The Lexus RZ crossover now has a “budget” version

The premium electric SUV is now available with front-wheel drive: although this modification is weaker, it has a longer range.

The world premiere of the Lexus RZ electric cross took place last spring, although it entered the home market only in March 2023. The model is built on the e-TNGA platform, and, in fact, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X SUV, which, in turn, has an analogue from Subaru — Solterra. The Lexus RZ debuted in the all-wheel drive 450e modification, while its non-premium relatives initially also have single-engine front-wheel drive options. Now a simpler version has also appeared at Lexus — however, so far only in Japan.

The new version was called Lexus RZ 300e; an electric motor with a power of 204 hp is installed on the front axle of this crossover. The all-wheel drive Lexus RZ 450e has the same engine at the front and 109 hp at the rear, with a combined output of 313 hp. There is one battery for all – with a capacity of 71.4 kWh. At the same time, the RZ 300e is about a hundred kg lighter, so its rated range is 599 km versus 494 km for the RZ 450e (according to the WLTC cycle). It was also announced that the front-wheel drive SUV has had its suspension reconfigured.

In terms of design, the RZ 300e and RZ 450e versions are no different from each other. And both modifications are offered to the Japanese in the only Version L configuration, the only difference is in the wheels — the front-wheel drive electric cross has 18-inch wheels by default, while the all-wheel drive one has 20-inch ones. The list of standard equipment also includes LED optics, a multimedia system and the Lexus Safety System+ complex (adaptive cruise, auto-braking systems, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, etc.). Options include an electrochromic panoramic roof (which can be dimmed at the touch of a button) and a premium audio system.

1/2 2/2

The front-wheel drive Lexus RZ 300e costs 8.2 million yen, which is equivalent to approximately 4.9 million rubles at the current course. The all-wheel drive Lexus RZ 450e will cost 8.8 million yen (about 5.3 million rubles). Later, the single-engine electric crossover will probably appear in other markets. Lexus also announced the expansion of the model’s sales geography – the list will be expanded to at least 9 countries (including Central and South America).