Ultimate In-Town Luxury EV? | 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- #LexusRZ #lexuselectrified #direct4 #etnga
Lexus has brought its first BEV to the USA! This is the #rz450e fully electric #ev
Here's what I found after driving the RZ for a week. Is this the luxury EV you've been waiting for?
The 71.4 kWh battery delivers on performance with a total system horsepower rating of 308 and a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 5.0 seconds. It has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 220 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20” wheels, the RZ has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range of up to 196 miles.
RZ 450e utilizes DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, which features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. RZ’s DIRECT4 system utilizes two high-output, high-torque eAxle units that each drive a wheel set, one in the front (150-kW) and the other at the rear (80-kW). Three-point eAxle motor mounts, each using a lightweight aluminum bracket, are placed symmetrically on each side to counterbalance the eAxle’s torque.
The DIRECT4 system works to optimize RZ’s drive force, traction, and posture control (e.g., pitch and dive) in accordance with driving conditions and the load carried by each wheel. DIRECT4’s front-to-rear torque distribution has a maximum range of 100:0 to 0:100, depending on the driving situation.
Also lending to the RZ’s drive performance is the front MacPherson strut type suspension and rear trailing arm multi-link configuration with both specifically tuned and located to enhance handling balance, roll posture, and ride comfort.
At the rear, Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD) are outfitted to the RZ’s suspension, altering the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. The FRD works to provide a high level of handling stability and helps to achieve a comfortable ride. With FRD and e-TNGA, key Lexus Driving Signature traits such as the precise control of sprung weight, along with natural posture changes, a tactile steering feel and the linear responses of steering, braking and acceleration operations are enabled.
Braking and Steering
Lexus Driving Signature is also reflected in the new Active Hydraulic Booster-G (AHB-G) braking system that works with the DIRECT4 system and RZ’s regenerative motor capability to reduce vehicle speed while helping to improve vehicle posture. With a new Vehicle Stability Control actuator and on-demand pressurizing system using a high-performance pump motor, this braking system provides a natural and responsive brake pedal feel. The front-to-rear brake force distribution is controlled by independent pressure regulation, contributing to a comfortable drive and stable vehicle composure while braking. Furthermore, ergonomic brake pedal pads are used for easy pedal changes and pedal depression.
In addition, an all-new Vehicle Braking Posture Control program adjusts front-to-rear brake force distribution according to a driver’s braking input as well as the suspension’s vertical inputs. This aims to improve handling and body posture while braking and turning.
A standard rack assist-type Electric Power Steering (EPS) system reduces the amount of steering input needed by utilizing a new motor and reduction gear setup that is installed parallel to the steering box. Moreover, a Motor Control Unit (MCU) with an integrated motor and motor current control ECU, reduces the EPS’ size footprint and minimizes operational noise.
00:00 - Performance / 0-60
02:26 - Exterior
04:30 - Cargo
05:22 - Backseat
13:28 - Driving Impressions
19:52 - Highway driving and range
21:26 - NX/RX vs RZ
22:24 - RZ Home Run? - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
The RZ is incredible problem is it needs more range and faster charging to be competitive
They chose not to use faster charging because they said it degrades the battery faster. Their 10 year battery warranty is one of the best. With that being said I hope they figure out how to have fast charging and a long warranty.
15 years warranty.
I charge at home, during the night and at work....never ever charge when on a roadtrip..... . I drive max 320km a day, once in a year? So the RZ will do for me, incredibke comfort, extremly quiet, suoer fast, well build car, with 15vyears warranty, what's wrong with that?????
Once the price was lowered to 40K the problem has disappeared.
As an EV owner myself, I agree with you about home charging as a prerequisite to ownership. I would not own an EV if i had to depend on public fast charging.
I actually really like the rental credit benefit with EVs. More automakers should offer it. Great way to have an efficient vehicle 330 days a year and then still be covered for what you need those handful of times the EV doesn't cover it. Plus what a great way to advertise their other models via the rental.
I just bought the luxury model yesterday, and this review is spot on. The car is amazing. My use case is 99% city driving and I have a home charger, so the limited range is not a concern. This is my second car. My other is ICE, so I would use the latter if I need to travel longer distance. I chose this over the Tesla Y, not because I'm a hater, but I really can't stand the gimmicks, lack of ergonomics, and how cheap it feels. This is coming from someone who owned econo boxes. Even an econo turd has a better interior than a Y. I admit Tesla is years ahead of every manufacturer, but for a city car, I don't really care.
This comment is spot on. My thoughts exactly! I’ve have no issues with range or charge. It’s an awesome car, I’m in luv with it.
The range is a killer.
Why? The Audis, Genesis, and Mercedes all have about the same mileage.
@@mrgurulittle7000 And frankly none of them are selling. Among Audi, Genesis and Mercedes, the best selling EV in US is e-tron, which also has 220mi advertised (180-ish in real world usage) but it sold 10k in 2022, compare to similarly priced Tesla Model Y’s 252k, which has 330mi advertised (300-ish in real world usage). EV range is an increasingly diminishing return from 300mi and up but 220mi advertised range is too low even for real world use… some times people drive up to 200mi in a typical weekend (church, grocery, followed by picking up kids, etc).
@@mrgurulittle7000 The Mercedes are >300 miles. I am not aware of the others.
@@mrgurulittle7000 who cares about those guys? Tesla is the benchmark
@@egs2169 True.
Kirk, In cold weather regions the RZ's very limited winter range will leave Lexus/Toyota fans feeling 🥶🥶🥶
Yup.
i saw one going home to today , what a beautiful vehicle
Great information, thank you!!!
I used to work for Lexus for years and i wanted to give the RZ 450e a try. I like a lot of things here, but again the older software, lack of range and above all low availability (especially in Canada) meant eventually I went with the Audi e-tron.
I hope to see Lexus improve in their next EV.
Always love your reviews and love your videos. Have a great day.
Thanks you too !
I can handle the range...just want faster charging. I think this needs to be priced at $52.5k in current trim for what it is.
I appreciate how the center screen appears fitted instead of being attached with duct tape (like so many other new cars).
Objectively this car a mix of comprise and more compromises
They made a nice Lexus that happens to be electric. They didn't try to maximize the electric part. That comes later. But they need to improve the e-TNGA crucial numbers as the new platform doesn't come for another 3 years. However, they can and should improve the software.
RX(especially the 350h) is a better deal, but it's good to have options. If you're someone who wants an EV but wants the refinement/reliability of a legacy automaker versus a Tesla, this a good option.
😂 Tesla will always be a better option than this no matter what you are looking for. ( more range ,cargo ,tech charging speed, performance ect ect ect). The BZ4X is sold @ like 30$k US in China cuz nobody wants it there cuz it perform so badly as an EV standards. Absolute fail vehicule Tested by Bjørn Nylan and many other all comes to the same conclusion. Software is also a shame.
I’m digging the interior.👍
RX 2.5 hybrid is much better deal in my opinion. Even hybrid max is better deal for your money.
Excellent
I agree with you on the Hybrid versus full EV. If I had the money to get a Lexus, I would for sure angle towards the Plug-In Hybrid. I have been driving a Plug-In Hybrid for a while now, since I drive a lot of long distance and in-city across crazy seasonal weather shifts (+35C to -30C). I really like cars, such as the 450e and Solterra, but the prices and range reduction in locations with temperature extremes makes it hard to shell out the money for one.
Hard to believe Lexus released this vehicle with such poor range. Recent reviews are reporting a range of only 100 miles with 3 passengers and while using the AC. Nope- I'll keep my RX 450H.
That's hard to believe unless they're driving like 90+ mph
I’ll keep my RX
12:04 I've been using my gumstick holder for coins. It's actually perfect for quarters.
12:11 in the Luxury trim, it's the same Ultrasuede as the seats (aka alcantara).
I really wish I knew about the leasing loophole though, only heard about it after I financed mine.
Yeah, give me the RX hybrid for road trips and one of these for an around-town car!
How well did the A/C cool off the cabin in the FL heat?
What’s the point of this with only 220 mile? 80 mph freeway driving, this is probably 180miles range ,
This EV is targeting wealthy demographic who just wants a comfortable and reliable Lexus to serve daily urban commute. For more demanding trips, they have other cars to serve those purposes.
@@MyMovie5858 maybe for your 80 year old grandma
@@MyMovie5858 lol “wealthy” wealthy don’t buy a Lexus, they buy EQS suv, BMW IX, they don’t buy this mid 60k crap
@@ddavid26 I live in Southern California, which is probably one of the largest Lexus metro market in the world. If you drive around the rich neighborhood here, you will find plenty of Lexus.
From what I've seen in testing by Edmunds and others of the Toyota variant, the car underperformed its EPA range by a significant margin and its WLTP (European) range estimate by a bunch. I believe Toyota has announced a firmware push to address this issue by reducing the buffer reserve and modifying the range estimation algorithm.
I’ve noticed that the EPA seem to over estimate Teslas compared to other EVs especially ones that are not made in the US. I own a Tesla and if you had the battery displayed in miles the estimates are always wrong at 70-75mph. I’ve rented an EV6 and the estimates seem closer at 70-75mph or spot on.
They cannot overestimate. That means tesla has been good at tuning software to achieve what they claimed once in testing.
The percentage charge can be found on the Lexus phone app. The amount of charge I can find on my charger. Similar to an earlier comment, I too bought the Luxury model and LOVE this car. It was between this and the Tesla model Y. Although I love Tesla cars, I went with Lexus. The model Y had the better battery and the potential for full self driving, but the Lexus was a better all around car in my opinion. I spend 99% of my time driving around town and we also have the RX350. In addition Lexus gives up to 30 days and three years of free rental cars for those long road trips.
LEXUS ❤👍🏻
I don’t care if the GV70 isn’t available because this is a better car.
In regards of the 1 foot roll out, the times usually get faster and not slower. They ignore the first foot of movement so it always decreases the time to 60
I may have said it wrong in the video. It was very early. The time in the video is lost 1ft of that makes sense
Kirk, I’ve driven the model 3 and y. Good cars, but subpar ride quality in my opinion. How would you compare the ride quality of the Rz?
Excellent and fair review.
Ride quality is god like here. Honestly one of the best riding cars I've driven.
@@KirkKreifels God like?
thanks kirk.
Thanks!
The problem for the RZ350 is major competitors like the Tesla Model Y offer more for less
A Model Y Performance is under $55k, and it comes with its own national changing network
I like the RZ, but is seems to be a day late and a dollar short
Good enough today isn't good enough
the Model Y seems crude in some ways by comparison. Even the Model X doesn't ride as well (as an RX, at least) but at least it rides decently. The Model Y excels as an electric and performance car, but not a premium car.
@@benjaminsmith2287 then get a GV70 Electrified or IX
@@chezzyperson3339 you really don't want Lexus to sell, do you?
@@jxxxxx44not this Lexus. It’s a poor excuse of a compliant vehicle that should just not be bought at all
I already saw one...at my local Costco inside trying to get people to buy one for the buying program
Is the interior 60k luxury nice? Since it’s an EV, compared to #1 competitor, Model Y, well, absolutely. The “luxury” Model Y interior is worst than the 22k Corolla interior. The RZ450 has the best looks and interior of any EV at that price point. Unfortunately the RZ lacks on the EV attributes. 😢
Hi, I would like to know what is better Acura Zdx vs Lexus Rz 450 e ?
Great summary. If Lexus doesn’t reduce the MSRP on the lease by $7,500 run from the deal. If you need this to make road trips just keep looking for the right solution as this, summarized correctly, isn’t your best option. 25:33
And where is the wireless phone charger like Avatr 11 ?
YO Kirk before you send the RZ back can do one more video on the charging at home(AC) versus public (DC) the times. And also take it out on the highway for maybe a 200km drive testing the public charging infrastructure in your area.
I would but I'm leaving to Hawaii cutting my time short with the RZ. It's charging should be identical to what you see with fwd bz4x or European bz4x
Cow-free! 😊
Great car, I have driven it and owned many RX350’s and a 450h now. Perfect in town car for empty nesters with a garage. Toyota needs the NACS charger, and batteries manufactured in North America to get tax rebate.
I disagree. At this price why not wait and join a waitlist for a 450h+? You have enough ev range for city driving and a gas engine if you ever run out.
I would immediately have the black front portions and wheel arches painted body color. Range is the fatal flaw though.
Is your Luxury or Executive package
After driving the RZ450e, would you still choose a gas car or hybrid or a BEV?
Depends on the person's needs
G'day it's Steven from Down Under
Design is subjective however I'm not interested in a generic and obnoxious Toyota/Lexus, I'd prefer to buy a real European heritage vehicle.
Also Mitsubishi was mentioned, and to be honest I'd rather purchase a top of the range Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, its the worlds biggest selling PHEV SUV with thumping & crystal clear Bose system.
Here in the UK, given how expensive electricity is and how poor the charging infrastructure is, i dont see this selling at all. The NX and RX are going to completely overshadow it and are also considerably cheaper.
This one is underwhelming. For $60k, meh. I’d honestly just buy something cheaper as there is no luxury or EV benefit at this price point with this vehicle.
The range is not a killer at all, I charge at night or at the office, never ever I ride non stop more than 300km.... . Charging speed is such a nonsense, fast charging kills the battery as well. That's why Teska, VW etc gives 2 years warranty, Lexus 15 years, says it all.
Could you please leak all future models from the year 2030 and beyond. Great one Kirk. Please upload the next video within 30 minutes... 😬
What were they thinking with the 7 inch gauge cluster?
the inside doors need more design-they look so spartan
Oof… I like Lexus and owned both RX and NX before but Idk, 220mi range offering is just too low… if bz4x’s range discount is anything to go by (73% or 252mi to 184mi in non-cold climate, everyday use / 52% or 252mi to 131mi in cold climate)… 220mi becomes 150mi in real world usage, which make it a toy more than a usable car. A $60k+ toy at that.
I think 325km is a good range, with the 2024 software modification it will become 400km, nice. Fast charging is killing for a battery....also for a Tesla battery.... . That's why Tesla, VW, Stellantis etc only give 2 years warranty.... . Lexus, 15 years, That's why you are " forbidden" to fast charge. This Lexus is a good Bev, with a small battery pack.
The problem is that Lexus and Toyota wants a reliable car that last 15 years or so....the competition don't care at all.
I agree, they really need to get that 7" MID parts bin emptied out ASAP! Toyota vehicles have bigger MIDS! Good grief Charlie Brown!
Looks seriously cheap. $65k? Those wheels…. Lexus really missed the mark.
Wow, is sanity returning to wheel & tire sizes? 17 or 18" is far more practical given the road conditions in the SF Bay Area 😞
Tough to talk about sanity with the way this vehicle looks like...
toyotas EVs have a long way to go
the next one will be a better EV 👍
Yes. 2026 will be a leap
@@KirkKreifels must be.
Yeah, I don’t need the cladding around the wheels either.
This looks like a nice luxury car superficially, but underneath it’s a very mediocre EV. It’s not a luxury sized battery and it’s charging speeds are behind the competition. That instrument cluster also betrays how little they care. I’d get a top spec Ionic 5 over this as Hyundai seems to really care about EV’s and Toyota doesn’t seem to have it’s heart in it yet. Hopefully they can catch up when they do. However this could be a nice car to pick up used and drive around town if you have a second car for trips out of town.
A Lexus is a L (30yr proven of Quality and Styles,... A Tesla is a...
@@Studio89Graphic Did you mean Hyundai? The Ioniq 5 is a Hyundai. I agree with Kirk, the RZ 450e is a perfectly good car for driving around town. If charging speed and range are not particularly important and you have a lot of money then I think it would probably make you happy. I doubt that Lexus will make or sell a lot of these though.
@@peterfessier9780
This is my/our take the Place/ Cities that we/I live in the Winter is cold, cold that A Tesla lost more than 50% of it range/ 🔋 🔋 powers when we turn on heater/keep us warm.
We bought high-end Toyota Camry LE V6 Heated seats and everything one like to have ─ and also a Subaru Legacy (Subaru and Toyota in join venture of the Impreza BRZ version)
Until this moment, the Engines on those Cars (1992/1993) have not been through any Repairs ─ all Maintenance (Oil Changes - we do it ourselves). Cost of Ownership of these two vehicles are so low we can buy another Subaru Forester or Lexus without having to have second thought.
About Green Electrified Cars; in this region 85-90% Electric Powers generated from Fossils Fuels ─ Coals is like 30% ─ the Generator Plant nearby where we live with Pipes/Columns of Smoke from Burning the Coals ─ so to say our Cars is cleaner and better CO2 Emissions than the Government 50 year-old Power Plants. The cost of a Tesla/ or BEV is like 40% more than a clean small Toyota/ Subaru Luxury Trim ICE. We don't see any reason spending on Cars/Vehicles that Polluting more the Environment that already it is.
The Key to cutting Emissions is to drive less and drive smaller Engine vehicles.
That is all
Cheers,
There's = There is
Great range for a phev,but for a FULL electric it’s a joke! Just wait for cold weather when you have heater going ,take off likely another 35% of range or even more possibly. Not sure if it is capable of towing anything,maybe a light trailer,then range will likely be even worse! Nice interior and exterior but that’s as far as it goes,not impressed. I am a fan of Toyota and Lexus phev and hybird but not full electric. I don’t like to have to worry about the inconvenience of where am I going to charge or can I make it to my destination.
Hmmm… I wonder how much this costs… 🧐
Elmo Teeth!!!
Cute but not at that price. I also live in an apartment and can’t easily charge so EVs aren’t even a consideration for me for now.
Should have been a PHEV and problem solved.
No, this is meant to be a BEV. Lexus and Toyota must make BEVs. They have PHEVs and need to make more of them.
I love Lexus and Toyota only if they run on fossil fuels. Let’s other brands build BEVs.
They have no other choice. BEVs are being mandated and Toyota/Lexus absolutely must make BEVs to sell cars in upcoming years.
Omg this vs Lyriq. No chance to buy Lexus. Lyriq: longer range, RWD, interior way more impressive, more bold exterior
This RZ450 is indeed comparable to the Lyriq, it seems. Both of them seem to copy some Tesla design elements. Wonder if either of them will be produced in large numbers.
no one pedal to full stop? lol You call that an EV?
sounds like it's great to drive. Too bad it's terribly ugly. Such a messy design with way too many unnecessary lines
Yeah totally a deal breaker. I thought they found their sanity with the new RX design, but no...
Cannot stand the dash and gauges on all of these modern vehicles; this model exemplifies it. I want to feel like I’m in a car, not seated in the pilot’s cockpit of a 747 (which looks just like this). Hate it. Would never buy it. And I’m a Lexus owner. I’d love to go back to real cars again.
Kirk lose the backwards hats.
Never
Model y is far better value.
Tmy isn't luxury
60k and I'd bet money you won't even get 150 miles in cold weather. Hard pass.
I wouldn't own any EV currently if I lived in the snow belt.
Nope 👎. Just not ready for a EV especially a over priced one.
I don’t get the two-tone stuff. Who is it for? I have yet to meet anyone that likes the look.