RZ 450e

The reason is ready.

At Lexus, we draw inspiration from the nature that surrounds us. The 2023 Lexus RZ was developed on a BEV specific platform. To pursue a new joy of driving. Across landscapes that make us draw breath and inspire. The refinements we've created, have been formed to stimulate and liberate the senses. Just like the natural world in which we live. The earth has a harmony and voice that's all its own. From the sound of water flowing, to the force of air and wind. In similar ways, we have brought our own distinctive elements together. Combining a powerful, yet precise motor, with gears and inverters, specifically and intricately made for BEV driving. To create the voice of the RZ. A fresh, unadulterated sound. That once experienced and heard, is impossible to forget.

The reason to go electric is ready, in the first ever Lexus RZ.

The evolution of the Lexus Driving Signature through electrification technology

The Lexus Driving Signature is a driving experience unique and exclusive to Lexus. One that aims to deliver predictable, linear responses that are in-tune with driver intentions. The Driving Signature provides an exhilarating feel of seamlessly connected acceleration, steering and deceleration across all driving conditions. The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e handles with impressive performance characteristics by using high-precision motor torque control, together with optimal battery and motor placement. All which delivers excellent weight distribution combined with high responsiveness. The end result is “The Natural” driving concept. This concept is based on the DIRECT4 AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system that controls front and rear drive force according to driving and road surface conditions for optimum driving performance and driver input responses.

Direct 4.

DIRECT4’s drive force control uses information collected from the RZ 450e's wheel speed, acceleration, and steering angle sensors to help optimise the drive force distribution ratio of the front and rear wheels between 100:0 and 0:100 (front wheels: rear wheels), contributing to enhanced start-up acceleration, handling stability, and fuel economy. When accelerating from a standstill or in a straight line, the system controls vehicle pitch to provide a direct acceleration feel. When cornering, the system controls drive force distribution according to conditions, contributing to excellent handling stability, as well as an exhilarating performance that allows the vehicle to turn smoothly. Lexus has combined electrification and vehicle motion control technologies that it has developed over many years to deliver an experience where the driver can have close interactions with the car.

Vehicle Braking Posture Control.

Vehicle Braking Posture Control provides peace of mind thanks to its linear braking and enhanced ground contact feel. Brake force distribution is optimised, with an even spread to front and rear wheels. When brakes are applied, the vehicle’s posture remains sturdy and stabilised fordrivers, contributing to highly predictable driving.

BEV System.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e BEV system delivers powerful performance and sufficient driving range. It combines eAxles on both the front and rear in an AWD system, together with a large capacity lithium ion battery with an enhanced cooling system. The eAxles fully integrate the motor, transaxle, and inverter in a compact unit to enhance cruise range and enable a spacious interior and stylish design. The front eAxle is packaged in a short front/rear shape, while the rear eAxle features a low-profile shape that contributes to cabin and luggage space. The large battery pack is designed as part of the body frame, helping lower the centre of gravity, enhance body rigidity, and create a spacious cabin. The battery cooling system enhances driving and charging performance, as well as battery life. Optimising the position of the cooler also contributes to a high level of both temperature control and safety performance. A battery heating system contributes to shorter charging times in low temperature conditions.

Charging

The 2023 RZ has a high-efficiency charging system featuring a compact, lightweight onboard charger. The charging port integrates a charging indicator and a charging inlet lamp to notify users that charging is in progress. A lid lock system prevents opening and tampering by third parties when the vehicle is parked. A further charging connector lock system is also in place to prevent unauthorised removal while charging for added security. My Room mode enables the use of electrical equipment such as the air conditioning and audio system with an external power source when the charging connector is connected, allowing occupants to comfortably spend time in the cabin without the worry of the battery going flat.

AC and DC Charging

2023 Lexus RZ 450e Australian models will have both DC and AC charging on the LHS port and no port on the RHS of the car. There will be a DC charging inlet underneath the AC charging inlet for users to plug either into. For DC charging, an inlet is integrated in the left front fender with a maximum 150kW charging capability for short charging times. For AC charging, an AC electrical socket and a charging cable is utilised, or an AC charging stand. An AC inlet is also integrated into the front fender and features a push-open charging port lid. The in-built charging schedule system lets you register a charging schedule with your preferred timing of two charging modes: – Start: AC charging starts at the specified time, and charging finishes when the battery is fully charged. – Start/stop: AC charging starts and stops according to the specified start time and stop time.*^

Body Rigidity.

Structural adhesives, LSW (Laser Screw Welding) and laser peening welding technologies were used to reinforce the body frame joints, enhancing both RZ handling stability and ride comfort. The addition of a double ring structure and use of high rigidity foam helps lessens distortion which reduces cross-sectional deformation of the rear luggage space opening.

Lightweight Body.

A focus on creating a lightweight, high-rigidity body contributes to enhancing driving range on the RZ 450e. The front and centre pillars and front rails were created using a patchwork construction method which overlaps panels of 1.8GPa and 1.5GPa materials, welding them in their flat state, then hot stamping moulds the required shape. Further weight reduction was enabled using cold-rolled steel sheets with a tensile strength of 1,470MPa for the roof centre reinforcement, lightweight aluminium for the hood and foam resin moulding for the door, wheel arch mouldings and back door garnish.

Suspension.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e features MacPherson strut type front suspension and trailing arm double wishbone rear suspension. The front suspension integrates a FRD II (Frequency Reactive Damper) frequency-sensitive absorber that varies the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. This provides a high level of handling stability without compromising ride comfort. Together, FRD and the dedicated BEV platform enable key Lexus Driving Signature traits, including precise control of sprung weight, natural posture changes, a tactile steering feel and linear responses to steering, braking and acceleration operations.

Aerodynamics.

The design modelling made possible by a BEV and a focus on the reduction of aerodynamic drag has contributed to excellent aerodynamic performance extending the RZ 450e's cruising range. A vertical vortex generated by the sides of the distinctive roof spoiler suppresses aerodynamic force on the body in a crosswind, enhancing driving stability. The centre of the roof is shaped to allow air to flow smoothly from the sloped rear glass surface to the rear of the vehicle. The duck-tail shape on the end of the luggage space, like the roof spoiler, also reduces aerodynamic drag, by balancing rear air flow for added stability. In addition undercovers flatten the underbody to reduce aerodynamic drag. The front undercover features a dimpled surface that generates micro vortices under the floor, enhancing a sense of ground contact. Having no engine to cool results in a low hood design and minimal front grille opening. When cooling air is not required, the grille shutter is closed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

A whisper-quiet space, perfectly engineered by Lexus.

Lexus paid careful attention to refining quietness in the RZ 450e cabin, based on the idea that no unpleasant sounds should be created in or be allowed to intrude into the cabin. Controlling air flow around the vehicle helped to significantly subdue wind noise, while locating the battery underfloor creates a sound barrier that reduces the sound of the road beneath. The result is an incredibly quiet conversation-friendly space, where front and rear seat passengers can talk easily even when driving at high speeds.

A design that pursues a unique identity and proportions born from a dynamic driving experience.

The 2023 RZ brings into focus the next generation of Lexus' design language and identity. The design concept “Seamless E-Motion” expresses the seamless acceleration and dynamic torque unique to a BEV. In addition, eliminating the internal combustion engine changes the functional needs of the front end, challenging Lexus to create a fresh visual identity that adopts the “spindle body” design. Designers created a form that is instantly recognisable as a Lexus BEV by emphasising a robust stance with a low centre of gravity, a combination that expresses the excellent driving performance. The staggered front and rear tyres with a wider tread in the rear and large diameter tyres effectively transmit power from the high-output motor to the road surface. The distinctive BEV silhouette starts with a low nose and flows smoothly into the cabin, with a peak towards the rear emphasising ample rear seat comfort. The long wheelbase creates a stretched impression, reinforced by the long horizontal lines of the doors.

Design Concept – Front.

The spindle grille, an icon of Lexus design, has evolved into a three-dimensional mass we call the “spindle body”. The three-dimensional front fenders - made possible through the combined efforts of design and manufacturing technology – flank both sides of the RZ's central spindle body, while the shapes and colour scheme assert the Lexus BEV character.

Headlamps.

Single-projector, high/low beam Bi-AHS (Adaptive High-beam System) headlamps provide excellent light distribution in an appealing design. A black-toned extension under the main beam and turn indicators creates a subdued presence that highlights the bold L-signature of the DRL (Daytime Running Light).

Design Concept – Sides.

The 2023 RZ 450e front fenders wrap around the wheels and tyres, then flow rearward to express a powerful forward momentum. The strong three-dimensional shape over the rear fenders emphasises the tyres’ width and communicates the dynamic performance of DIRECT4. In addition, the flowing contrast of the doors’ sculpted shapes creates a seductive and visually impactful surface quality.

Design Concept – Rear.

The RZ rear features a simple, precise horizontal design feature, which accentuates the back tail and wheel arches, highlighting the RZ's wide vehicle stance, expressing its powerful performance identity. The Lexus name logo is integrated into the horizontal rear combination lamps, with the thinner red lens in the centre of the light bar running underneath to accentuate the logo type and reinforce the sharp look.

Instrument panel.

The flowing shape originating at the cowl and leading to the doors integrates with the low position of the instrument panel. The simple door trim and the console passes between the driver and passenger seat to present a clean, wide-open impression. In addition, the Ultrasuede seats and Tsuyasumi (available on Sports Luxury models) console create a refined Omotenashi space.

Interior space.

The RZ's long wheelbase provides a spacious rear seat space with a couple distance of 1,000mm (39.3in). The rearward peaked cabin silhouette allows for ample rear headroom and provides a sense of spaciousness for passengers. In addition, the panoramic roof (available on Sports Luxury models) further lends a feeling of wide openness and front-to-rear expansiveness.

Meters. The meter display provides excellent readability and visualisation of vital information. The content layout was designed to enable checking of necessary information while driving, with permanent display of navigational route information and scheduled arrival time, driver assist system status and driving range. A stop lamp activation indicator provides peace of mind during deceleration by the advanced safety systems..

14-inch Touch Display. The centre 14-inch Touch Display provides many functions integrated into its soft switches. Careful attention was paid to the size, shape, layout and information displayed on the switches, pursuing optimum placement and shape for intuitive operation, while also considering how often each function is used.

Rotary Shifter. The rotary dial-type shift knob on the centre console is enabled by a shift-by-wire mechanism. The seamlessly crafted design offers a tactile feel and provides stable shifting operation by pressing and turning the knob, as well as contributing to the advanced cockpit design characteristic of a BEV.

Advanced Technology..

Lexus is continuously developing safety technologies with one goal: Zero fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents. To get closer to realising this objective, the 2023 RZ 450e incorporates Lexus Safety System+¹. By expanding and evolving each function and adding new systems, we aim to prevent traffic accidents, further reduce traffic fatalities and reduce the burden on the driver.

2023 Lexus RZ 450e Dimensions

2023 Lexus 450e Electric Motor

2023 Lexus RZ 450e Battery Pack

2023 Lexus RZ 450e Battery Charger

2023 Lexus RZ 450e Performance

2023 Lexus RZ 450e Chassis and Body