Lexus RZ 450e test: the SUV with a sharp physique and a “magical” steering wheel

Do you fly small Cessnas? Your first contact with la Lexus RZ will remind you of your flight times.

For the others, that is to say everyone, it will take a little time to adapt to apprehend the spectacular “butterfly” steering wheel of the novelty, which cannot be summed up, unlike that of the Tesla Model S Plaid , to a simple and inappropriate steering wheel to the original design.

This is abouta device for abandoning the steering column.

Clearly, there is no longer the slightest mechanical connection between the front wheels and the steering wheel which, from now on, can only be steered froma little more than a quarter turn on each side.

The electronics consequently adapt the angle to be given to the steering wheels, according to the speed of evolution of the SUV. Called One Motion Gripthis system was initially expected in 2023 at Lexus.

But for reasons not precisely stated (tuning to be perfected, lack of components?), the RZ will not benefit from it not before 2025.

We tried it anyway: it makes the RZ very maneuverable in town and in maneuvers, with a pronounced turning radius but little movement at the steering wheel.

On the road, the setting tends to make driving as natural as possible but, in certain cases, it can become confusing, especially when the speed is greatly reduced while keeping the wheels turned, for example in a closing bend. .

However, the whole thing seems to the point and turns out to be quite pleasant, although superfluous. We also appreciate its ergonomics, which requires holding the steering wheel with both hands, including the indicator stalks are attached.

While waiting for the arrival of this innovation, probably charged a little less than €3,000 as an optionthe first Lexus SUV designed to be purely electric, retains classic column and rack-and-pinion steering, with a traditional steering wheel… which we also took over.

Verdict ? A “real” steering wheel is not bad either. Especially since the RZ is pleasant to handle and efficient.

But it remains a large electric SUV, obviously heavy: more than two tons on the scale. It is therefore not the type of vehicle predestined for sporty driving, even if its technical data sheet indicates a total power of 230 kW, or 313 hp.

The Japanese, whose two synchronous motors each manage an axle, is not very dynamic but its damping remains both well held in turns and quite flexible, including with the 20-inch rims of the high finish.

Its pick-ups and accelerations are delicious but the vehicle, very quiet, tops out at 160 km/h. The RZ 450e promises a maximum of 404 kilometers of range until its battery runs out, 71.4 kWh rated capacity, or even 435 kilometers with 18 inch wheels.

It also has a Range mode which, when engaged, limits the power and speed of the SUV (to 100 km / h) while deactivating the air conditioning, to glean a few kilometers.

But we would have just as much appreciated the presence ofa route plannerso as to anticipate charging points on long journeys.

However, Lexus reserves an extremely rich endowment for its new model, based on an e-TNGA platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X, including a 14” touch screen and countless safety equipment.

On board, if the absence of a glove box may surprise (and disturb), the Japanese has a remarkable size / habitability ratio, especially with regard to legroom in the back.

It remains to find a clientele likely toinvest 75 500 €, minimumin an imposing and original SUV, powerful but with barely average autonomy.

Lexus’ ambitions are proving cautious, however, with the goal of selling 150 RZ units per year in France.

Lexus RZ 450e test – our opinion:

The imposing electric SUVs are arriving en masse on the high-end market. Here’s one more, comfortable one that doesn’t have the biggest battery or the most enticing price. But who stands out with his physique and with an unprecedented direction… but expected in 2025.

WE love

• Performance and driving pleasure
• Comfort, roominess, presentation
• Innovative management…

We love less

• …but sometimes confusing
• Limited range and price
• No trip planner

Specifications (Lexus RZ 450e)

• From €75,500
• Cons. during the session (kWh/100 km) : 21.9
• Cons. mixed WLTP (kWh/100 km): 17 to 18.3
• Autonomy manufacturer (km): 404 to 435
• CO₂(g/km)/bonus : 0/0 €
• Fiscal power: 10 HP
• Country of manufacture: Japan
• Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
• Battery warranty: 10 years/1,000,000 km
• Motor: 2 permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, front 150 kW + rear 80 kW
• Transmission: integral
• Power (kW/hp): 230/313
• Couple (Nm) : 434
• Battery: lithium-ion, 71.4 kWh capacity
• Loading time :
  • 7 kW : 10 h
  • 11 kW : 6.5 h
  • Fast (150 kW): 30 min (up to 80%)
• Curb weight (kg): 2,055 to 2,115
• Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,81×1,90×1,64
• Wheelbase (m): 2.85
• Turning circle (m): nc
• Vitesse maxi (km/h) : 160
• 0 to 100 km/h (s): 5.3
• AV-AR series tires: 235/60 R 18 – 255/55 R 18
• Pneus de l’essai AV-AR : 235/50 R 20 – 255/45 R 20 / Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060
• Width at front/rear elbows (cm): 150/144
• Rear legroom (cm): 83
• 5/2 chest (l): 522/1,451
• Price of the tested version: 85,000 €

PROPOSED OPTIONS

• Panoramic roof: €1,000 (on Luxury finish)
• Innovation Pack (digital interior mirror, automatic memory parking, head-up display): €2,300 (on Luxury finish)

Lexus RZ: the range

• 450e, 100% electric, 230 kW, from €75,500 to €85,000

Lexus RZ 450 e: potential competitors

• BMW iX3, electric 210 kW/80 kWh, from €74,200
• Mercedes EQC 400, electric 300 kW/80 kWh, from €86,149
• Hyundai Ioniq 5, electric 239 kW/77 kWh, from €64,000

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