First-Ever Lexus RZ 450e Confirmed for SA

First-Ever Lexus RZ 450e Confirmed for SA 

‍

The Lexus RZ 450e has been a long time coming. We recall it being teased in 2022 as a model developed from the ground up as a BEV under the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy.  

‍

Lexus South Africa has confirmed that the RZ 450e will be offered in South Africa in 2024, employing a 71.4 kWh battery pack mounted beneath the cabin floor that powers two electric motors at the back and front axle. The front and rear motors pump out 150 kW and 80 kW for a total system output of 230 kW. 

‍

Depending on the wheels specified, the RZ 450e can travel up to 435 km on a single charge. 

‍

It’s the first production model to have Lexus’ new e-Axle that works in conjunction with the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive control system to adjust the car’s posture, traction and power distribution as per the driving conditions. 

‍

Aesthetically, the RZ 450e is unmistakably Lexus as it wears the same maturity recipe worn by the RX model. It features a spindle body, new-design headlight units and L-motif daytime running lights with less prominent turn indicators. 

‍

At the back, a split roof spoiler and slimmer light clusters are joined by an elongated LED light bar. 

‍

The dimensions indicate it slots between the NX and RX crossover models thanks to its 4,805 mm length, an overall height of 1,635 mm, and a width of 1,895 mm.

‍

Lexus remains coy regarding interior details, but the pictures depict the RX as having two steering wheel designs; conventional and a jet-inspired steering wheel which, if we’re honest, we’re not sold on. 

‍

The RX 450e looks like a decent first EV effort from Lexus as the brand gears up for a zero-emissions future come 2035. When it launches in SA, it will rival the Audi eTron, Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo XC40 Recharge. 

‍