KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia wades into the local electric vehicle (EV) market today with the all-electric RZ 450e Luxury.
Bookings are open for the SUV, which is priced from RM429,888. Only a limited number of the fully imported model are available.
Its arrival comes as Chinese EV players are increasingly muscling into South-East Asia and dampening sales of internal combustion engine car market once dominated by Japanese and Korean car makers.
So what has the RZ 450e got to offer?
It delivers a range of 440km (WLTP) on a full charge
It is the first Lexus model to use the e-TNGA platform, allowing efficient electric drive system packaging, reduced weight, optimised mass placement, and better rigidity.
It is powered by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, whose charging times will vary depending on various factors such as temperature and power supply rating.
When charging with AC supply with a Type 2 cable (up to 11kW), it can take up to 7 hours from 0% to 100%. Plug into a DC fast-charger (up to 150kW) via a CCS2 cable, and it takes up to 30 mins to recharge from 0% to 80%.
The RZ features two electric motors managed by a new DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive control system.
The front motor produces 150kW and the rear 80kW for a total power output of 230kW/308hp and 435Nm of torque, enabling the RZ to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.3s.
The RZ's sporty and athletic design features a low hood line, dynamic form, and muscular wheel arches, optimising airflow management and aerodynamic efficiency.
The RZ, although lacking the traditional Spindle Grille, maintains Lexus identity with its BEV Spindle Body.
Inside, the RZ showcases Lexus’ human-centered design and technologies. The cockpit concentrates driving controls around the steering wheel, with the HUD, meter, and centre display arranged for high visibility.
Shift-by-wire paddle shifters and a dial-type shift knob on the centre console accentuate the minimalist design, enhancing space and luxury.
The centre console features a shiny charcoal effect achieved through advanced film technology and "Takumi" craftsmanship.
Key interior features include Lexus Climate Concierge, S-Flow Control with nanoeTM X air purification, and an ambient lighting system with 64 customisable colours.
Like all electric car makers, Lexus also said some of the cabin parts in the RZ are made of recycled and eco-friendly materials.
The seats are made of Ultrasuede, a synthetic leather derived from biomaterials, offering durability and a high-quality feel. Door ornamentation and upholstery also use sustainable suede made from biomaterials and recycled plastic.
Lexus banks on a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System to provide hi-fi entertainment.
Safety in the RZ is ensured with the third generation Lexus Safety System + (LSS+), seven airbags, and an enhanced impact-absorbing frame.
At the core of LSS+ are five active safety systems which use a wide-angle camera and radar to scan the road and surroundings ahead of the vehicle.
The systems are: Pre-Collision System (PCS); Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC); Lane Keeping System; High Beam Assist; and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
The wider detection range of the radar and camera allows a wider range of hazards to be identified.
This includes the risk of a head-on collision with traffic coming from the left or right when making a turn at an intersection. The system’s response time is faster, and it is also now able to identify motorcycles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
The Lexus Teammate Advanced Park system, with four Parallel View Monitor cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, facilitates automatic parking.
The car is available in six exterior colours: Aether Metallic, Sonic Copper, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Quartz and Sonic Iridium.
SPECIFICATIONS
