output is 308 horsepower, which is 93 ponies more than its Toyota and Subaru counterparts (215 horsepower). There is no word on the torque yet, but we expect it to be significantly more than the bZ4x and the Solterra, which make 249 pound-feet.

How Much Range Does The Lexus RZ 450e Offer?

The Lexus RZ 450e will draw power from a 71.4 kWh battery pack that’s good enough for 225 miles on a full charge. These are manufacturer estimates and not EPA ratings, so expect some discrepancies in the final figure. Lexus hasn’t given a split-up of the range based on the trim, though. On the bZ4x and the Solterra, the range varies between 222 miles and 228 miles, depending on the trim.

Conclusion

Lexus has not revealed the price of the RZ, but we speculate it to start at over $50,000. The Toyota bZ4x starts at $42,000, and since the RZ 450e is a more powerful and luxurious offering, a starting price of over $50,000 won’t be exactly inaccurate. The Subaru Solterra’s price is not revealed yet, but it might start at around $40,000 too.