Can Lexus’ masterclass electric RZ go the distance?
Lexus first dedicated battery-electric vehicle, the RZ is built from the ground up on the e-TNGA platform it shares with the Toyota bZ4X. Initially launched exclusively as the 450e, this combined 300 kW and 537 Nm 550e F Sport is now one off the flagship in a four car South African range.
The RZ certainly is distinctive in this 550e get up. Its lower bumper, functional ducts and prominent spoilers add stance and this one even gets its own F Sport rear bumper. Looks good in this two-tone Neutrino Grey on black bi-tone.
Stylish and beautifully made, the F bits bring an even more purposeful, hunkered-down poise. Lexus notes that the functional aero and stiffer suspension bring more road presence compared to the standard car. We can’t argue.
The Oh My God factor
Swing that long door open, and it’s OMG. Excuse the pun, but it’s just that. And it also stands for Lexus’ cheekily branded One Motion Grip tech. The ‘Black x Dark Grey’ cabin contrasted with sharp blue stitching is dominated by the yoke steering wheel. More like a pretzel wheel if you ask us, its pretty cute, too, but more on that anon.
The rest of the cabin is utter Lexus classy. Bespoke F Sport seating brings enhanced lateral support and supreme comfort in a vast and superb premium trimmed space. Adult passengers benefit great rear legroom under a dimmable panoramic glass roof and plunging roofline both cleverly styled not to compromise headroom.
The dashboard lacks a cubby but compensates with ample alternative storage. The central binnacle opens in different directions, depending on which side you press the button. The RZ also has a smart and efficient heating system to maintain comfort while maximizing battery range.
A splendidly polished luxury driving experience
As you’d expect from Lexus, it’s a splendidly polished luxury driving experience that pushes every boundary even further than normal for the brand. But it’s also compromised by its underlying battery electric architecture.
Getting back to that polarizing headline grabbing steer-by-wire OMG pretzel, because there’s no mechanical connection to the front axle, the steering ratio electronically varies according to speed. So a small turn yields instant lock at low speeds. And there’s never a need to turn the yoke more than 45 degrees either way.
That brings a futuristic, responsive driving experience. On the road, the RZ prioritizes plushness over dynamics, delivering a serene, hushed environment and an incredibly smooth and compliant ride. Other features, or are they gimmicks, include a paddle shifted fake eight-speed manual ‘transmission’.
Beware the smoke and mirrors
In spite of all that smoke and mirrors, however, the Lexus RZ suffers from a somewhat surprising shortfall. Its old school… can you believe we are already calling some EV tech old school, 400V battery architecture struggles in outright range versus some more contemporary cutting-edge 800V kit.
Not that it makes a difference in South Africa where such equipment is rare as hen’s teeth, but the RZ is also not fully incompatible with latest first world fast-chargers. Which makes long-distance and highway travel even more tedious than such activities already are in EVs.
Real world range is barely 350 kilometres, and while its super quick off the mark, like most EVs, that false performance falls flat if you’re ever tempted to cruise at speed. One gets the feeling that in spite of Lexus’ apparent current EV focus, petrolhead Toyota generally cares as much a hoot for electric driving as we do. Which isn’t much.
Excellent. If you want a sexy, luxury commuter
EVs continue to be an ill-advised choice in this third world market with its woefully inadequate EV charging infrastructure. Yet still it seems that driving a battery car makes quite the statement in certain quarters. So if you’re one of those purely after a sexy luxury electric commuter, then the RZ is a triumph of comfort, quality, and silence.
Yet, assessed strictly as an electric vehicle in a rapidly advancing market, its restrictive range and average charging speed make it a tough choice versus some longer-legged, faster-charging contemporary competitors. – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
Motor: 300 kW 537 Nm ‘dual e-axle’ electric
Drive: Direct AWD
Battery: Water-cooled 400V 77 kWh lithium ion
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 2.03 sec
0-100 km/h: 4.29 sec
0-120 km/h: 5.91 sec
0-160 km/h: 10.43 sec
400m: 12.7 sec @ 173 km/h
80-120 km/h: 2.90 sec
120-160 km/h: 4.52 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 180 km/h
Energy: 18.8 kWh/100 km
CO2: Zero (tailpipe)
Range: 450 km
Warranty/Service: 7y 105K/7y 105K km
LIST PRICE: R1.97M
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