2023 Lexus RZ: New electric car priced for Australia

Lexus Australia has detailed the local lineup and pricing of its first electric vehicle built on a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform, the RZ, ahead of its arrival in May this year.

The Lexus RZ will be available in two trim levels initially, with pricing starting at $123,000 before on-roads for the RZ450e Luxury, and extending to $135,000 before on-roads for the RZ450e Sports Luxury.

This pricing is line-ball with the likes of the Genesis Electrified GV70, Mercedes-Benz EQC, and BMW iX, but a little higher than the likes of the BMW iX3, Genesis GV60, and the Tesla Model Y.

Both variants of the Lexus RZ are powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing 230kW of power, which is fed by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The RZ is claimed to have a combined cycle range of 470km according to lenient ADR testing, which is based on the NEDC protocols.

Lexus claims the RZ can be charged from 0-80 per cent in 30 minutes using a DC fast-charger, whereas it can be fully charged in six-and-a-half hours with a three-phase AC power supply.

The Lexus RZ450e Luxury ($123,000 before on-road costs) comes standard with the following features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Auto-levelling LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Rear spoiler
• Privacy glass
• Heated side mirrors
• Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror with auto power folding
• 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 10-speaker Panasonic sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Five USB-C ports
• NuLuxe leather upholstery
• Eight-way power front seats
• Driver’s seat two-way lumbar support
• Heated front seats

The RZ450e Sports Luxury ($135,000 before on-road costs) adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Acoustic windows
• Adaptive headlights with cornering function
• Two-tone exterior paint
• Dimming panoramic sunroof
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
• Head-up display
• Smart key card
• Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls
• Heated steering wheel
• Radiant heating for front passengers
• Ultrasuede upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Intelligent park assist

The entire Lexus RZ range comes with the company’s Lexus Encore Electrified Platinum benefits program, which includes Lexus On Demand and complimentary valet parking. All owners also get a complimentary 7kW AC wallbox supplied and installed by Jet Charge.

Lexus has confirmed the wild yoke steering wheel with its steer-by-wire system will follow after the initial market launch of the RZ. The company says more details will announced at a later date.

At this stage it’s unclear how much stock Lexus Australia will have of the RZ electric SUV at launch.

“I think the RZ is going to do very well,” Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas told CarExpert in February.

“Whatever volumes we can get, I think will do well on that car. I can’t firm up what that’s going to look like yet.”

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